This well made and carefully crafted series. The story takes the premise of the Zac Efron movie and goes way beyond to explore many angles of the family relationships between a man and his children, his wife and his own father. Every episode has something touching and the situations don't seem contrived but evolve quite naturally. Of course the element of suspense about who and when he will be discovered keeps things interesting. It also feels even quite deep when he ponders his life choices in giving up basketball and the sacrifices of an early marriage and kids and later divorce. There is quite a lot going on in the story both in school and at the wife's work in broadcasting. This keeps the 16 episodes filled and even includes a sports bribery thing.
Lee Do Hyun is quite convincing at acting as an older man in a teenager's body. As the adults, Yoon Sang Hyun acts quite beaten down and sad at times. Kim Ha Neul does act like she had a hard life. Something in the Rain fans may recognize Wi Ha Joon as a baseball player. The kids are cute too. The soundtrack fits the emotional scenes quite well.
They really did a better than expected job with this idea.
22 Reviews
Last episode
ipurpleart12 November 2020
I am watching the last episode now. This TV series' each episode was funny and sad. It makes me so emotional but it was so good. I have watched Yoon Sang Hyun before, while he played Oska in Secret Garden TV series. When i saw him in this series, i was so excited and happy. He is a really good actor and also Lee Dohyun is awsome, i hope he will participate in most of dramas and movies. I hope he can gain lots of awards. He is really talented, his role is very difficult in this drama but he did really a good job. Also all cast was awsome, Haneul, Jeong Eui, Ryeun, Bomin, Inyeop... I hope we can see all of them more.
"We need to love our decisions, and never regret on things that made us happy. " -Dae-Young
rawarauf24 March 2021
Eighteen Again, is a tearjerker, I came to say this upfront of a lengthier review down below! As long as you don't hate getting wet eyes, you will enjoy this drama a lot, feel sad and sad, and sad again, and cry like a baby, within every episode, every time the lead interacts with his kids, comforts his sweetheart and is reminded of his past, the flashbacks, the epilogues!
STORY:
THIS IS A VERY BEAUTIFUL FAMILY DRAMA! It's deep, relatable and heart wrenching!
From the lead's relationship with his Father, with his wife's Mother. to his friendship/ father-kids relationships, to the heart-breaking relationship of him as a high school minor who is always there to comfort the mom of his two kids. Each and every bond is carefully written and the result is something very precious. full of life lessons.
Characters/CAST: Great job done! Kudos to LEE DO HYUN, I couldn't hold my emotions in check whenever I looked into her eyes, which were frequently red and in tears, yet sparkling as bright as a star other times!
Kim Ha Neul was simply gorgeous, Yoon Sang Hyun very charming, Roh Jeong Eui cute and sweet, Ryeoun, calm and a bright star.
I also want to praise the young actress portraying teenager Jung Da Jung. Her expressions were so sincere and genuine. Every time she was on screen, my heart felt her pains, and ached for her. She did a stunning performance! She deserves lots of support and love!
Soundtrack/Music:
Hello, I'm telling you With a trembling smile, that I love you Hello, that in these dazzling and beautiful times It's you I will remember forever"
I would rate the music 10/10 even if "Hello" by Sohyang, was the only song/instrumental piece used in the whole drama. It was such a heavenly beautiful and perfectly emotional piece. It's a legendary soundtrack.
RE-WATCH: Surely, if I get times, I'll re-watch this, probably with my cousin who recently got into KDRAMA, and already have great taste.
OVERALL: Surely there might be some unnecessary plot devices, cliche and even extended 2nd lead screen times, but it's just I don't care at all, I was so invested in these characters, and loved them sincerely and was rooting for them all along, I couldn't bring myself to rate it below a perfect 10! It's highly recommended, EVERYONE and ANYONE can get hooked as they're done with the first episode, and fall in love with it as soon as watching 3rd episode's epilogue.
I can guarantee that. 99.0000000000000000%
STORY:
THIS IS A VERY BEAUTIFUL FAMILY DRAMA! It's deep, relatable and heart wrenching!
From the lead's relationship with his Father, with his wife's Mother. to his friendship/ father-kids relationships, to the heart-breaking relationship of him as a high school minor who is always there to comfort the mom of his two kids. Each and every bond is carefully written and the result is something very precious. full of life lessons.
Characters/CAST: Great job done! Kudos to LEE DO HYUN, I couldn't hold my emotions in check whenever I looked into her eyes, which were frequently red and in tears, yet sparkling as bright as a star other times!
Kim Ha Neul was simply gorgeous, Yoon Sang Hyun very charming, Roh Jeong Eui cute and sweet, Ryeoun, calm and a bright star.
I also want to praise the young actress portraying teenager Jung Da Jung. Her expressions were so sincere and genuine. Every time she was on screen, my heart felt her pains, and ached for her. She did a stunning performance! She deserves lots of support and love!
Soundtrack/Music:
Hello, I'm telling you With a trembling smile, that I love you Hello, that in these dazzling and beautiful times It's you I will remember forever"
I would rate the music 10/10 even if "Hello" by Sohyang, was the only song/instrumental piece used in the whole drama. It was such a heavenly beautiful and perfectly emotional piece. It's a legendary soundtrack.
RE-WATCH: Surely, if I get times, I'll re-watch this, probably with my cousin who recently got into KDRAMA, and already have great taste.
OVERALL: Surely there might be some unnecessary plot devices, cliche and even extended 2nd lead screen times, but it's just I don't care at all, I was so invested in these characters, and loved them sincerely and was rooting for them all along, I couldn't bring myself to rate it below a perfect 10! It's highly recommended, EVERYONE and ANYONE can get hooked as they're done with the first episode, and fall in love with it as soon as watching 3rd episode's epilogue.
I can guarantee that. 99.0000000000000000%
LOVVVVVVE IT~ (10/10)
funkids-2821928 November 2020
A Dimension beyond
vpashish26 February 2022
Beautifully directed and very elegantly presented by all the actors. Soul touching and refreshing. It took me total 3 days to complete 16 episodes of this drama. Each episode is of about 1 hour. After completing this, one thing which I can very concretely say that this 3 days were really most beautiful for me since the start of the pandemic. The direction, quality of acting, script, screenplay, storyline, dialogues, each and every thing is a dimension beyond. A real stress buster and morally uplifting drama worth your time for sure. I will highly Recommended this to each and every individual reading my review. Please go watch this, you will witness the most beautifully crafted piece of art on screen. Deep, soul touching, full of concrete life lessons and heart melting !!
The story is so heartwarming.
wakusdud3 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The actors are so good, the story is so good, and you will cry almost every episodes.There are scene which are supposed to be happy but it will make you cry like a goat.
The only thing I'm looking forward is for their children to learn they are the same person but that's not a big deal.
The only thing I'm looking forward is for their children to learn they are the same person but that's not a big deal.
Nice love story and family drama...
TheRajatShahare11 November 2020
Most of the time I avoid family melodrama but this one is different. It shows the true love of family members for each other and everyone can relate with the story. I don't know about foreign countries but in India everyone mostly live with their family (basically joint family). Although this story shows the reality about how much our parents suffer to give good life to their childrens. Also when children's understand there parents feelings they also suffer so much and never open up infront of their parents.
It gives the idea of real life lovable family there struggle and other things. Literally, it's very beautiful story no doubt; in terms of story and plot. But, the supernatural elements are little bit confusing as we don't understand what happened at that particular time. Specially, when the lead actor go back to his young age, we don't understand how this happen? And it feels like they take it for granted and never care about how this happen/possible. They don't even try to find out how this is possible that someone go back to his 18 yr old body? This makes little confusion over viewer's mind.
However, this show is must watch in my "Must watch list" as this drama never disappoint you in terms of good and beautiful story along with amazing acting of actors.
It gives the idea of real life lovable family there struggle and other things. Literally, it's very beautiful story no doubt; in terms of story and plot. But, the supernatural elements are little bit confusing as we don't understand what happened at that particular time. Specially, when the lead actor go back to his young age, we don't understand how this happen? And it feels like they take it for granted and never care about how this happen/possible. They don't even try to find out how this is possible that someone go back to his 18 yr old body? This makes little confusion over viewer's mind.
However, this show is must watch in my "Must watch list" as this drama never disappoint you in terms of good and beautiful story along with amazing acting of actors.
My favourite kdrama series. It deserves 10⭐ rating
shreyanshssharma-981227 March 2023
I started watching it just for time pass.. but eventually it became my favourite series. This maked me laugh, emotional, excited, and happy too. I want to say that this is very underrated series. All the episodes deserves 10⭐ rating..
The best episode which brought tears in my eyes and maked me emotional is 8th episode... No matter what conditions are now.. we must be true to our loved ones. Parents always loves you and do all things for you only. We must not regret for anything. Always give our best. Don't hesitate to show your love to your loved ones, it make them feel loved. This are some of the main points highlighted in the drama. You'll love it please watch it. Also give 10⭐ rating.
Different From the Movie
fake_moviestar24 February 2021
This series took me a while to finish, as I don't generally watch these type of slow, slice of life type of dramas.
With that in mind, let me say what I thought this got both wrong and right.
First of all, this is obviously based off the hit 2009 Zach Efron movie (which I really liked I might add). Enough time has passed that this felt like a fresh take on the idea. The first two episodes are like a carbon-copy remake in Korean, and then it moves into original territory. The show takes a more serious look at the base story, focusing on Dae-Young's relationships with his wife and children. The comedic aspects of the movie are almost completely traded in for a more morose and poignant tone, and for the most part this is actually a very good thing. I liked the way the show examined marriage and parenting and how Dae-Young was able to re-evaluate his life from the perspective of an 18 year old. There was a lot of closure for side characters that were totally blown off in the movie, and I really liked that they decided to get rid of the super cringey part of the 2009 movie where his daughter fell in love with him - wow did I hate that part!
This show also had a really great soundtrack, with some stand out heart breaker songs and some beautiful piano scores.
What this got wrong though is it really was too long in my opinion. The story could have been told in half the episodes, at the most 10.
Overall this is a sweet and serious story that was really pushed through by Lee Do Hyun as the breakout star of this - while I have seen him in almost every thing else he has been in, this is his first main role, and boy does he shine! If slice of life/school/relationship drama's are your thing I think you should definitely give this a try!
With that in mind, let me say what I thought this got both wrong and right.
First of all, this is obviously based off the hit 2009 Zach Efron movie (which I really liked I might add). Enough time has passed that this felt like a fresh take on the idea. The first two episodes are like a carbon-copy remake in Korean, and then it moves into original territory. The show takes a more serious look at the base story, focusing on Dae-Young's relationships with his wife and children. The comedic aspects of the movie are almost completely traded in for a more morose and poignant tone, and for the most part this is actually a very good thing. I liked the way the show examined marriage and parenting and how Dae-Young was able to re-evaluate his life from the perspective of an 18 year old. There was a lot of closure for side characters that were totally blown off in the movie, and I really liked that they decided to get rid of the super cringey part of the 2009 movie where his daughter fell in love with him - wow did I hate that part!
This show also had a really great soundtrack, with some stand out heart breaker songs and some beautiful piano scores.
What this got wrong though is it really was too long in my opinion. The story could have been told in half the episodes, at the most 10.
Overall this is a sweet and serious story that was really pushed through by Lee Do Hyun as the breakout star of this - while I have seen him in almost every thing else he has been in, this is his first main role, and boy does he shine! If slice of life/school/relationship drama's are your thing I think you should definitely give this a try!
FLESHED OUT FROM THE MOVIE, IT FAR OUTSHINES AND OUT-MATERIALS THE ORIGINAL !
vihantapadar2 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Ok, this is my very first attempted short review here for a foreign film (or any film for that matter). Right off the bat, this film differs vastly from the original save for a deceiving first couple of verbatim copied episodes. The fleshing out of hong dae-hong and issues of early age parenting is brought to the fore. Cringey jokes and obtuse attempts at humour ubiquitous in the 2009 film are fortunately done away with. The subplot of the love triangle is also explored well without delving into over-dramatism. A tv series format suited the story as the original had far too many unresolved threads and unsatisfactory goodbyes.
My review : 8 stars out of 10.0.
My review : 8 stars out of 10.0.
Not Good Enough
PennyReviews6 June 2022
Korean Drama "18 Again" handled the fantasy element perfectly, except for the ending.
The drama had a nice start and it added a lot of new elements to the story, with the struggles of the twins, the progress of the main couple's relationship, and the female lead's professional career. However, the drama opted to focus on the romance towards the ending, a love story that was okay at first, got tiring though. The main lead kept popping up and staring at his love interest way too many times and the jealousy card was overplayed as well. The ending, in addition, was too sudden and didn't fit smoothly with the rest of the story. Still, the character development was spot on and the side characters were funny.
As for the performances, everyone in the cast did a great job with their roles.
So, overall, 5 out of 10.
The drama had a nice start and it added a lot of new elements to the story, with the struggles of the twins, the progress of the main couple's relationship, and the female lead's professional career. However, the drama opted to focus on the romance towards the ending, a love story that was okay at first, got tiring though. The main lead kept popping up and staring at his love interest way too many times and the jealousy card was overplayed as well. The ending, in addition, was too sudden and didn't fit smoothly with the rest of the story. Still, the character development was spot on and the side characters were funny.
As for the performances, everyone in the cast did a great job with their roles.
So, overall, 5 out of 10.
A subtle family love show
shubhgiri-749513 December 2021
MC get 18 again and try to figure out what went wrong in his teen days. He became friend to his twins to understand them better. Watched his ex-wife how she handles her job. And he came to realization the mistakes which led to divorce.
The couple find themselves in romance circle again and get to know each other better.
The couple find themselves in romance circle again and get to know each other better.
Heartwarming and interesting (might contain some spoilers)
hueningkaimarryme24 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
18 Again is out of my alley because I'm definitely into more fast-paced thrillers and murder mystery type kdramas. However, this drama, with its eye-catching plot and beautifully cast characters, kept my attention till the very end. I'm sure you've read lots of reviews singing praises of this kdrama, and I wholeheartedly agree with them. However, let me tell you a few things (just a few!) that felt a little off to me.
1. The age gap problems that Da Jung and Dae Young faced.
When Dae Young was living as Wooyoung, he tried to make moves on Da Jung because, obviously, she was his wife and he was in love with her. However, to Da Jung, he was just another teenage boy who had something like a celebrity crush on her. I'm okay with the "young boy liking older woman" trope, and I know Dae Young isn't actually young because his real age is something like 38. But Da Jung doesn't know that, and in that one scene where Wooyoung/Dae Young makes a move on her, she KISSES HIM BACK! Same thing with Chu Aerin. They both were fantasizing about a TEENAGE BOY!!! I don't know about you, but that makes me feel kind of uncomfortable. I think their chemistry could have been shown without the weird romantic moments.
2. I wish we could've known why he turned 18 again.
Throughout the show, there are hints towards somebody orchestrating this entire scenario as a sort of experiment on Dae Young. There are clips of somebody taking pictures of him and writing everything he does in a case file sort of document. I WANNA KNOW WHO THAT IS!!!!! I feel like the story would have been so much more interesting if there was a side plot of the people who were running this experiment on Dae Young. It would have given the show something more to offer other than just romance (not that romance is a bad thing!).
I thought I would find more things wrong with this drama, but I really don't have any more complaints about it! Overall, if you like slow-paced, romantic-comedy dramas with just a touch of supernatural, THIS DRAMA IS FOR YOU!
Final rating: 8/10.
1. The age gap problems that Da Jung and Dae Young faced.
When Dae Young was living as Wooyoung, he tried to make moves on Da Jung because, obviously, she was his wife and he was in love with her. However, to Da Jung, he was just another teenage boy who had something like a celebrity crush on her. I'm okay with the "young boy liking older woman" trope, and I know Dae Young isn't actually young because his real age is something like 38. But Da Jung doesn't know that, and in that one scene where Wooyoung/Dae Young makes a move on her, she KISSES HIM BACK! Same thing with Chu Aerin. They both were fantasizing about a TEENAGE BOY!!! I don't know about you, but that makes me feel kind of uncomfortable. I think their chemistry could have been shown without the weird romantic moments.
2. I wish we could've known why he turned 18 again.
Throughout the show, there are hints towards somebody orchestrating this entire scenario as a sort of experiment on Dae Young. There are clips of somebody taking pictures of him and writing everything he does in a case file sort of document. I WANNA KNOW WHO THAT IS!!!!! I feel like the story would have been so much more interesting if there was a side plot of the people who were running this experiment on Dae Young. It would have given the show something more to offer other than just romance (not that romance is a bad thing!).
I thought I would find more things wrong with this drama, but I really don't have any more complaints about it! Overall, if you like slow-paced, romantic-comedy dramas with just a touch of supernatural, THIS DRAMA IS FOR YOU!
Final rating: 8/10.
surprisingly touching
anaaannya16 August 2022
Except for Zac Efron's stunning smiles, I couldn't place the original film version of this series. Still, starting an adaption series is nerve-racking. Fortunately, the creators of 18 Again ensured that it would live up to the original by adapting it into their own plot.
The Korean version of the show takes a more serious approach to the main plot, focusing on Hong Dae-Young's relationships with his wife and children. Therefore, don't be deceived by the ludicrous, humorous trappings of this drama; it has so much heart that it never runs out of emotions. Fatherly love, familial love, romantic love, and even platonic love were all given equal time in the spotlight, resulting in a genuinely satisfying viewing experience that I didn't want to end.
In addition, the cast is fantastic. It's top-billed by veteran actors Kim Ha-neul and Yoon Sang-Hyun, and the main storyline was as expected well-acted. What surprised me was how good Lee Do-Hyun is in this drama.
I was concerned from the start about his ability to handle a lead part in this series with well-known competent actors. And he did it! His passionate performance has really blown me away.
My heart-eyes for Lee Do Hyun are completely unintended and most likely permanent.
So, if you enjoy slice-of-life/school/relationship dramas, I think you should give this a shot!
(PS- I'm still perplexed as to how 30-year-old Hwang In-youp can portray a "high school student" so well at the age of 30. WHAT IS THE KEY TO HIS YOUNG FOREVERNESS?)
The Korean version of the show takes a more serious approach to the main plot, focusing on Hong Dae-Young's relationships with his wife and children. Therefore, don't be deceived by the ludicrous, humorous trappings of this drama; it has so much heart that it never runs out of emotions. Fatherly love, familial love, romantic love, and even platonic love were all given equal time in the spotlight, resulting in a genuinely satisfying viewing experience that I didn't want to end.
In addition, the cast is fantastic. It's top-billed by veteran actors Kim Ha-neul and Yoon Sang-Hyun, and the main storyline was as expected well-acted. What surprised me was how good Lee Do-Hyun is in this drama.
I was concerned from the start about his ability to handle a lead part in this series with well-known competent actors. And he did it! His passionate performance has really blown me away.
My heart-eyes for Lee Do Hyun are completely unintended and most likely permanent.
So, if you enjoy slice-of-life/school/relationship dramas, I think you should give this a shot!
(PS- I'm still perplexed as to how 30-year-old Hwang In-youp can portray a "high school student" so well at the age of 30. WHAT IS THE KEY TO HIS YOUNG FOREVERNESS?)
Will Always Be There In My Heart!
ishanidas-3070012 October 2021
This is a drama that shall stay in your heart always. I shall always remember those moments when I cried and laughed watching it. 18 Again, it teaches you a lot about life and relationships. Just imagine if you are in your thirties on the verge of ending your marriage with the person you've always loved just because of communication gaps and misunderstandings that developed over time, and suddenly you become a whole new person and return back to their life to know you family in a way you never had before. Yes, it would surely change everything. I am so grateful that the makers decided to make this show. Thank you so much for teaching me so many important lessons. They shall always guide me in my life. Thank you so much!!
It is a MUST-WATCH, nobody can question that. So please invest a little time of your life, to watch it.
It is a MUST-WATCH, nobody can question that. So please invest a little time of your life, to watch it.
AMAZING BEAUTIFUL
fraballanti15 May 2022
"18 Again" blew me away because I didn't expect me to like it so much. I thought it was identical to the American film and instead has a story of its own that far exceeds the one from which it is based.
This drama made me laugh, cry, reflect on life and its difficulties, think about family and the value we must reserve for it. It is a drama that reminds us that life is bittersweet, that making mistakes and making mistakes is human but you can always fix and learn from them.
Lee Do-Hyun's acting was incredible but I have to admit that all the actors were great.
This drama has won my heart and will have a special place on my favorite drama list.
This drama made me laugh, cry, reflect on life and its difficulties, think about family and the value we must reserve for it. It is a drama that reminds us that life is bittersweet, that making mistakes and making mistakes is human but you can always fix and learn from them.
Lee Do-Hyun's acting was incredible but I have to admit that all the actors were great.
This drama has won my heart and will have a special place on my favorite drama list.
SPOILER ALERT
anchalchaudhary-102096 February 2024
SOUTH KOREAN FILMAKER NEVER DISSAPOINT THEIR FANS, SINCE 18 AGAIN IS BASED ON THE 2009 AMERICAN FILM 17 AGAIN BY JASON FILARDI BUT STILL IT IS VERY WELL CRAFTED WITH EACH LITTLE DETAIL AND BEST PART OF KOREAN DRAMA IS THAT THEY ALWAYS EXPLAIN CHARACTER HISTORY AND BACKGROUND NICELY.
18 AGAIN LEAD Lee Do-hyun AND Yoon Sang-hyun AS Hong Dae Young, IT IS A STORY OF 37 YEAR OLD MAN WHO IS A WASHING MACHINE MECHANIC LIVED WITH HIS WIFE AND 2 KIDS. HE GET MARRIED EARY IN HIS HIGH SCHOOL BECAUSE HIS GIRLFRIEND GET PREGNANT BECAUSE OF THAT HE HAS TO GIVE UP HIS DREAM , BUT SITUATION GET WORSE AS THE TIME MOVES WHICH LEAD THEM TO DIVORCE . ONE DAY MIRACLE HAPPEN AND HE BECOME 18 AGAIN.....
18 AGAIN LEAD Lee Do-hyun AND Yoon Sang-hyun AS Hong Dae Young, IT IS A STORY OF 37 YEAR OLD MAN WHO IS A WASHING MACHINE MECHANIC LIVED WITH HIS WIFE AND 2 KIDS. HE GET MARRIED EARY IN HIS HIGH SCHOOL BECAUSE HIS GIRLFRIEND GET PREGNANT BECAUSE OF THAT HE HAS TO GIVE UP HIS DREAM , BUT SITUATION GET WORSE AS THE TIME MOVES WHICH LEAD THEM TO DIVORCE . ONE DAY MIRACLE HAPPEN AND HE BECOME 18 AGAIN.....
Very slow
Mr_Avenger9 August 2022
The drama from the very beggining till the end was sooo slow. I was bored almost in every episode. There is not plot at all. I haven't still understand why the lead couple wanted to break up or why the lead man wanted to be young again. And as a young man he didn't even try to follow his dreams , he just became friend with his children. Sorry , but I only liked Lee Do-Hyun.
overly cliche
berrydrops26 January 2021
Extremely boring
annivelguz1 November 2023
For the good rating this series has I decided to watch it, however it is extremely boring. From start to finish it's the same, nothing interesting happens. Although the message is very deep and touches you, the same thing is repeated over and over again.
There are many discrepancies and things happen that simply do not make sense. The soundtrack is the same in each episode and is repeated in more than 10 scenes.
I didn't like it, I feel like it's overrated, although it has a nice message, it's not worth it. If you are willing to watch a nice monotonous story I recommend it, but if you want excitement and not get bored, this series is not for you.
There are many discrepancies and things happen that simply do not make sense. The soundtrack is the same in each episode and is repeated in more than 10 scenes.
I didn't like it, I feel like it's overrated, although it has a nice message, it's not worth it. If you are willing to watch a nice monotonous story I recommend it, but if you want excitement and not get bored, this series is not for you.
See also
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