The Korean drama 18 Again is a touching story about second chances, family, and self-discovery. Based on the Hollywood film 17 Again, this series takes a deeper dive into the emotional struggles of adulthood, marriage, and parenting. With a compelling storyline, stellar performances, and life lessons that resonate with viewers, 18 Again is a must-watch for anyone looking for a heartfelt drama.
Where to Watch 18 Again
You can stream 18 Again on platforms like Netflix, Viu and Bilibili. These sites offer episodes with English subtitles, making it accessible to international audiences.
Production Details
- Title: 18 Again (Korean: 18 어게인)
- Genre: Romance, Comedy, Fantasy, Coming-of-Age
- Based on: 17 Again (2009 film)
- Screenwriters: Ahn Eun-bin, Choi Yi-ryool, Kim Do-yeon
- Director: Ha Byung-hoon
- Production Company: JTBC Studios
- Original Network: JTBC
- Release Dates: September 21, 2020 – November 10, 2020
- Episodes: 16
- Running Time: 67–75 minutes per episode
Characters and Cast
Main Characters
- Jung Da-jung (played by Kim Ha-neul) – A hardworking mother and aspiring announcer who struggles with her marriage.
- Hong Dae-young (Adult) (played by Yoon Sang-hyun) – A middle-aged man who regrets his life choices and wishes for a second chance.
- Hong Dae-young (Teen) / Ko Woo-young (played by Lee Do-hyun) – The younger version of Dae-young, who gets a chance to relive his youth.
Supporting Characters
- Hong Shi-ah (played by Roh Jeong-eui) – Dae-young and Da-jung’s daughter, who hides her struggles from her parents.
- Hong Shi-woo (played by Ryeo Un) – Their son, who faces bullying but has a hidden talent for basketball.
- Ye Ji-hoon (played by Wi Ha-joon) – A baseball player who develops feelings for Da-jung.
- Goo Ja-sung (played by Hwang In-youp) – The school’s basketball captain and Shi-woo’s bully.
- Seo Ji-ho (played by Choi Bo-min) – Shi-ah’s close friend and confidant.
Plot
18 Again follows the story of Hong Dae-young, a 37-year-old man who once had a promising basketball career but now faces unemployment and a failing marriage. His wife, Jung Da-jung, has grown tired of their struggles and files for divorce. Their teenage children, Hong Shi-ah and Hong Shi-woo, barely acknowledge him, making him feel like a failure.
One day, Dae-young miraculously transforms into his 18-year-old self, while retaining his adult mind. Seizing this opportunity, he adopts the identity of Ko Woo-young and enrolls in his children’s school. As he navigates high school life, he discovers the hidden struggles of his kids—Shi-ah secretly works part-time, and Shi-woo is bullied but has a passion for basketball.
Through his youthful disguise, Dae-young reconnects with his family in ways he never could before. He befriends his son, helps him stand up to bullies, and encourages his daughter to pursue her dreams. Meanwhile, Da-jung unknowingly develops feelings for Woo-young, sensing a familiar warmth in him.
As the story unfolds, Dae-young realizes that his past regrets were overshadowing the love and happiness he already had. He learns that being present for his family is more important than chasing lost dreams. In the end, he embraces his real identity, reconciles with Da-jung, and becomes a better father and husband.
Edd's Takeaway!
The first and perhaps most striking message is the importance of cherishing loved ones. Dae-young, once overwhelmed by the pressures of adulthood, gradually realizes how he took his family for granted. His transformation allows him to see his wife and children not as responsibilities, but as his life's greatest treasures. It’s a sobering reminder that in the rush of daily routines and career obligations, we often forget to nurture the relationships that matter most. The people around us aren't guaranteed to stay, and 18 Again softly urges us to show love before regret becomes our only companion.
The series also explores the concept of second chances—not in a sugar-coated, everything-gets-fixed sort of way, but as a genuine opportunity to realign with one’s values. Dae-young doesn’t get to erase his mistakes; instead, he learns from them, building stronger relationships and a better version of himself. The show whispers what so many of us need to hear: it’s never too late. Whether you've fumbled in love, drifted in your career, or lost sight of your goals, growth remains on the table—always.
Another standout theme is empathy. Watching Dae-young interact with his children as a peer rather than a parent reveals how little he truly understood their struggles. Seeing their battles with bullying, pressure, and identity first-hand shatters his assumptions. This role reversal illustrates the importance of not just hearing—but really listening. It speaks to a broader truth: we rarely know the full weight someone carries until we step into their shoes, even figuratively.
The show also takes a jab at our toxic obsession with success. Dae-young once believed that losing his dream of a basketball career made him a failure. But in his journey back to youth, he finds that his value doesn't lie in titles or trophies—it lies in how he shows up for the people he loves. 18 Again redefines self-worth as something internal, rooted in character and connection rather than outward achievement.
Finally, the drama urges us to live in the present. So many of Dae-young’s regrets stem from dwelling in the “what-ifs.” But as he learns to be present—with his family, with himself—he discovers a quiet, lasting joy that the past could never offer. The present, 18 Again suggests, is where true happiness blooms.
In the end, 18 Again isn’t just entertainment. It's a soul-nudge. Whether you're a burnt-out parent, a confused teenager, or someone just trying to make sense of life’s chaos, this story hits home. It invites us to reconnect, to reflect, and to remember: we don’t need magic to get a second chance—just a little courage and a whole lot of heart.
18 Again is more than just a fantasy drama—it’s a heartfelt story about love, family, and self-discovery. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or simply a great watch, this series delivers a powerful message that stays with you long after the final episode.
0 Comments