Coming from a fan of the Reply series, I'd have to admit that I have pretty high expectations when it comes to k-dramas that were set in the past. Although this was not a tvN drama or a part of the Reply series, I couldn't help but set some standards and to compare it. But I must say that this drama DID NOT DISAPPOINT me at all. I actually really liked it. As someone who enjoys k-dramas that were set in the past, Girls' Generation 1979 was a pleasure to watch.
The drama mainly focused on friendship, family, and love. I loved how this show touched on a lot of the issues of Korean culture back then. It wasn't just all fluff and lovey dovey, it definitely portrayed real life problems that people used to deal with and still might be dealing with in the modern times. I loved the friendship and family storyline in this. I especially loved it whenever the main leads, Jung Hee and Hae Joo stood up for themselves. The drama was not afraid to show that men thought of women very lowly back then and the leads would realize how wrongly they are being treated and would stand up against the people who oppress them. I'd have to say that it was quite empowering. I also enjoyed the romance. It was really cute! There was also some comedy in this so it's not all serious all the time. Definitely loved the old setting and the vintage outfits and pretty uniforms. There were a few questions that were not answered in the end and I would've loved to see the characters' lives later on, but overall, I was satisfied with the story and the ending.
ACTING/CAST
From what I've read from netizens, the casting was a bit controversial, particularly with casting Bona (Jung Hee) as main lead since she hadn't had much acting experience besides from having a small role in Hit the Top. I was a bit worried at first about how she would handle being the main lead but I personally think she delivered her character really well, although there is always room for improvement. Looking forward to seeing her in more dramas in the future! I think playing as a teenager really fits her. Also, it was great to see Kim Sun Young and Do Hee act in a drama set in the past once again (both acted in the Reply series). I had no issues with the casting. I thought everyone did pretty well!
MUSIC
I am a 90s kid and growing up, my family listened to songs from the 70s-80s, especially the Carpenters, whose songs were almost in every episode of this drama. I loved the English songs they featured in this drama and I would get excited whenever they played something that I recognized! It is also always interesting and delightful to hear the old Korean songs that were famous back then. The show's OST was great too!
Overall, this drama was great and enjoyable! It may not be the best drama out there but it is definitely worth watching it. It's only 8 episodes but you'll be craving for more! I recommend this drama to everyone, especially to Reply series fans. You won't be disappointed!
The drama mainly focused on friendship, family, and love. I loved how this show touched on a lot of the issues of Korean culture back then. It wasn't just all fluff and lovey dovey, it definitely portrayed real life problems that people used to deal with and still might be dealing with in the modern times. I loved the friendship and family storyline in this. I especially loved it whenever the main leads, Jung Hee and Hae Joo stood up for themselves. The drama was not afraid to show that men thought of women very lowly back then and the leads would realize how wrongly they are being treated and would stand up against the people who oppress them. I'd have to say that it was quite empowering. I also enjoyed the romance. It was really cute! There was also some comedy in this so it's not all serious all the time. Definitely loved the old setting and the vintage outfits and pretty uniforms. There were a few questions that were not answered in the end and I would've loved to see the characters' lives later on, but overall, I was satisfied with the story and the ending.
ACTING/CAST
From what I've read from netizens, the casting was a bit controversial, particularly with casting Bona (Jung Hee) as main lead since she hadn't had much acting experience besides from having a small role in Hit the Top. I was a bit worried at first about how she would handle being the main lead but I personally think she delivered her character really well, although there is always room for improvement. Looking forward to seeing her in more dramas in the future! I think playing as a teenager really fits her. Also, it was great to see Kim Sun Young and Do Hee act in a drama set in the past once again (both acted in the Reply series). I had no issues with the casting. I thought everyone did pretty well!
MUSIC
I am a 90s kid and growing up, my family listened to songs from the 70s-80s, especially the Carpenters, whose songs were almost in every episode of this drama. I loved the English songs they featured in this drama and I would get excited whenever they played something that I recognized! It is also always interesting and delightful to hear the old Korean songs that were famous back then. The show's OST was great too!
Overall, this drama was great and enjoyable! It may not be the best drama out there but it is definitely worth watching it. It's only 8 episodes but you'll be craving for more! I recommend this drama to everyone, especially to Reply series fans. You won't be disappointed!
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