A Hundred Memories

“A Hundred Memories” (Korean: 백번의 추억) is a 2025 South Korean period melodrama that transports viewers to the vibrant yet turbulent 1980s. Airing on KBS2 from September 2025, the series captured the struggles, dreams, and bittersweet bonds of youth during a transformative era in Korean society.

Directed by Kim Sang-ho and written by Yang Hee-seung and Kim Bo-ram, the drama balances tender friendship, youthful romance, and the pursuit of personal dreams against the backdrop of rapid modernization.

Plot Synopsis

Set in 1980s Korea, “A Hundred Memories” follows two young women, Go Young-rye and Seo Jong-hee, who work as bus conductors while navigating the hardships of adulthood. Their lives take a dramatic turn when they encounter Han Jae-pil, a privileged young man hiding emotional wounds beneath a cold exterior.

As friendships deepen and romances spark, the trio’s lives become entangled in themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and self-discovery. Against a retro backdrop filled with bustling streets, and the grit of daily survival, “A Hundred Memories” tells a universal story of chasing dreams while holding on to love and friendship.

Cast & Characters

Main Cast

• Go Young-rye (Kim Da-mi) – A pure-hearted young woman who devotes herself to her loved ones. Working as a bus attendant, she dreams of becoming a teacher while navigating the struggles of daily life.
• Seo Jong-hee (Shin Ye-eun) – A defiant yet sensitive teenager with a rebellious streak. Often seen chewing bubble gum, she carries a strong personality but hides a vulnerable side.
• Han Jae-pil (Heo Nam-jun) – A privileged young man with a prickly exterior who conceals deep emotional scars. Despite his wealth, he longs for genuine connection and healing.
• Kang In-woo (Kim Jung-hyun) – A brilliant chaebol heir whose charm and intelligence are matched by his determination to win Go Young-rye’s heart, complicating the relationships around him.

Supporting Cast

• Lee Won-jung as Ma Sang-chul.
• Jeon Sung-woo as Ko Young-sik (Go Young-rye's tsundere brother, a law student).
• Park Ji-hwan as the head of the labor department at “Cheong Ah” Transportation.
• Lee Jung-eun as Young-rye's mother.

Reception

Even ahead of its premiere, “A Hundred Memories” generated strong buzz thanks to its evocative teasers and star-studded cast. Critics praised:

• Performances – especially Kim Da-mi’s grounded sincerity and Shin Ye-eun’s bold portrayal of 1980s youth.
• Retro authenticity – from costumes to set design, the drama recreated the decade’s atmosphere with painstaking detail.
• Narrative depth – balancing coming-of-age warmth with socially relevant undertones about class and gender roles.

Viewers responded emotionally to the show’s mix of nostalgia and universal storytelling, making it one of KBS’s standout dramas of 2025.

Fun Facts

• Kim Da-mi mentioned she chose this project because the story “spoke directly to the soul about family and friendship.”
• Shin Ye-eun and Kim Da-mi developed a strong off-screen friendship during filming, mirroring their on-screen bond.
• The production consulted with real former bus attendants from the 1980s to ensure authenticity.
• Heo Nam-jun’s role marks his official rise from supporting actor to leading man, gaining him significant attention.

Legacy

“A Hundred Memories” stands out as a poignant throwback drama that weaves nostalgia, youthful dreams, and heartfelt performances into a rich tapestry. Its look at friendship and first loves in a changing world resonates with audiences across generations, cementing its place as one of 2025’s most touching Korean dramas.

Where to Watch

Broadcast Schedule

• Aired on JTBC.

Streaming Access

• South Korea: TVING.
• Japan: U-Next.
• Globally: Viki.

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