18 Again
"18 Again" is a captivating 2020 Korean drama that blends fantasy, romance, and family themes to deliver a heartwarming story. The series stars Yoon Sang Hyun as Hong Dae Young, a middle-aged man whose life is falling apart. On the brink of divorce and struggling with his career, Dae Young gets a miraculous second chance when he reverts to his 18-year-old self, portrayed by Lee Do Hyun. Adopting the name Go Woo Young, he re-enrolls in high school and starts to relive his youth, but with the wisdom and experience of his adult life.
Kim Ha Neul plays Jung Da Jung, Dae Young's wife, who is determined to start a new chapter in her life as a successful news anchor while navigating the challenges of being a single mother. The drama explores their complex relationship as Dae Young, in his youthful form, tries to mend the broken bonds with his wife and reconnect with his teenage children, Hong Shi Ah (Roh Jeong Eui) and Hong Shi Woo (Ryeoun), who are unaware of his true identity.
"18 Again" delves into the themes of second chances, personal growth, and the enduring nature of love and family. The narrative is enriched with lighthearted moments and profound life lessons, making it relatable and touching. Wi Ha Joon, who plays Ye Ji Hoon, adds another layer of complexity as Da Jung's supportive colleague and potential love interest, intensifying the emotional stakes.
Directed by Ha Byung Hoon and written by Kim Do Yeon, Ahn Eun Bin, and Choi Yi Ryun, "18 Again" has received praise for its engaging storyline, stellar performances, and emotional depth. The series is a delightful mix of humor and heartfelt moments, capturing the essence of family and the possibility of new beginnings at any age.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 18 어게인
🌎 Also Known As: Eighteen Again
🎭 Genres: Fantasy, Drama
🏷 Tags: Reincarnation, Family, Romance, Second Chance, High School
✍ Screenwriters: Kim Do Yeon, Ahn Eun Bin, Choi Yi Ryun
🎬 Directors: Ha Byung Hoon
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: September 21, 2020 – November 10, 2020
📅 Airing Days: Monday & Tuesday
📺 Original Network: JTBC
⏰ Duration: 70 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ (Teens 15 or older)
Best Scenes
- Dae Young’s Transformation: The dramatic and emotional scene where Hong Dae Young, played by Yoon Sang Hyun, miraculously turns into his 18-year-old self, Go Woo Young, portrayed by Lee Do Hyun. This pivotal moment sets the stage for the entire series.
- Reunion with Da Jung: The heartwarming and poignant scene where the younger version of Dae Young meets his wife Jung Da Jung (Kim Ha Neul) at school, rekindling their lost connection.
- Father-Daughter Bonding: The touching scenes where Go Woo Young bonds with his daughter, Hong Shi Ah (Roh Jeong Eui), showcasing the struggles and joys of a father understanding his teenage daughter.
- Basketball Court Showdown: The intense and thrilling basketball game scenes where Go Woo Young competes, reflecting his past dreams and the present reality of his younger self.
- Emotional Confessions: The heartfelt moments where the characters confront their true feelings, particularly between Dae Young and Da Jung, highlighting their journey of rediscovery and love.
Filming Locations
- Seoul: Many scenes are filmed in various locations around Seoul, capturing the vibrant city life and its influence on the characters’ lives.
- School Set: The high school scenes were primarily shot at a real school in Incheon, providing an authentic backdrop for the teenage experiences.
- Basketball Courts: Key scenes were filmed on local basketball courts, emphasizing the importance of sports in Dae Young’s past and present.
- Family Home: The warm and cozy family home set where Dae Young and Da Jung’s family interactions unfold.
- News Station: The newsroom scenes where Da Jung works as a news anchor, highlighting her professional life and struggles.
Visual Design and Costumes
- Youthful Wardrobe: Lee Do Hyun’s character, Go Woo Young, sports youthful and trendy clothing, contrasting with Yoon Sang Hyun’s more mature attire as Hong Dae Young.
- Professional Attire: Kim Ha Neul’s character, Jung Da Jung, wears elegant and professional outfits, reflecting her career as a news anchor.
- School Uniforms: Authentic school uniforms for the high school scenes, adding realism to the teenage characters’ lives.
- Makeup and Hair: Subtle makeup and hairstyles that distinguish between the characters’ ages and personalities, especially for the transformation scenes.
- Color Palette: Warm and vibrant colors used in family scenes to evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection, while cooler tones in professional settings emphasize the challenges of adulthood.
Themes and Messages
- Second Chances: The core theme revolves around getting a second chance at life and making the most of it, as Dae Young gets to relive his youth.
- Family Bonds: The importance of family, understanding, and support is a central message, highlighting the dynamics between Dae Young, Da Jung, and their children.
- Personal Growth: Characters experience significant personal growth, learning from past mistakes and striving to become better versions of themselves.
- Empathy and Understanding: The series emphasizes empathy, as Dae Young, in his younger form, gains a deeper understanding of his family’s struggles and dreams.
- Love and Forgiveness: The enduring power of love and the necessity of forgiveness are key messages, showcasing how relationships can be healed and strengthened.
Interesting Facts
- Adaptation: “18 Again” is based on the American film “17 Again,” starring Zac Efron, adapted to fit Korean cultural contexts.
- Strong Cast Chemistry: The cast members, especially Yoon Sang Hyun and Lee Do Hyun, received praise for their strong chemistry and convincing portrayal of the same character at different ages.
- Director’s Vision: Director Ha Byung Hoon aimed to create a blend of humor and heartfelt moments, which resonated well with the audience.
- Real-Life Inspirations: The struggles and triumphs depicted in the series are inspired by real-life family dynamics and the challenges of middle age.
- Critical Acclaim: The series received positive reviews for its engaging storyline, emotional depth, and strong performances, making it a favorite among viewers.
Awards
2020 APAN Star Awards:
- Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries: Lee Do Hyun for his portrayal of Go Woo Young/Hong Dae Young.
2021 Baeksang Arts Awards:
- Best New Actor: Lee Do Hyun for his outstanding performance in the drama.
2020 Korea Drama Awards:
- Best Actor: Yoon Sang Hyun for his role as the adult Hong Dae Young.
- Best Supporting Actress: Kim Ha Neul for her portrayal of Jung Da Jung.
2020 Seoul International Drama Awards:
- Outstanding Korean Drama: Recognized for its engaging and heartwarming narrative.
These awards highlight the critical acclaim and recognition that “18 Again” received for its compelling performances, engaging storyline, and emotional depth
Real-Life Loves on Set
While there have been no confirmed reports of real-life romances among the cast members of “18 Again,” the strong on-screen chemistry, particularly between Yoon Sang Hyun and Kim Ha Neul, added authenticity to their portrayals. The cast shared a close bond off-screen, often engaging in friendly interactions and building camaraderie that translated into their performances.
Trailer
Music / Soundtrack / OST
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