The emotional reunion of the Reply 1988 cast in early 2026 produced one of the most poignant moments in recent Korean entertainment history when actor Choi Sung-won broke down while sharing the harrowing aftermath of his cancer battle. Known to audiences as Sung Dong-il’s youngest son, No Eul, in the beloved 2015 series, Choi delivered a tearful confession during the gathering: “I have written my will many times.” The statement, delivered amid sobs, stunned his co-stars and viewers alike, revealing the depth of suffering he endured after the show concluded.
Reply 1988, directed by Shin Won-ho and produced by tvN, remains one of the highest-rated cable dramas in Korean television history, celebrated for its nostalgic portrayal of 1980s neighborhood life and authentic ensemble chemistry. Choi Sung-won, then in his early twenties, portrayed a cheerful, somewhat mischievous teenager whose arc resonated deeply with viewers. The series ended on a hopeful note for the characters, but for Choi, the years that followed brought unrelenting hardship.
In 2017, shortly after gaining widespread recognition, Choi was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. The disease progressed rapidly, requiring multiple rounds of intensive chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical interventions. He withdrew from public life to focus on treatment, disappearing from screens and social media for extended periods. During this time, medical prognosis frequently shifted, at times appearing dire. Choi later revealed that he prepared legal documents—wills—on several occasions, convinced that each recurrence might be terminal. These preparations were not dramatic gestures but quiet, pragmatic acts carried out in hospital rooms, often alone, as he confronted mortality at an age when most peers were building careers.
The physical and psychological toll was immense. Chemotherapy caused severe side effects, including profound fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and neuropathy. Repeated hospitalizations disrupted any semblance of normal life. Choi described periods of isolation where despair dominated, yet he clung to small hopes—family support, messages from fans, and the distant possibility of recovery. Medical advancements and his own resilience eventually led to remission, though the journey left permanent scars, both visible and invisible.
When the Reply 1988 cast reunited for a special broadcast, the atmosphere initially brimmed with warmth and laughter. Ryu Jun-yeol, Hyeri, Go Ara, Park Bo-gum, and others reminisced about filming anecdotes and shared light-hearted updates. The mood shifted abruptly when Choi began speaking. His voice cracked as he recounted the years of silence, the fear that had gripped him, and the repeated drafting of final instructions for his family. Tears flowed freely; co-stars reached out to comfort him while struggling to contain their own emotions. The raw vulnerability contrasted sharply with the youthful optimism he once embodied on screen.
Public reaction was immediate and overwhelming. Clips of the moment spread across online platforms, prompting an outpouring of support. Fans who had long wondered about his absence expressed relief at seeing him alive and gratitude for his candor. Many shared personal stories of battling illness, finding solace in his survival. The confession also sparked broader conversations about cancer awareness, mental health in the entertainment industry, and the pressure on young actors to maintain a cheerful public image despite private suffering.
Choi’s disclosure serves as a stark reminder of the human cost behind public personas. While Reply 1988 captured an idealized version of youth and community, Choi’s real-life experience exposed the fragility beneath such narratives. His return to acting—albeit selective—demonstrates remarkable courage. Post-recovery projects have allowed him to reclaim agency over his story, choosing roles that reflect maturity rather than youthful exuberance.
The reunion moment transcends entertainment; it highlights solidarity among cast members who remained in contact during his darkest days and underscores the enduring impact of a drama that portrayed ordinary lives with extraordinary empathy. For Choi Sung-won, speaking publicly about writing his will multiple times was not an act of defeat but one of profound honesty. It transformed private pain into shared strength, offering hope to others facing similar battles.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, stories like his remind professionals and audiences alike of the importance of compassion over perfection. Choi’s journey—from terminal fear to tentative recovery—stands as testimony to human endurance and the quiet power of survival.
