'A Hundred Memories' features not only the shining friendship of Kim Da-mi and Shin Ye-eun but also the heartfelt dormitory roommate stories of bus guides Lee Min-ji, Park Ye-ni, Oh Woo-ri, and Jeong Bo-min, who fill their time with laughter and tears together.
The new JTBC weekend drama 'A Hundred Memories' (written by Yang Hee-seung and Kim Bo-ram, directed by Kim Sang-ho), which will premiere on September 13, depicts the shining friendship of bus guides Young-rye and Jong-hee in the 1980s, as well as the poignant first love surrounding their fateful man, Jae-pil, in a new-tro youth melodrama.
There are characters that enrich their youthful stage, namely the fellow bus guides from Cheong-A Transportation: Kwon Hae-ja (played by Lee Min-ji), Choi Jeong-bun (played by Park Ye-ni), Cha Ok-hee (played by Oh Woo-ri), and Lim Ho-sook (played by Jeong Bo-min). The daily lives of these 'bus guides' in the 80s provide both laughter and empathy.
First, Hae-ja is the head of dormitory room 3, literally a 'dormitory dictator.' When she starts a diet, she bans food from the entire room and controls minor rules like cleaning and laundry based on her mood. She is particularly jealous of pretty juniors or smart friends, keeping a close eye on the overwhelmingly beautiful newcomer Jong-hee (played by Shin Ye-eun).
Jeong-bun fits the paradoxical description of a 'foul-mouthed pacifist.' She uses creative curses that leave listeners in awe, but in reality, she dislikes confrontation more than anyone and takes good care of her colleagues. With her good hands, she becomes a 'mother' figure who does the hair and makeup of the 'bus guides,' creating a warm cohabitation life.
Ok-hee is Hae-ja's loyal 'follower.' She is quick-witted and notices Hae-ja's mood first, adjusting accordingly. This survival instinct and clever social skills add a delightful energy to the drama.
Finally, the youngest in the dormitory, Ho-sook, is so cheerful that she lacks a bit of awareness. Therefore, she may seem clumsy on the surface, but sometimes she delivers a sharp remark that turns the situation around unexpectedly. As a result, Young-rye (played by Kim Da-mi) always keeps an eye on her as a protective figure.
These four unique 'bus guides' are roommates and colleagues who spend every day with Young-rye and Jong-hee, deeply intertwined in the youth narrative of the two protagonists. Lee Min-ji, Park Ye-ni, Oh Woo-ri, and Jeong Bo-min breathe vibrant life into their respective characters, bringing the 80s back to life once again, following 'Reply 1988.'
In particular, the realistic performances of these actors are a point of confidence for the production team. The production team of 'A Hundred Memories' stated, "'The episodes of the 'bus guides,' especially the girls' banter in the dormitory, change the dramatic atmosphere every time they occur. It feels like we are peeking into the hidden sides of the bus guides who lived earnestly during that time. Especially, the actors' lively performances truly evoke nostalgia. Please look forward to it."
'A Hundred Memories' is a collaboration between hit-maker writer Yang Hee-seung and director Kim Sang-ho. It will premiere on Saturday, September 13, at 10:40 PM on JTBC, following 'Esquire: Lawyers Who Dream of Being Lawyers.'
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
