An Analysis of Family Values in Lee Woo-jung’s Korean Drama Reply 1988

Khairunnisa Azzahra; Nurhikmah Siagian; Leny Marsyanada Saragih; Vika Laura Septiana Sihombing; Syamsul Bahri

doi:10.59890/ijatss.v4i1.136

Authors

Khairunnisa Azzahra Universitas Negeri Medan
Nurhikmah Siagian Universitas Negeri Medan
Leny Marsyanada Saragih Universitas Negeri Medan
Vika Laura Septiana Sihombing Universitas Negeri Medan
Syamsul Bahri Universitas Negeri Medan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59890/ijatss.v4i1.136

Keywords:

Family Values, Korean Drama, Reply 1988

Abstract

The dynamics of family bonding values depicted in Lee Woo-jung’s Reply 1988 offer valuable perspectives on how families preserve love and closeness amidst daily struggles. This research seeks to examine how the drama depicts family values utilizing Van Wel’s (1994) Family Bonding Theory as a framework. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach through semiotic and content analysis, the study investigates the depiction of love, harmony, and conflict among five families residing in a neighborhood in Seoul during the late 1980s. Information was gathered from 87 chosen scenes, conversations, and visual symbols depicting emotional connection, parental duty, and generational disparities. The results indicate that the seven bonding values are: attachment, commitment, interdependence, closeness, trust, intimacy, and love. Establish the emotional base that reinforces family bonds, with attachment occurring most often (13.64%), succeeded by commitment (18.18%), interdependence (13.64%), closeness (18.18%), trust (4.55%), intimacy (13.64%), and love (18.18%). These values are evident in parental sacrifice, community unity, gestures of care shown subtly through daily habits, and emotional healing following disputes, showing that conflict within families frequently leads to enhanced understanding and stronger connections. In summary, the research finds that Reply 1988 depicts robust familial ties as a cultural and emotional influence that preserves togetherness, strength, and enduring relationships through generations

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