Even though it has been out for 8 years, "Reply 1988" is still the most watched healing series in Korean cinema.

Numerous viewers still recall the series details and characters, proving the neighborhood of Ssangmundong's influence.

In the group of close friends of the neighborhood, Choi Taek impressed the audience with his quiet, quiet, somewhat goofy personality.

The character was successfully played by actor Park Bo Gum. However, during the casting process for the series, a name almost replaced Park Bo Gum as the Go player.

Accordingly, in the radio show "Choi Hwa Jung's Power Time" on SBS Power FM aired a while ago, two actors Jung Hae In and Kim Ji Hoon participated as guests.

During the show, Kim Ji Hoon revealed that Jung Hae In and Park Bo Gum made it to the final round of casting as Choi Taek in "Reply 1988".

As a result of this casting, the main actor of "Something in the Rain" was unlucky to get the lead role. However, he also appeared in the series as Duk Sun's middle school friend, who made Kim Jung Hwan "jealous" to the face.

Despite missing the role of Choi Taek, Jung Hae In quickly got a role in another work by director Shin Won Ho, who made beautiful scenes in "Reply 1988".

Accordingly, he played Captain Yoo in "Prison Playbook", a personality role, sometimes makes people scared even through their eyes.

Source[1]

Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

Source: [1]