“A Late-Night Call…” How Jung Eun-ji & Seo In-guk Reunited for ‘Couple’ After 13 Years

Singer-actors Jung Eun-ji and Seo In-guk, the beloved on-screen couple from 'Reply 1997', have reunited for the first time in 13 years. On March 20, Studio Episode released a behind-the-scenes video featuring Jung Eun-ji on Seo In-guk’s official YouTube channel, delighting longtime fans of the iconic K-drama.

Introducing herself once again as Sung Si-won from Reply 1997, Jung appeared with a mix of awkwardness and nostalgia. She and Seo In-guk exchanged warm greetings and even tried to recreate a romantic moment—only to burst into laughter as they failed to stay in character.

Though their reunion was a bit shy at first, the two quickly slipped into old memories. “To be honest, I thought a lot about timing,” Jung confessed. “I wanted to do this when I felt confident and established enough as an actor. I felt that now was a good moment to look back on Reply 1997 with pride.”

Seo In-guk chimed in playfully, saying, “This feels like the perfect timing—like aged kimchi at its best.”

A Late-Night Call That Sparked a Duet

Surprisingly, their long-awaited duet began with a random phone call from Seo In-guk. “He suddenly called me late at night,” Jung revealed. “For a second, I thought maybe I shouldn’t answer, but after thinking it over, I picked up.”

When Seo suddenly asked, “Wanna do a duet?” Jung was taken aback. She replied, “If we start with a brand-new song now, when would we ever finish?” That’s when she proposed a remake instead—SECHSKIES’ 1998 hit ‘Couple’, a song she had in mind already. And just like that, the duet was born.

The video also featured a surprise phone call with Eun Ji-won, a member of SECHSKIES and Jung’s former Reply 1997 co-star. When Seo In-guk told him, “We’re releasing a project album together after 13 years,” Eun Ji-won responded with a smile, “You two already had great chemistry back then. I’m just grateful you chose our song.”

Jokingly, Jung added, “Oppa, I used to be in Club H.O.T. and now I’m singing a SECHSKIES song,” referencing the two groups’ iconic rivalry during the late '90s.

‘Couple’ Climbs the Charts, Proving Legendary Status

As soon as the duet was released, it began trending in real-time, reminding fans of the duo’s long-lasting popularity. Jung remarked, “This pairing feels like blue-chip stock. The timing just felt right.”

Their version of ‘Couple’, released on March 16, reimagines SECHSKIES’ 1998 classic with a refreshing band sound and lighthearted energy. Within hours of its release, the song ranked:

#13 on Melon HOT100,

#6 on Bugs real-time chart,

#22 on Genie Top 100,

and also made its way into the Melon Top 100, solidifying their status as a “legendary couple.”

What’s Next for Jung Eun-ji and Seo In-guk

Jung Eun-ji is set to star alongside Lee Jun-young in the upcoming KBS2 drama ‘24-Hour Fitness Club’ (working title). The drama follows a fiery gym owner and “health freak” who transforms the lives of emotionally burdened beginner gym-goers through a muscle-powered, heart-pounding romance.

Seo In-guk will appear opposite BLACKPINK’s Jisoo in the upcoming drama ‘Boyfriend on Demand’ (working title). The series centers on a webtoon producer named Mirae, who is burnt out from reality and begins "subscribing" to virtual boyfriends through a dating simulator, exploring the thrills of fantasy romance.