Following last year’s sensation Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born, which spotlighted the declining female gukgeuk (traditional Korean opera), JTBC is set to unveil another period drama centered on womance. This time, A Hundred Memories shines a light on a long-forgotten profession — the female bus conductors of the 1980s.
Premiering on September 13, A Hundred Memories tells the story of Young-rye (Kim Da-mi) and Jong-hee (Shin Ye-eun), two friends working as bus attendants, whose deep bond is tested when they both cross paths with Jaepil (Heo Nam-jun), the man who becomes their shared first love.
The project draws comparisons with Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born, which aired last year and captivated audiences with its portrayal of post-war Korea in the 1950s through the eyes of women chasing dreams in the male-dominated world of theater. The drama recorded an impressive 16.5% viewership peak and earned rave reviews for its storytelling and unique incorporation of traditional performance sequences.
Much of its success was attributed to Kim Tae-ri, who underwent three years of vocal training beginning in 2021 to embody her role. Her performance wowed audiences, showcasing both emotional depth and the ability to perform live on stage. For her work, Kim Tae-ri won Best Actress in the TV category at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards and helped the drama claim top honors, including the Grand Prize (Daesang), at the 2024 APAN Star Awards.
Shin Ye-eun also earned praise for her breakout performance, holding her own opposite Kim Tae-ri. Critics highlighted her growth as an actress, noting her compelling vocal and dramatic delivery that intensified the show’s emotional stakes.
Now, Shin Ye-eun teams up with Kim Da-mi, who makes her period-drama debut in A Hundred Memories. At the press conference, Kim Da-mi shared: “The writer explained that first love in that era carried a unique weight. I wanted to portray those emotions in a way that feels true to the time.”
Returning to JTBC for the first time since Itaewon Class five years ago, Kim Da-mi added: “I’m excited to greet viewers with such an engaging drama. I hope many people enjoy it and show their support.”
JTBC has already experienced period-drama success with Reborn Rich. However, while that drama relied on fantasy elements and corporate intrigue, A Hundred Memories takes a simpler approach, focusing on youthful love and friendship. Whether this nostalgic romance can deliver the same blockbuster results remains to be seen — but with Kim Da-mi and Shin Ye-eun leading, expectations are high.
Sources: naver
You must be logged in to post a comment.