What “Reply 1988” Taught Me About Family and Korean Culture

I have watched a lot of Korean dramas, but one that really touched my heart and taught me something bigger about life is “Reply 1988.” At first I thought it was just another family drama, but honestly it hit me deeply more than I didn’t expect. The story is based on a small neighborhood in Korea during the late 1980s and it shows how families and friends lived together, shared things, fought sometimes, but loved each other like one big family.

What surprised me the most was how they cared for each other's problems. The neighbors didn’t see themselves as strangers. When someone had no food, another family shared. The love they shared is incomparable.When a child made trouble, everybody corrected the child together. And when someone succeeded, all of them would celebrate like it was their own victory, no enviness and negative jealousy. Watching this made me realize how strong Korean family values are, especially respect, unity and sacrifice.

There was one scene that I will never forget when the father hid his own pain just to make his children happy a total fatherly love.He smiled outside but cried secretly in his room. That scene touched me because it reminded me of African parents too, especially in Nigeria where parents suffer in silence so their kids can have a better future. It felt so universal, like the love of parents is the same everywhere, no matter the country.

source

Another thing I learned is how important meals are in Korean culture. They always come together to eat, even when they are angry with each other. It’s like food is not only for the stomach, but for keeping the family bond together. In my own childhood, we also used to eat on the same big tray, and now that I am grown, I miss that so much. Life has changed, everyone has become busy. Eating together always keep the family together and give a lasting memory when the children grows up.

“Reply 1988” made me think about life, friendship, parents and even time. It made me remember that the happiest moments are usually the simple ones we forget laughing with friends, playing outside, eating together, and having people around who care for us without condition.

I think that is the universal message of this drama: people matter more than success or money. And sometimes, the life we are trying so hard to run away from is the same life we will later wish to return to.

https://vote.hive.uno/@thebbhproject

https://vote.hive.uno/@hivecuba

Support the witness and vote for TheBbhProject carried out by @bradleyarrow