Amidst the restless buzz of the ’80s, young hearts filled with ambition cross paths and form a timeless connection. JTBC’s newest drama, A Hundred Memories, brings us back to the past through the eyes of Young-rye and Jong-hee—two bus attendants with big dreams. But as they charge toward the future, they stumble into unexpected trials that’ll test their treasured dreams and friendship.
Directed by Kim Sang-ho, known for heart-stirring stories like Thirty-Nine (2022), A Hundred Memories will surely have viewers in for an emotional ride. Kim is also assisted by writer Yang Hee-seung, who specializes in penning realistic narratives such as Crash Course in Romance (2023), Once Again (2020), and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016).
During a press conference, director Kim Sang-ho shared how this drama was made for all generations to enjoy. Despite the difference in time period, it centers on characters whose stories remain timeless and relatable. From the excitement of first loves to dreams that feel bigger than life, A Hundred Memories is, at its core, a love letter to one’s youth.
A Hundred Memories: Ambitious Dreams, Lifelong Friendships, and First Loves
Set in the 1980s, A Hundred Memories follows the lives of two young bus attendants and the looming trials that test their tight-knit friendship. At Cheong-a Transportation, Go Young-rye (Kim Da-mi) works for Bus No. 100, spending most of her days dealing with passengers despite her motion sickness.
One fateful day, an eccentric newcomer arrives at their dormitory and introduces herself as Seo Jong-hee (Shin Ye-eun). With her bright red lips and confident attitude, she immediately catches the eye of other attendants — including Young-rye. However, even with their contrasting personalities, they soon realize they have more in common than they think.
As a genuine bond blooms between the two, the weight of their dreams and the appearance of Han Jae-pil (Heo Nam-jun) start to shake up their relationship. Will their friendship overcome these painful ordeals?
Kim Da-mi as Go Young-rye
Played by Kim Da-mi, Go Young-rye is a dutiful eldest daughter who works as a bus attendant to support her sole parent, her breadwinning mother. She boldly rides the bus every day to cater to passengers, even when she suffers from motion sickness. Described as selfless, she’s always willing to give the world to the people she loves.
Despite her busy schedule at work, Young-rye devotes her free time to studying and reading books. She dreams of attending college and becoming a Korean language teacher, so she works tirelessly to make this a reality. She possesses a pure-hearted nature but also knows when to put her foot down. As a bus attendant, she stands firm in front of unruly passengers and never fails to collect their bus fare (even if she needs to chase them down).
Shin Ye-eun as Seo Jong-hee
Shin Ye-eun steps into the shoes of Seo Jong-hee, a new bus attendant at Cheong-a Transportation. Because of troubles with her family, she decides to work at the company to escape them. She’s often seen chewing bubblegum, symbolizing the confidence she naturally exudes. Her powerful charisma makes other people feel intimidated at times, which leads to many of her unfortunate situations. She attracts attention wherever she goes, and Young-rye’s is no exception.
While Jong-hee may be known for her boldness, a vulnerable soul lies behind her tough exterior. An unlikely friendship forms between her and Young-rye as they continue to live under one roof, sharing dreams and troubles along the way.
Heo Nam-jun as Han Jae-pil
Taking on his first lead role, Heo Nam-jun stars as Han Jae-pil, the son of the CEO of Dong-in Department Store. Because of his good looks and wealth, his classmates often call him a “prince.” However, despite being born with a silver spoon, he lives each day with loneliness after losing his mother as a child. His father’s remarriage only added to the wounds in his heart, pushing them further apart. Their sour relationship drives Jae-pil to become a troublemaker, getting into fights and causing havoc to hide his sorrows.
When he meets Young-rye and Jong-hee, a complicated connection binds the three of them together. Between friendships and first loves, the question of which will prevail has yet to be answered.
When and Where to Watch
Mark your calendars! A Hundred Memories is premiering on JTBC this Sept. 13 with new episodes dropping every Saturday and Sunday. The drama will also be available for global fans from select regions through Viu and Viki.
Spanning 12 episodes, it offers a neatly paced weekly watch for all audiences. Are you adding this series to your watchlist? Tell us your thoughts on our Instagram and Twitter/X!
Featured Image Credit: JTBC
