Colorful Throwback: 18 Again

Colorful Throwback: 18 Again (2020)

Hello, dear MDL readers!

 This It's the first time I will try to bring the most out of a lively casted Korean autumn remake of the classic American movie 17 Again (2009). I will promise you this much: It's gonna be a fun ride for sure! So, wait no longer, and let's go...

Fair Warning: This article contains major spoilers up to the finale, episode 16!

(With scenes included). Best fitted for light mode reading!

Jung Da-Jung is a hard-working and warm-hearted mother of two 18 years old twins, a girl, and a boy. Being already 37 years old and being in a desperate search for a stable job, she finally gets an opportunity to work as a news anchor. Being married to Hong Dae-Young for more than 20, she has seen all the good, the bad, and the weirdest sides of him, until one day she decided it's time for a change in her life since Da Jung could no longer live with him under any circumstance because she started to hate every action he does: even snoring loud in his sleep. And to make it worse, when Hong Dae-Young got fired, that was the last straw for her, since he found himself holding in hands the divorce papers. Having to go through a humiliating experience at work and ending up getting fired while his wife was seemingly overjoyed to finally detach herself from him and be free for once, Dae-Young finally starts to deeply regret the way he has lived his life up to this point. During one stormy and strange night, his most earnest wish comes true, as his body suddenly transforms into the form of his teenage days! Now, living as an 18 year old with a different identity as Ko Woo-Young, what choices will he make this time? And how will his actions affect his life and future from this moment on? 

"You look just like him."

(GIF image credit goes out to gimme-a-chocolate on Tumblr)  

(Video source in the first GIF: iQIYI 爱奇艺 on YouTube)

To view the English subtitles from the trailer, simply click on the small gear icon "CC" in the right corner of the video. 

 “The husband [I love and hate] has become 18 years old!” 

(First teaser poster source: Soompi)

Kim Ha Neul as Jung Da Jung

Here is what Kim Ha Neul, herself said about her character: "She’s a working mom. She gave up on her dreams to be a wife and mother, but now she’s decided to leave her husband and pursue what she wants from life. I could relate to her being a working mom. Before I got married, I would have all the time to myself to focus on scripts, but as a mother, it’s a lot harder. My child is still young and Da Jung’s children are in high school, so it’s a little different, but there are a lot of similarities.”  (Source: Soompi)

The true side of Jun Da Jung is reflected through these words, as they describe her perfectly:

“I want someone with a beautiful smile. I want someone so brave and cheerful that just watching her uplifts my mood. She can be clumsy at times, but she rocks at work. I want someone who can surprise me, and I want a warmhearted and mature woman.” 

Kim Ha Neul was also asked if she wanted to return back to high school and she replied: “One of the times in my life that I enjoyed the most was high school. I have so many good memories with my friends in high school. I loved wearing a uniform and going to school every day. But in reality, I have a baby now.”  (Source: Soompi)

And the little things in life that makes one reflect on his / her actions:

"There are things you want to give even if it’s impossible. In hindsight, they weren’t that grand. 

They were so small and insignificant, you considered them to be unimportant.

 But these small things make you smile. I finally realized that."

"On the days I miss him, he becomes part of my memories. Our warmth blocked the cold night wind.

 Having someone in my corner comforted me on a difficult day."

 “I would have thanked him and been able to comfort him.” 

“I hope the other half is doing okay… even if I can’t see it, I hope it’s doing well.” 

"Whenever something good or something bad happens to me, you were always the first person to come to mind."

“I missed you, too.”  

"At night when the stars light up my room
I sit by myself talking to the moon
In hopes you’re on the other side… talking to me too."

(GIF image and the last quote source: dohyunsoo on Tumblr)

Yoon Sang Hyun as Hong Dae Young [37 years old]

As a 37 year old adult Dae Young, is a broken man in more ways than one: financially, morally, and spiritually. Being a son who distanced himself even further away from a relationship with his own father, he eventually ended up becoming just like him unknowingly, as he started drinking away his sorrow and troubles, while having an even colder relationship with his children and wife, because of the harsh reality he faced every day/

Here is what Yoon Sang Hyun, himself said about his character: “I was curious about who was going to play Go Woo Young. After I heard it was Lee Do Hyun, the director approached me to ask if I could share some tips on how Lee Do Hyun could match my tone at the script reading. There wasn’t a lot to match. He’s young but has a lot of acting experience, so he picked it up right away. We practiced a lot with the director while reading through the script.” (Source: Soompi)

Yoon Sang Hyun was also asked if he wanted to return back to high school and he replied: “But I have children.” He added, “My wife actually mentioned this while I was working on the drama. She asked if I’d be able to go back and leave the kids.” He continued, “If I did go back, I’d want to go back to the second half of my twenties after I was discharged from the army. Because of work, I’ve never been able to just go out and have fun.” (Source: Soompi)

Some wise words that describe the older Hong Dae Yong in a flash:

"The boy we loved back then was a memory to someone. To someone, he was her present. And to someone, he was a dream. Years later, the boy from the past became an ajusshi with two kids. But he was still the same boy."

This drama also embodies some valuable lessons about choices and regrets that once are formed, there no turning back,  unless you are determined to prove the opposite though your own actions:

"There are things that you can’t turn back. From the moment you confess your love until the moment you break up. Words that hurt each other, and the regret that follows. I don’t understand why we are separating."

"When I said I regretted meeting Da-jung, I wasn’t being honest. 

But it’s true that I blamed her. If I look back, it was all my fault. "

"It’s impossible to share my sincere feelings, as it’s too late.  But I’ll be okay as long as it makes you smile."

"I said that I was busy all the time so that I could come home late, and was always drunk at home, with the excuse that I’m tired. I missed it all, the times my family really needed me. I’m trying to be good now. I stopped drinking, too. But if she finds out that I’m Hong Dae-young, Da-jung will feel uncomfortable.”

Lee Do Hyun as Hong Dae Young [18 years old] / Go Woo Young

"I know today was rough, but it’s okay. You did well today.” 

What if one day, you were to suddenly discover a magic pill that could take you on a journey to mend your own mistakes and you could relive the past once again as you learn that the world around you can be far more different than you imagined at first? Well, Go Woo Young became the actual embodiment of that one in a million chance, returning in his prime time, at 18. But the choices and trials he has to face will prove to him, that he was terribly wrong about many things, including the relationship with his own father!  

How this marvelous young actor prepared for this role is a whole different story. Here is what Lee Do Hyun, himself said:  “I closely observed and studied Yoon Sang Hyun.” How he walked, even the shape of his hands when he held his cell phone… I tried hard not to miss these kinds of small details.” (More information and to find out what his streetlight is as an actor, read further at Soompi)  

Lee Do Hyun was also asked if he wanted to return back to high school and he replied: “I’d live more passionately,” he said. “I was too caught up in my studies and only went to private lessons. [If I went back], I’d go outside and run around and play with my friends more.” Kim Ha Neul and Yoon Sang Hyun said, “But it hasn’t even been that long for you. You can still count how many years it’s been since you graduated high school. We can’t do that anymore.” (Source: Soompi)

Here is an emotional letter that the younger Hong Dae Young  gets to read in the courtroom for his loved one:

"Da-jung-ah, I don’t think I can tell you in person. I’ll do as you say when it comes to custody and child support. I finally realized why you wanted to get a divorce. I regret what happened at our high school reunion, but I won’t make excuses. Da-jung-ah, you’re an amazing person, and you’re more than I deserve. I don’t want you to be discouraged. I want you to be bright wherever you are. Don’t get hurt. Don’t overwork yourself. To be honest, I don’t want to let you go. Of all the decisions I have to make in life, I will regret this the most. But I hope you can leave without regrets. I’ll be the one to regret it. I’m sorry. Thank you. Be happy, Da-jung-ah."

Most of us remember him as handsome and emotional,

 Go Chung Myung, the Yeongju captain of the guards, right?  

 (GIF image source: belsmultifandommess on Tumblr) 

(Video source with English subtitles n the first GIF:  tvN D ENT on YouTube)  

He sure was shining brilliantly like a jewel, in this heartbreaking 

purple cherry blossom moment from Hotel Del Luna!

This drama is filled with touching moments that will make you tear up, 

so make sure you have some tissues beside you:

“It’s okay. Whatever it is, it’s okay. It’s okay, you did well today… it’s okay, you did well today…” 

"Turning your back on someone, even someone you hate, can bring more pain than you think. "

"Hyacinths flowers and their true actual meaning is a plea for forgiveness:  Dad, you said you were the happiest when you watch me play. I wanted to show you again. I’m sorry that it took me so long. I’m sorry, Dad."

 "I had forgotten that if I treat her like a gem, she can shine so brightly, like now. I wanted her to be loved all her life, but I used my busy life as an excuse and made her into my wife and the mother of my children."

"When the world turned it's back on you, I believed in you. 

We were covered in wounds, but we were each other's brightest stars."

 "I was next to you."

"You should always live your day, to the fullest. And never forget your loved ones around you."

"No matter how old you get, there is always something new to learn. 

If you think of it as a regret, then that's the end of it. 

But when you think of it as a lesson learned, it brings a new beginning." 

Other cast members with supporting or guest roles are included here:  Cast

Here are some of my most favorite moments of this story, along with a wonderful list of heartfelt quotes:

"There was a girl who shone radiantly. She had a brightening voice
and…a dazzling dream. In times of hardship, I reminded myself with her favorite quote.

No matter how hard life gets, Never regret anything that made you smile." 

(GIF image credit goes to hwanginyeop on Tumblr)  

(Video source in the first GIF: iQIYI 爱奇艺 on YouTube) 

To view the English subtitles from the trailer, 

simply click on the small gear icon "CC" in the right corner of the video. 

---

"Here is what Audrey Hepburn once said: Forgive quickly. 

Kiss slowly. Love truly. Laugh uncontrollably."

“You may not know, but I’m closer to the kids than you can ever imagine.” 

This drama is also a cherry blossom sweet delight with rain!

(GIF images credit goes out to hwanginyeop on Tumblr and here) | (Photo source: Hancinema)

"On rainy days, people can measure how big their love is. Even when they share umbrellas, as everyone holds them at different angles, it’s clearly visible how big their love is. So love and rain come hand in hand."

“The person my kids need right now isn’t Hong Dae-Young the father, but their school friend, Go Woo-Young.”

Meet Hwang In Yeop as Goo Ja Sung [Basketball team leader]

(GIF image credit goes out to hwanginyeop on Tumblr)

Even the notorious high school bully seems to soften up in the presence of a certain someone...

"Violence isn’t the right way. But there are times you shouldn’t put up with bullying… 

when you need to protect something dear to your heart.”

An eerie meeting in the rain...

(Video source: JTBC Drama on YouTube) | (Photo source: Soompi)

Tender and heartfelt stories about different first loves and life, 

with a gorgeous touch.

(GiF images source: moonlightsdream on Tumblr)

Give me the chance to guard your dreams...

The soundtracks in this production are also lovely:

Song: Hello by Sohyang OST Part 2

(Official music video source: 1theK 원더케이 on YouTube)

"Hello Hello Hello Hello
Hello Hello Hello Hello

One day, like a red flower blossomed my dream
You made my heart flutter
Even after a long day
You stayed by my side

I know that these times that feel like they’ll last forever
Will come to an end some day but

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..."

Lyrics found at: Popgasa.

---

Song: One Person by Solji OST Part 4

(Official music video source: 1theK 원더케이 on YouTube)

"It was so hard to let you go
So why is my heart holding onto you again?

I try to run far away till I run out of breath
But my heart is in the same place

The one person I know, the one person I know
I think of you then I erase you and I repeat this

But a person that’s not you, a love that’s not you
Can’t fill me up, that’s just the kind of person you are
Please remember how it had to be you for me

This isn’t how I really feel
But why are my lips saying goodbye?

I tried deceiving my heart to let you go
But all day, I’m crying and crying..."

Lyrics found at: Popgasa.

The final touches are four self-selected tunes, that blend so well with this youthful theme: 1). Song: Every second by Baekhyun (EXO)  

Reshuffled OST from Record of Youth (2020)

(Official video source:  MUSIC&NEW 뮤직앤뉴 on YouTube) | (Photo source: Hancinema)

"Each step you take
I’m matching my feet with you
We’re walking together, side by side
Every day

When I hold out my arm
And wrap it around your shoulder
It feels like it’s only us in the world

Whatever You want
Whatever You say
I’ll always make it with you

Whatever You want
Whatever You say
So you can always smile

You see me, I won’t change
No matter what it is
I’ll remain with you
Just as I am..."

Lyrics found at: Popgasa.

2). A nostalgic self-selected tune awaits you, to listen to bellow:

Song: 18 Years by Daughtry

 “My husband, who seemed like my nemesis, has become 18!” 

(Official audio source: Daughtry on YouTube) | (Second official poster source: Soompi)

"All day all night
Keep pressing rewind
All day all night
I remember
All day all night
Keep pressing rewind
All day all night
I remember

We were young, we were wild
We were halfway free
We were kids on the run
On a dead-end street
Looking back in the rear view mirror
You know the view used to be much clearer
But we'll laugh and we'll cry
Till there's no more tears
And tonight can we just hold on to those 18 years
18 years

Some ran down the highway
To chase away their ghosts
Some are frozen in the same place
This time inside their bones
Remember throwing TVs off the overpass onto the tracks, yeah
But the trains roll on through the small town and never looked back, yeah..."

(Lyrics: AZLyrics)

The third self-selected tune is inserted in this gorgeous photo. 

I'm sure my lovely friend Brownie, will recognize it right away: 

MYSM & Wade Graves - Always 

(Official audio source: MYSM on YouTube)  

"I fell for your eyes 

On the day that they met mine 

And what I'd do to make you smile is not confined to where you are 

I saw you’re doing fine 

On the newsfeed storyline 

But I know how to fake it too I ain't mad at you

When you say you're fine 

But if I read minds you'd say 

That I need you always 

And I'm holding on 

I still hear that song we played 

And I need you always 

'Cuz girl I ain't mad at you 

I hope you don't hate me too 

We had a lot to loose 

We had even more to prove..."

 Lyrics found at:  musixmatch.com 

[Loosely inspired by my own previous article and this one].

Recommendation corner: 

1). A fresh and sweet Chinese romantic comedy that ended airing on 1st October: 

First Romance (2020).

(Fan-made poster source: here)  | )2nd poster source: here)

Now available with English subtitles at: 

Viki and YoYo English Channel on YouTube.

Some more lovable official stills from behind the scenes:

(Photos official source: Youku on Weibo)

2). Another sweet romance and light-hearted Chinese story about archery await you in: 

The Best of You in My Mind (2020)

(Photos source: A Virtual Voyage on Twitter)

Now available with English subtitles at: 

Viki and KUKAN Drama Channel on YouTube.

3). The most awaited and loveliest romantic Chinese drama of this year is: 

Love is Sweet (2020)

Bonus: The original soundtracks from this story are pure gold!

Song: Sometimes by Riley Wang

 (Official audio source: 樂室娛樂  on YouTube)  |  (Official poster source: Twitter)

"Take away the spirit from me
to somewhere love don’t exist
burn my heart
steal my soul
always
I can touch you no more
but I do feel you so real
just want you
to stay still for me
Sometimes
I dreamt of you
tears on my face
all night long
Tell me
How (can) I live without you..."

(Lyrics source: JSPINYIN)

Now all the episodes are available with English subtitles at iQyi.

The last self-selected song has a touching message for everyone:  

Beloved by Jordan Feliz

(Audio source: Jordan Feliz on YouTube)  |  (Photo: source: here)  

"Head full of questions, how can you measure up?
To deserve affection, to ever be enough
For this existence, when did it get so har-rrd?
Your heart is beating, alive and breathing
And there's a reason why-hy-hy-hhy
You are essential, not accidental
And you should realize 

You are beloved, I wanted you to know
You are beloved, let it soak into your soul, oh-oh
Forget the lies you heard, rise above the hurt
And listen to these words
You are beloved, I want you to know
You are beloved
You-ou-ou, you-ou-ou
You-you are beloved

Sometimes a heart can, feel like a heavy weight
It pulls you under, and you just fall away
Is anybody gonna hear you call? Oh, oh
But there's a purpose, under the surface
And you don't have to drow-wn-wwnn
Let me remind you, that love will find you
Let it lift you out.."

(Lyrics were found at: Genius.com)

4) Missing Wan Peng's acting again? Don't worry, because she is already back in:

Meeting You (2020)

  In this last photo, I've included a very cute music video. Simply click below:

(Official music video source in the last photo: Mango TV Fancy Love Channel on YouTube)

(First still image is from dramapotatoe on Twitter. The flowing photos are  from Sina.com and here)

Now available with English subtitles, but it will take a few weeks to be fully updated:

MGTV Drama Channel on YouTube.

Let's request it together to be available also at Viki, 

by completing this official form, as many times possible. 

"In life, even if you miss out on happiness… As long as you have that one person who will look for happiness with you, your life will be worth living. Don’t forget that you love each other. Be disappointed that you cannot cherish each other better. And promise for a better tomorrow. Just like that, our lives will continue." 

#StayatHome and take good care of yourselves!

(Last GIF images sources: here and hwanginyeop on Tumblr) 

Thank you for reading! Goodbye for now! See you around next time!

Sources: AsianWiki, iQIYI 爱奇艺, Google, Youku, Viki, Hancinema and here, YouTube, Wikipedia, JTBC, Soompi, together with this article, this one, and this article and here, along with here, here, here, here and the last one, plus MyDramaList. Most of the quotes that were used are from Dramabeans. The official poster source is from WeTV Philippines, still, the image and other photos are from Twitter, here, Sina.com, and here. The official behind the scenes stills are from Youku on Weibo, the fan-made poster source is from here and the last official poster is from here. Wallpaper images were found here. here, here and here. Lyrics were found at AZLyrics, Genius.com, musixmatch.com, Popgasa, here, here, and from JSPINYIN. GIF images are from Tumblr, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here. One more article with an older poster. All the banners were edited by Cryssy Anne with an online tool called Pixlr X. The inspiration came from my previous article and this one which both have a very different feeling to them. 

_{Editors: BrightestStar (1st editor)}