Answer Me 1994: Episode 0 Preview

53 October 13, 2013October 13, 2013

by girlfriday

Throwback ’90s campus drama Answer Me 1994 aired its preview Episode 0 over the weekend with tidbits from upcoming episodes, character introductions, and behind-the-scenes laughs. The episode itself isn’t a must-see—there’s nothing crucial that you won’t get from the show proper—but it does provide a sneak peek with two upsides. It seems like Go Ara’s transformation isn’t just cosmetic, and this role might actually be a turning point for her. And Na PD shoots his cameo. ‘Nuff said.

The not-quite-sequel, kind-of spinoff Answer Me 1994 does share some distinct similarities with Big Bro Answer Me 1997, namely the ’90s pop culture extravaganza and the present-day reunion framework, though all we know from the preview is that there’s a 2013 segment, not if it’s going to be the same which-guy-did-she-marry mystery. If we are going with the same narrative setup, I do hope there’s a different question this time, in the very least.

The main difference is in the setting, which takes place in Seoul rather than 1997’s Busan—this time they’ve transplanted the kids from the country and thrown them in the big city. I’m looking forward to the theme of a young adult’s first venture out in the world away from home and family, which seems to be the unifying thread among the characters.

At the center of the show will be the boarding house run by den mother (Lee Il-hwa) and baseball coach dad (Sung Dong-il), whose two kids lead the cast: Go Ara as basketball fanatic Sung Na-jung, and Jung Woo as her loser oppa called mainly by his nickname Trash.

I’m really looking forward to Go Ara’s performance, which I have to say is a first for me. She’s in fact pretty famous for her lack of acting skills, but she describes the role as something she’s always wanted—an image-ruining total transformation. She chopped off her long locks of her own accord, and showed up brandishing a thick country accent for the character who’s a brash, opinionated tomboy. And judging by the montage of comical faces, she won’t be concerned with looking pretty in this drama. I have a feeling her relationship with her brother will be pretty epic, comically and otherwise.

This time it isn’t one region’s dialect and small-town culture at the fore, but a mix of kids all hailing from different cities. It makes for a funny dinner table at the boardinghouse, where each of them is sporting a different country accent, and none of them understands the other. Ha. But they do have their small-town outsider status to bind them together when they learn that getting by in the big city is just that much harder when everyone thinks of them as country bumpkins.

Yoo Yeon-seok plays Chil-bong, the only kid from Seoul at the house. He’s Dad’s star pitcher, and will develop a crush on Na-jung, whose strange mannerisms make him laugh. Baro plays Bing-geu-re, which roughly translates to Smiles (it’s a nickname for the way he’s always smiling with this moony-eyed placid look). He’s the quiet kid who’s stepping out on his own for the first time, and when his life choices aren’t dictated by his domineering father, he’ll have more questions than answers.

Sohn Ho-joon and Kim Sung-kyun play Hae-tae and Samchunpo (the name of the town he’s from, which also means Tangent, ha). They’re definitely going to be the comic duo to beat in this drama. They play reluctant roommates who argue every chance they get, but soon start to grow more and more alike, until they’re finally doing everything together like besties should. Aw. I like the odd-couple pairing of the cool guy and the ajusshi-like nerd navigating the city together. And Dohee plays Jo Yoon-jin, the Seo Taiji fangirl who mostly keeps to herself, and captures Hae-tae’s heart.

The show will feature lots of cameos from basketball stars (the drama calls them the idols of their day), and familiar faces from dramaland and variety. The big cameo headliner this time around is hilariously PD Na Young-seok of Grandpas Over Flowers and 1 Night 2 Days, who showed up to play a Yonsei student living at the boardinghouse (which is exactly what he was doing in real life in 1994). I love that he showed up in that yellow jacket, like nobody would recognize him if he weren’t wearing his 1N2D uniform.

Okay, you’ve piqued my curiosity, Show. Let’s deliver the goods, eh? Answer Me 1994 premieres this Friday on tvN.

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1 p_d

October 13, 2013 at 12:08 PM

so excited for this! loved loved loved answer me 1997 so i am looking forward to the similarities as well as seeing how they differentiate things.

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2 zakin89

October 13, 2013 at 12:10 PM

I loved Episode 0 and now I'm even more excited for the show to start =)

It's a definite must watch and I am looking forward to all the hijinks, the laughs, the tears and all the awesome cameos!

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nomad

October 13, 2013 at 1:08 PM

me too! me too! Soooo excited for this show! Hopefully I won't jinx it.

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3 eunchans

October 13, 2013 at 12:25 PM

This looks fantastic, sweet, and heartwarming. I am absolutely loving Go Ara's image-ruining transformation - she looks really cute, her hysterical facial expressions, screaming 'OPPAAAA!!!' wherever she goes, and having super petty arguments with her brother (aww, their relationship looks likes it's a -we'll bicker until we die but I love you really- kind of sibling relationship, and it makes me wish I had an older brother).

I find it really refreshing that there doesn't seem to be a love triangle. Yoo Yoon Seok's character seems completely adorable, and I love how he's so smitten with her because she's really weird and makes him laugh nonstop. So cute. I'm really looking forward to watching him woo her, tbh.

I also love the whole theme of moving away from home and trying to survive in a strange city. That theme is universal, no matter what country you come from. Found families are my favourites!! So sweet.

This episode was kind of torturous tbh, because I was already excited to watch this show, and seeing this just made me want to even mooooooore. Next Friday, come faster please!!!

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elsiepin

October 13, 2013 at 6:15 PM

I loved the way she screamed OPPPAAAA!!! it's hilarious.

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4 redfox

October 13, 2013 at 12:30 PM

is anyone else reminded of King of Dramas Kang Hyun Min with that "becoming a good actor" bit? so interesting this Go Ara thing...

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5 marid

October 13, 2013 at 12:44 PM

The scene that takes place in the present with them knocking on door with coffee. That right there is my dream, hot guys bringing me coffee.. I would love then all!!

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6 aly

October 13, 2013 at 12:59 PM

Omg looks awesome. Anyone know where i can watch it with eng ssubs? Where did you guys watch it?

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nomad

October 13, 2013 at 1:10 PM

drama holics (with no space in btwn)

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elsiepin

October 13, 2013 at 6:16 PM

Viki has it also but is under the name "reply 1994"

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7 windsun33

October 13, 2013 at 1:27 PM

Not too interested in this, never been a fan of "prequels", most seem to fall flat. Will probably take a look but my excitement level is about 4%.

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8 fab

October 13, 2013 at 1:36 PM

Oh boy, I am in love. Just finished watching the prologue and it's overwhelmingly sweet and endearing. Loved to see the parents from 1997! Jjang 1994!!

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9 Momo

October 13, 2013 at 1:37 PM

I watched the preview and loved it!

I feel I'll love this show.

Coming out of your parents house, going to a strange place, to study and go after your dreams.

I'm facing the same thing they are, so for me this show will really get me... hahahaha

And I like the main couple already!

You guys should watch the 0 episode.

They show us the clothes that were famous back then, the hairstyles (people were saying they are too modern, but the hairstyles were famous bak then, they explains from where they took their hairstyle.)

I'm excited!

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10 whatis

October 13, 2013 at 1:42 PM

I'd never say no to a drama with a spunky tomboyish heroine!

I was actually quite okay with Go Ara in Who Are You? when I watched it way back when. Maybe it's also because her character itself wasn't annoying. I just remembered that it was fine. And then I saw her in an episode of Running Man... and she just seem like a girl having fun, not too much pretension and being shy like most female celebrities do. She was pretty hilarious in the episode. hahaha.

Looking forward to it!

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11 ophie

October 13, 2013 at 2:05 PM

I am in! Loved Answer Me 1997 so I will definitely be watching this!

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12 kittycat

October 13, 2013 at 2:20 PM

The scenes that they show in episode 0 are actually pretty entertaining so I think I might check this out. I don't know if 1994 be able to live up to 1997, but I'll give it a chance.

The only problems that I had with this preview, though, is that Reply 1994 seems to be a little more serious then 1997. The tone just seems a more dramatic then the previous series. I hope not because the main reason I loved Reply 1997 was because it was more of a feel good drama than the typical Korean makjang dramas. I hope it's not though. I'm also not too thrilled that the main female's character seems to be really similar to Sung Siwon. It'll be hard not to compare the two actors take on that type of character if you know what I mean.

I've never seen Go Ara in anything so I can't tell if she improved or not since everyone says she's not that good at acting. She seems a little awkward, but I need to see more of her in order to say if she's good or not.

Still it looks like it wont be that disappointing so I'm looking forward to 1994 more now than I was before.

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13 crazedlu

October 13, 2013 at 2:21 PM

lol to the screen caps. i like. yoo yeon-seok looks so darn cute!

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14 Toto

October 13, 2013 at 2:36 PM

I tried to watch 1997 a few times...but never seem to finish the first ep...

Watched ep 0 of 1994 absolutely loved it :D..lol maybe its cause I am a similar situation to the characters (at uni in a house with strangers). Baro is soo adorable lol. Can't wait to learn about the year I was born XD

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15 Lux

October 13, 2013 at 2:38 PM

SO EXCITEDDDDD /SOBS

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16 Janie

October 13, 2013 at 2:39 PM

I'm actually really excited for this. I'm a 90 liner and this really is up my ally. The setting, the atmosphere, and the clothes! Remember when overalls used to be cool?

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17 Ade

October 13, 2013 at 2:58 PM

So, i always wonder what does the PD of Na PD mean? I know it is use for other directors, is it something like the Principal Director?

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PhiloRex

October 13, 2013 at 4:32 PM

I believe "PD" means Production Director.

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Ade

October 14, 2013 at 9:02 PM

Thank you!

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18 Lilly

October 13, 2013 at 3:11 PM

Will look to see if she is really funny.

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19 Kit

October 13, 2013 at 3:26 PM

I am so excited for this, I'm basically jumping off the walls. I'm really happy for Go Ara because since the early previews I thought we could get something fun from her. The characters all seem cute, and it's interesting how there doesn't seem to be a love triangle. It really will be more about the friendship won't it?

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20 Abbie

October 13, 2013 at 3:38 PM

Looks and sounds really cute! Cannot wait!

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21 Saima

October 13, 2013 at 3:41 PM

JUST watched this and gahhhhh... it looks pretty awesome!! I like the characterizations and it'll be adorable to watch a city boy fall for a country bumpkin! Love those... :>

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22 JD

October 13, 2013 at 3:51 PM

Just from this post, I find Go Ara already very endearing. Very much like Yoon Eun Hye when she aced her role in Coffee Prince. Away with the pretty and bring on the earnest!

Can't wait.

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23 oozzeee

October 13, 2013 at 5:46 PM

Despite not understanding anything, well, except for the thousand OPPAs that Go Ara's character kept shouting off, episode 0 was an entertaining watch.

I look forward to the sister-brother dynamic coz it just seems hilarious.

One question though, where was Sung Dong Il? Except for a family picture, he never really showed up in ep 0.

Btw, isn't it Na PD's reaction cute when he bumped into Go Ara? Not the "blush" that they put on his cheeks but of his surprise when he turned a corner and Go Ara was right outside the door...

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elsiepin

October 13, 2013 at 6:22 PM

I liked Go Ara's reaction when she saw him too. That would be my face if I ever ran into him like that :)

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24 Mary

October 13, 2013 at 5:47 PM

I just finished watching episode 0 right now and I am actually looking forward to watching this! This drama just seems so fun, heart-warming, and touching, especially with the two roommates arguing one second then hanging out with one another the next, and Ara and her brother Trash having a love-hate relationship with one another. I can't wait to see how all the characters will grow closer to one another as they all come together to live in the boarding house.

I'm so gonna fangirl over Yoo Yeon-seok when he pops up onscreen. He looks so cute! And oh you just know I can’t wait for the romance! Kekeke.

Looking forward to Reply 1994! :D

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25 snow_white

October 13, 2013 at 6:06 PM

So excited!!

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26 ilikemangos

October 13, 2013 at 7:15 PM

Omg, just form the little bits go ara is killing it in this role! Her character is like an extreme version of jung eun ji's from 1997, if that was even possible. ha

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27 shy

October 13, 2013 at 7:48 PM

My question is, when will the 1997 casts show up as cameos? Or will they?

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28 whilethemusiclasts

October 13, 2013 at 7:51 PM

Can't wait!

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29 topper

October 13, 2013 at 8:18 PM

I like the preview, definitely gonna watch when it airs.

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30 canxi

October 13, 2013 at 8:18 PM

Love it and can't wait to watch. Always up for a dose of nostalgia :D

And love the trope of the cool guy falling for the shy girl. So very 90's rom-com and a beloved trope of mine too hahaha.

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31 MIKAN

October 13, 2013 at 11:56 PM

I find reply 1997 boring but I really like sports dramas so I might check this out.

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32 panda

October 14, 2013 at 3:26 AM

So looking forward to Friday. Can't wait!

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33 omo

October 14, 2013 at 3:37 AM

Not going to lie. Yours truly will tune in just for PD Na. Having a flashback of Lee Seunggi imitating PD Na in that yellow jacket and it brings back fond memories. Sorry, I'm going off the track.

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34 nemomo

October 14, 2013 at 9:44 AM

I dont understand go ara's repuation for bad acting - she won a lot of praise for her recent films and she was phenomenal in snow flower. Not to mention this role is mot too unlike her starmaking role in banolim.
Regardless im super excited to see her stretching her acting muscles with what promises to be a good script

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35 Lilian

October 14, 2013 at 10:10 AM

OOh...are they going to have more cameos? Can we have Eunji/Inguk/Hoya or basically the whole 1997 crew back for one episode? Please....

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Momo

October 14, 2013 at 11:24 AM

how? they were young students at 1997, if they cameo on 1994, they are supposed to be way younger, so use their child actors to

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36 Kaybee

October 14, 2013 at 10:45 AM

Oh my!!! Thank you! This is going to be my next kick!
I love how Korean dramas are very particular with tiny details... Love how the photos are shot with real film camera (or maybe given the effect of print from film roll)... I am a Photography enthusiast and admire good film set and good cinematography and Korean dramas are always a winner on this one for me... Can't wait for the drama and your recaps! :D

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37 Rovi

October 14, 2013 at 10:52 AM

Guilty BANA smiling stupidly at Baro. XD

Already excited for this one...

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38 fiyahhh

October 14, 2013 at 1:03 PM

go ara's finally going to shine. she looks amazing already.

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39 Sunny

October 14, 2013 at 2:40 PM

I finished watching episode 0 and I can't believe it, but it doesn't look bad. It actually looks like it's going to be pretty good. The day where I actually like a k-drama sequel might finally come.

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40 WvR

October 15, 2013 at 5:18 PM

Go Ara's "Oppa!" scream is hilarious! Her voice is hoarse compared to the cutesy "oppas" normally heard in dramas.

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41 WvR

October 15, 2013 at 5:57 PM

I guess I should have waited until I finished the whole preview episode before posting. Kim Jong Min is back, not the only one from the Reply 1997 series reprising a similar role! heh. I'm looking forward to Go Ara's performance too.

As the credits rolled, it reminded us that it's not only going to be fun, but heart tugging too. Sung Dong-il doesn't appear in the episode, maybe they didn't get a chance to interview him.

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42 bd

October 15, 2013 at 10:48 PM

I know that Go Ara has been criticized for her acting but it seems like she's going all out here (and isn't afraid of making weird faces/expressions for her character) and would not be at all surprised if she turns in a winning performance (as a good PD and writer tend to be able to draw the best out of actors).