"Reply 1988" will be the latest installment in what is turning out to be a drama trilogy. It follows "Reply 1994," which starred Go Ara, Jung Woo, Baro, and Yoo Yeon Suk, and the original "Reply 1997," which starred Jung Eun Ji, Seo In Guk and Infintie's Hoya.

Many viewers assumed that if there were to be a sequel it would be set further in the future, say "Reply 2002," but on March 17, the show's producers confirmed that the show would definitely be set in 1988.

According to tvN, the show is set to air in the latter half of the year although the exact time period must still be determined.

"Reply 1988" will not be exactly like its predecessors.

According to producer Shin Won Ho, the story will not be focused on first love but rather on the stories of family and the neighborhood they live in.

"Reply 1988 will be a family drama set in the backdrop of 1988," said Shin.

A previous MBC program "Three Families Under One Roof," which ran from 1986 to 1994, supposedly inspired the new drama.

Each installment of the previous "Reply" series proved to be so popular that it boosted the star power of the actors who appeared in it.

So far only two actors have definitely been cast in the latest version and an idol actor is rumored to be considering a role.

"Currently we have finished casting Sung Dong Il and Lee Il Hwa," said Shin. "We will cast the other actors from here on."

Sung Dong Il and Lee Il Hwa played the parents in both previous "Reply" dramas and they are back for a third time.

Sung Dong Hwa also appeared in the films "Chronicle of a Blood Merchant" and "Miss Granny," as well as the dramas "It's Okay, It's Love" and "Gap Dong."

Lee Il Hwa appeared in the film "Fashion King" amd the dra,as "Modern Farmer" and "Doctor Stranger."

It is also rumored EXO's Chen may join the cast. But neither SM Entertainment nor the "Reply" producers have confirmed this casting choice. And Chen has said in the past that he has no interest in acting.

It is also rumored that Infinite's Woo Hyun may join the cast.

Either way, it's likely that the producers will cast an idol actor as the previous two versions featured idol actors Hoya and Baro.

Lee Woo Jung, who wrote the previous "Reply" dramas, is also the writer for "Reply 1988."

Can the "Reply" series continue to be successful? What do you think? Will you tune in?