90s-Themed K-Dramas And K-Movies To Watch If You Liked "20th Century Girl"

The recently released K-Movie "20th Century Girl" quickly gained the affection of a global audience. The bittersweet love story combined with the 90s retro theme were the primary ingredients for a sure-fire hit. Despite the heartbreaking plot, the viewers loved how it emphasized the nostalgia of high school years and the charming friendship of the leading characters.

Whether you're looking for another movie or series to simp over or to admire the old-school aesthetics, here is a list of 10 Korean movies and series you should binge if you liked "20th Century Girl":

 

1. "Twenty-Five Twenty-One"

When: 2022

Cast: Kim TaeRi, Nam JooHyuk, WJSN's Bona, Choi HyunWook, Lee JuMyoung 

Summary: Nam HeeDo is a high school student who attends a fencing club. She meets Baek YiJin - an ex-university student whose life has dramatically changed due to the financial crisis. Both of the characters follow their dreams and try to achieve a stable and happy future, stagnated by the grim reality of the 90s.

For: Fans of emotional coming-of-age stories.

Why watch: The audience adored the drama for its realistic and meaningful message that highlights the transcience of life and the value of friendship and love.

 

2. "Tune in for Love"

When: 2019

Cast: Kim GoEun, Jung HaeIn, Park HaeJoon, Jung Eugene

Summary: It’s a 90s romance story that brings two seemingly opposite people together, who continuously get separated and need to find their way back to each other.

For: Viewers wishing to see an unfiltered love story.

Why watch: It’s a mature and true-to-life concept that burns your heart for the misfortune of the characters, wondering when the timing for their love will come. Moreover, the movie is aesthetically pleasing and it does not only concern the cinematography but the chemistry of the lead couple.

 

3. The "Reply" series - "Reply 1994" & "Reply 1997"

When: 2013 ("Reply 1994"), 2012 ("Reply 1997")

Cast: "Reply 1994": Go Ara, Jung Woo, Yoo YeonSeok, Son HoJun, B1A4's Baro; "Reply 1997": Seo InGuk, Jeong EunJi, Sechs Kies' Eun JiWon, Shin SoYul, Lee HoWon, Lee SiEon

Summary: The series are a genuine reflection of Korea's image in the 90s - trends, pop culture, style, habits, and more. Both of the releases revolve around a close-knit group of friends, their youth, and later adulthood.

For: Those loving a mixture of diverse and cheerful characters.

Why watch: "Reply 1994" and "Reply 1997" give their viewers a great insight into the 90s, but also introduce relatable characters that speak to our hearts.

 

4. "Melting Me Softly"

When: 2019

Cast: Ji ChangWook, Won JinA

Summary: Ma DongChan is an entertainment TV PD with unconventional ideas. A young woman - Ko MiRan - desperate to make money, decides to take part in his 24-hour freezing people project. The only problem is that instead of waking up 24 hours later, the two of them enter the new reality 20 years later.

For: Steamy romance K-Drama fans.

Why watch: Except for the interesting plot and the immaculate chemistry of the couple, the viewers are introduced to a rare concept of time travel. The lead characters' struggle to adapt to a modern world, while still reminiscing on their life in 1999, brings many humorous but also touching moments.

 

5. "Go Back Couple"

When: 2017

Cast: Jang Nara, Son HoJun, Jang KiYong, Han BoReum

Summary: Ma JinJoo and Choi BanBoo are a middle-aged couple whose love life become utterly stagnated. After nearly 20 years of marriage, the couple realizes their disappointment over the years spent together. Coincidentally, an unusual opportunity to travel back in time might change their minds...

For: Those wishing for a real lifelong love story.

Why watch: While we all admire K-Dramas for their ability to capture the charm of human relationships, series like "Go Back Couple" are greatly appreciated for their transparency. The main characters teach us a lot about love, showing the hardships that the viewers can relate to.

 

6. "Architecture 101"

When: 2012

Cast: Suzy, Uhm TaeWoong, Han GaIn, Lee JaeHoon

Summary: A middle-aged architect receives a job offer from a woman living in Jeju. When the man recognizes her as his first love from his college years, he fears that the unexpected encounter might reopen his wounds.

For: Anyone looking for a fresh plot concept - architecture might actually draw you in.

Why watch: The movie is a real retro heart-melting treasure. Not only does it include must-have college couple moments, but it also shows the characters' development which makes the viewers appreciate the full storyline.

 

7. "18 Again"

When: 2020

Cast: Kim HaNeul, Yoon SangHyun, Lee DoHyun, Wi HaJoon, Roh JeongEui, Hwang InYoup, RyeonUn, Golden Child Choi BoMin

Summary: Jung DaJung exhausted by the indifferent attitude of her husband, decides to get a divorce. The man is devasted by her decision, which also brings him to feel great regret for his whole life. While reminiscing on his youth, he makes a wish to go back in time, which unexpectedly comes true.

For: Lovers of strong female characters.

Why watch: One of the drama's strong points is the unique cast, which perfectly executed the timeless love story and numerously made the viewers' hearts flutter. Moreover, the colorful and charming cinematography succeeds to bring out the nostalgic vibe of the 90s.

 

8. "When My Love Blooms"

When: 2020

Cast: Yoo JiTae, Lee BoYoung, GOT's JinYoung, Jeon SoNee

Summary: Yoon Ji Soo and Han Jae Hyun used to be high school lovers. After many years, they unexpectedly meet each other and are given a rare opportunity to fall in love once again. Now, both grown up and accustomed to their distinct lives, are trying to find the lost passion.

For: Enthusiasts of aesthetic cinematography.

Why watch: The directors of "When My Love Blooms" knew that the special ingredient for a cliche romance drama is an emotional encounter on a snowy day or during the blooming season of cherry blossoms. The captivating title, the talented cast, the captivating plot, and the emotional OST are a perfect match - you can't miss out on this series.

 

9. "Unforgettable"

When: 2016

Cast: EXO's D.O., Kim SoHyun, Yun JoonSuk, David Lee, Joo AnReum, Park YongWoo, Park HaeJoon, Kim JiHo

Summary: A radio DJ receives a letter from his first teenage love. Moved by the message, he starts to reminisce about the summer vacation he regularly used to spend with friends in his hometown.

For: Viewers who instantly become supporters of K-Drama friend groups.

Why watch: Real friendship never dies and "Unforgettable" is proof of that. It's a comfort movie that brings the viewers to tears but also laughs and it's a classic you will want to go back to.

 

BONUS:

10. "Ditto"

When: 2022

Cast: Cho YiHyun, Yeo JinGoo, Kim HyeYoon, Na InWoo, Bae InHyuk

Summary: Yong - an engineering student living in 1999 - and MuNee - a sociology student living in 2022 - get connected through a walk-talkie. Thanks to this unusual occurrence, they soon become close friends and give each other love advice.

For: Looking for exciting upcoming releases.

Why watch: The idea of the drama itself sparks great interest and what convinces us even more that "Ditto" will instantly become a hit is the highly skilled cast and the campus setting, that K-Drama fans are obsessed with.