Are you like me? You adore watching dramas but sometimes you get into a rut because you feel a lot of plots are recycled, clichés become over done or characters start to blend? So you find yourself looking for those rare dramas that stand out! Then, when someone recommends something different or, even better, you accidentally stumble upon a drama that is completely different, you feel like you have hit the jackpot! This is the way I felt about Coffee Prince and Soulmate. This is exactly how I would describe Reply 1997. A find! A Gem! Close to perfection! The writing is wonderful. I like that the show was bold enough to change some of the feeling, locations and situations as the characters grew and their lives transitioned. And yet, the core of their personalities, friendships and relationships remained steadfast. This show touched my heart. I didn't need to be immersed and well versed with the cultural norms, and especially the pop culture of the day in Korea. Their teenage angst, first love woes, parental conflicts were totally universal. To me, that is good writing. The editing and execution of the plot was so fresh; a completely enjoyable mix of drama and hilarious comedy that often felt so natural to every circumstance. There were truly hilarious laugh out loud moments but it was relatable comedy. The kind where you watch and you laugh because you understand...this has happened to you! Slapstick comedy is so fun and has it's place but Reply 1997's comedy was often hysterical because it seemed real. I never had a bored moment watching this show. So in Guk and Jung Eun Ji do a great job! I am really looking forward to seeing more from both of them. Sung Dong Il , who played Shi Won’s father, stole the show with every scene he was in. One of the magical things about this show was the chemistry of the actors. The caliber of a great drama is sometimes that intangible element that cannot be predicted. There was great chemistry across all the different relationship combinations: the father and mother, Shi won and her Dad, the two leads, the bromance, the true friendship between the two girls, the love and loyalty between the brothers. The music was great. This is one of those dramas where you quickly start looking up the songs and ultimately want the OST. Every song was fitting, relatable and enjoyable. I want this OST so bad! Re-watch value is a total 10. I would re-watch this drama in a heartbeat. No question. If you want to watch a truly well done, touching, hilarious, special drama. If you are looking for something that is a cut above the crowd. If you want something that stands out in the stew pot of other pretty good dramas out there… Give this show a try. You will NOT regret watching this 'close to perfect' little show.