Ryu Jun Yeol will not be joining the Reply 1988 reunion trip in person, despite earlier reports suggesting otherwise. Fans who had been eagerly waiting to see him reunite with the beloved cast, including his former co-star and ex-girlfriend Lee Hyeri, were met with clarification from both the network and insiders close to the project.
According to a statement from tvN, Ryu Jun Yeol couldn’t make it to the cast’s group retreat due to scheduling conflicts tied to his current filming commitments. However, the actor still chose to honor the show that launched him into stardom by participating in the anniversary special in another way. “Although Ryu Jun Yeol was unable to join the group retreat due to scheduling issues, he adjusted his schedule to take part in portions of the filming in honor of the 10th anniversary of Reply 1988,” the network shared.
This confirms that Ryu Jun Yeol’s involvement will be limited to pre-recorded segments rather than the on-site celebration. His absence from the physical retreat was initially expected, though the latest clarification has settled much of the speculation surrounding his possible reunion with Hyeri. The two, who dated for seven years after meeting through the hit 2015 series, announced their breakup earlier this year, which had heightened curiosity about whether they would cross paths again.
The Reply 1988 reunion itself was designed as a sentimental throwback, celebrating a decade since the iconic drama aired. The production organized a special group trip for the cast and crew, initially rumored to take place abroad. However, it was later confirmed that the team gathered in Gangwon Province in October, where they filmed nostalgic content for a commemorative variety program. Some additional segments were reportedly filmed at the National Folk Museum of Korea, serving as a tribute to the era and themes the series represented.
While Ryu Jun Yeol and Hyeri didn’t share screen time for the reunion, both have shown respect for the project that shaped their careers and became one of Korea’s most loved dramas. Fans can look forward to seeing glimpses of Ryu’s pre-shot footage when the 10th-anniversary special airs, marking his symbolic presence in the celebration of a show that continues to hold a timeless place in K-drama history.