Lee Jung Ha Fanboys Over Hyeri’s ‘Reply 1988’ Character: ‘ I Loved Rewatching the Series’

Lee Jung Ha reveals how the iconic K-drama "Reply 1988" helped him portray his character in the movie "Victory."

In the upcoming youth film, the rising star plays the character of Chi Hyeon, the goalkeeper of Geoje Commercial High School's soccer team. 

Other than sports and academics, what made him thrilled to go to school was Pil Sun, whom he secretly admired for 10 years and who is played by Hyeri. 

During the "Victory" press conference, Lee Jung Ha dishes on his affection for his co-star and his working relationship with Hyeri. 

Along with "Victory" director Park Bum Soo, lead stars Hyeri, Park Se Wan, Lee Jung Ha, and Jo Aram attended the event, where they got to talk about their experiences and expectations as the movie officially hit theaters. 

How 'Reply 1988' Helped Lee Jung Ha Play for His Role in 'Victory'

Like in any other role he played, Lee Jung Ha said that he mentally and physically prepared himself to play Chi Hyeong. 

According to him, one way to better understand the character is by rewatching the hit K-drama "Reply 1988."

"I wondered how to understand this character, whose heart is so pure that he keeps a crush on someone for ten years. After some thought, I rewatched 'Reply 1988.'"

READ MORE: Lee Jung Ha Reveals Part-Time Jobs He Did Before Becoming an Actor: 'I Was Good at My Job' 

Interestingly, one of the lead stars on the rom-com K-drama is his co-star Hyeri, who played the role of Sung Deok Sun. 

According to Lee Jung Ha, watching "Reply 1988" and observing Sung Deok Sun made it easier for her to act as Chi Hyeong because Pil Sun and Deok Sun had similarities. 

On the other hand, Hyeri chimed in and revealed what Lee Jung Ha nicknamed her. 

"My close actor friend happens to be close with Lee Jung Ha. My friend said that Lee Jung Ha was referring to me as a 'princess'; at that point, he and I hadn't met yet. That's how deeply he immersed himself in the character."

Following Hyeri's confession, Lee Jung Ha responded by expressing his thoughts about his character's complicated relationship with Sung Deok Sun. 

"To fully immerse myself in the character, I called Hyeri "princess" even before I met her." 

Moreover, the actor also confessed that he is a huge fan of "Reply 1988," and it is one of his favorite K-dramas. 

"As I rewatched 'Reply 1988', I tried to recollect my love for Sung Deok Sun and applied that to how Chi Hyeong could feel about Pil Sun. And I must say that I loved rewatching the series."

'Victory' Release Date

Scheduled to officially hit theaters on August 14, "Victory: depicts the story of a cheerleading team at Geoje Commercial High School. 

Set in 1999, it introduced the cheerleading team called the Millennium Girls, where eight members showcase their unique personalities. 

The "Victory" cast includes Hyeri, Park Se Wan, Jo Aram, and Lee Jung Ha. 

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Written by Geca Flores