If you’re seeking a drama that masterfully blends fantasy, comedy, and heart-melting family moments, 18 Again k drama that should be on your watchlist. This 2020 K-drama, inspired by an American film released in 2009, 17 Again. The movie is an American teen comedy film starring Zac Efron, Leslie Mann, Thomas Lennon, and Michelle Trachtenberg. The Kdrama version of this movie offers a unique perspective on the idea of reliving one’s youth, family’s sacrifice, and that dreams can be fulfilled at any age. Let’s dive into what sets this drama series apart and makes it truly outstanding.
Warning: Spoilers ahead!
Storyline
The drama follows the story of Hong Dae-young (Yoon Sang-hyun), a middle-aged man facing marital issues and career setbacks. He is the father of twins, Hong Shi-ah (Roh Jeong-eui) and Hong Shi-woo (Ryeoun), who were born when Dae-young was just 18 years old. Along with his wife, Jung Da-jung (Kim Ha-neul), he has been raising their children, but the early responsibilities of parenthood have strained their marriage. As a result, his relationship with his children and wife is deteriorating, and his career is declining.
The fantasy element of the story kicks in when Dae-young gets a second chance to relive his childhood dream of becoming a successful basketball player. He physically transforms back into his 18-year-old self, and no one recognizes him. On the day of his divorce hearing, the middle-aged Hong Dae-young goes missing, allowing his 18-year-old self to step into the picture. With the help of his successful friend, Go Deok-jin, the CEO of a thriving game company, he manages to adopt a new identity of Go Woo-young (Lee Do-hyun) and gain admission to his children’s school.
Reborn as Go Woo-young, Dae-young walks on the journey to explore his true self and rewrite his relationships. He becomes a source of strength for his son, who has inherited his baseball skills. Dae-young also tries to reconnect with his daughter, who was once his little princess but has since grown older and more distant. He is trying to understand and fix the problems in his marriage to his first love, Jung Da-jung, while using a new identity.
Dae-young is not only striving to become a better father and husband but also working to repair his relationship with his father, aiming to be a better son. His decision to become a father at the young age of 18 strained his bond with his dad. Now, he is seizing the opportunity to strengthen their relationship and reconnect with his father.
18 Again K Drama Cast
Yoon Sang-hyun as Hong Dae-young (middle-aged)
Lee Do-hyun as Go Woo-young/ young Hong Dae-young
Kim Ha-neul as Jung Da-jung
Han So-eun as young Da-jung
Roh Jeong-eui as Hong Shi-ah
Ryeoun as Hong Shi-woo
Wi Ha-joon as Ye Ji-hoon
Hwang In-youp as Goo Ja-sung
Is 18 Again K Drama worth watching?
Apart from the shining star cast, the drama also features a compelling storyline filled with emotional depth. The series masterfully balances humor with poignant moments, exploring themes of family, regret, and personal growth. Lee Do-hyun did a great job as young Dae-young. He captured the complexities of a teenager with the mindset of a middle-aged man.
Kim Ha Neul portrays the dilemma of starting over at the age of 38. She beautifully embodies the character of Jung Da Jung, who is surrounded by struggles yet musters the courage to restart and rebuild her long-lost dreams.
Watching her confront challenges and stand up for herself among younger individuals with courage and confidence in her skills and aspirations is truly inspiring. In our society, we need such role models to encourage women who have paused their careers for child-rearing to pursue their dreams.
The drama doesn’t have sad ending. But the process is definitely goin to make you bawl your eyes out. The journey from first to last episode is a complete emotional rollercoaster.
In addition to a heartfelt narrative and relatable characters, the introduction of new faces boosted engagement for the show. The casting director totally deserves a 10/10 for their awesome casting choices. Each actor brought depth and meaning to their characters.
Why should you watch the series?
- The series explores emotions, from the challenges of parenthood to the regrets of missed opportunities.
- Issues like marital strain, teenage struggles, and self-discovery resonate with a broad audience. They are some major social struggles most individuals face in their life.
- The blend of fantasy and reality keeps viewers invested throughout the 16 episodes.
Overall, 18 Again K drama is worth watching. It brings out a fresh perspective, empathising collective growth and understanding within a family.
Final Thoughts
18 Again is more than just a K-drama; it’s a heartfelt journey that prompts viewers to reflect on their own lives and relationships. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, drama, or family-centric stories, this series offers a variety of emotions and life lessons.
There are many series you can watch if you are done with this series. Some of them are The Witch (2025), Undercover High School, The Good Bad Mother, Twinkling Watermelon, and True Beauty.
Have fun and we’ll meet next week with something new.
Till then, take care and stay healthy.
You know, it’s all for my k-love💚
