(tvN)

The beginning of 2016 was filled with heartwarming stories of “Reply 1988,” and it continues with four of its stars now starring in “Youth Over Flowers.”

1. Park Bo-gum aka Workaholic

(Youtube)

Debut: Park debuted as actor when he was 18 years old as actress Kim Ha-neul’s brother in 2011 film “Blind,” but failed to gain critical attention.

(KBS)

(KBS)

Rise: In 2012-13, the actor took part in six different television dramas such as “Bridal Mask,” “Wonderful Mama,” and “Cantabile Tomorrow.” His acting started to create some buzz, including his psychopath role in drama “Hello Monster” -- which got him several awards.

(tvN)

(OSEN)

Now: “Reply 1988” turned him into a superstar. His character, Taek, managed to capture the hearts of viewers with his innocent charm. Park also has the biggest commercial deals among the four male castmembers.

2. Go Kyung-pyo aka Talented rookie

(Youtube)

Debut: Go’s first role was in 2010 KBS teen-drama, “Jungle Fish 2.” The show was fairly popular among teenage viewers back then.

(Youtube)

Rise: The actor is another well-known workaholic in the industry. He starred along Park Bo-gum in drama “Cantabile Tomorrow,” and did solo acts in several others. His semi-breakthrough came when he joined comedy show, “Saturday Night Live Korea,” in which proved he could take-on a wider range of roles -- compared to other “Reply 1988” actors.

(OSEN)

Now: Go didn’t receive as much attention as the other trio. This is why he shed tears in the pilot episode for the new season of “Youth Over Flowers”-- he thought he wasn’t good enough to be on the show. However, Go is also considered as one who has the most potential to star in a variety show.

3. Ryu Jun-yeol aka One shot to fame

(CJ E&M)

Debut: Ryu Jun-yeol’s acting resume is the briefest of the quartet. The 2015 flick “Socialphobia,” was his first acting gig. The movie received lukewarm attention from the critics, but he met his actor friend Byun Yo-han.

Rise: The actor continued to act, despite his doubts on whether his looks was “apt” for the industry. He played small parts in both big and small movies, such as “Glory Day” and “Midnight Sun.”

(tvN)

(tvN)

Now: He might have had to let Deoksun go, but he grasped the attention of viewers instead. Ryu is considered to be the biggest benefactor of “Reply 1988.”

4. Ahn Jae-hong aka You deserve a slap on the back

Debut: Ahn started-out as a child actor back in 1993 -- when he was only 7 years old. His first gig was a family-drama titled, “My Mother’s Sea.”

(Youtube)

Rise: From the mid-90s’ to 2015 the actor starred in various independent films. However, his roles weren’t prominent and there weren’t many who took notice of him. He has the longest career among the four.

(OSEN)

(tvN)

Now: Ahn showed that when a great actor meets a great character, it creates an icon. His character as an eccentric nerd made people go wild over the actor. Now, it’s entirely up to him to build on that foundation.

By Jung Min-kyung (mkj1105@heraldcorp.com)