‘A Hundred Memories’ revealed a maze of tangled emotions through the character relationship chart and letter introduction that were made public.
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 guide Young-rye (played by Kim Da-mi) and Jong-hee (played by Shin Ye-eun) in the 1980s, as well as their poignant first love surrounding the fateful man Jae-pil (played by Heo Nam-jun).
In an era without cell phones or the internet, the only ways to convey feelings were through a public phone call and a few letters. ‘A Hundred Memories’ brings back that pure method, generating buzz.
If the letters released on the official website capture the confessions of youth in writing, the still cuts released on the 8th convey the moments infused with those feelings through gazes and scenes, unfolding a full course of bittersweet first love narratives.
#1. The Hearts of Two Girls Toward Heo Nam-jun, Kim Da-mi and Shin Ye-eun
Young-rye (played by Kim Da-mi), the exemplary guide of Cheong-A Transportation's bus number 100, and new guide Jong-hee (played by Shin Ye-eun) are friends who share dreams and daily lives beyond mere colleagues. Young-rye's confession, “You are a gift from the heavens to me, a truly miraculous friend,” and Jong-hee's honest feelings, “Yet, I love you so much,” illustrate their relationship well. However, as moments of friendship, jealousy, love, and longing intersect, the appearance of the fateful character Jae-pil (played by Heo Nam-jun) begins to create cracks. Young-rye develops a crush on Jae-pil, while Jong-hee is shaken by complex emotions as she watches Young-rye. With just five days until the premiere, curiosity about where the hearts of the three will lead is heightened.
#2. The Gazes of Two Men Toward Kim Da-mi, Kim Jung-hyun and Lee Won-jung
However, there are two men whose gazes are always fixed on Young-rye. They are Jung-hyun (played by Kim Jung-hyun) and Sang-cheol (played by Lee Won-jung). Jung-hyun, who has always watched her as the younger brother of his friend Young-sik (played by Jeon Sung-woo), throws out playful jokes on the surface but secretly hides warm feelings, acting as a 'Pygmalion'. On the other hand, Jae-pil's friend Sang-cheol, who is simple, ignorant, and free-spirited like his nickname 'Danmuji' (pickled radish), falls head over heels for Young-rye at first sight during a meeting. While Young-rye's crush is directed at Jae-pil, the addition of the two men's gazes surrounding her completes a narrative worthy of a 'first love hotspot', igniting curiosity about the direction of their love.
#3. Heo Nam-jun's Letter, Who is the Recipient?!
The charm of ‘A Hundred Memories’ lies in Jae-pil's letter. Starting with the line, “Even when I see you, I miss you, and I want to see you again,” his writing is sweet yet poignant. However, the actual recipient of the letter remains shrouded in mystery. The released two-shot of Young-rye and Jae-pil conveys the excitement of a bittersweet first love, while the two-shot of Jong-hee and Jae-pil reveals a strange tension, adding more diverse interpretations for viewers. Speculations in drama communities include “Is the letter's protagonist Young-rye or Jong-hee?” and reactions like “The narrative of youth romance is already complete from the letter.” This is why it has been nicknamed a 'first love hotspot' even before its broadcast.
The production team stated, “The diverse emotional lines created by the analog feelings of that time, such as public phones and letters, will be at the center of the drama,” adding, “Moments of first love that anyone can relate to will resonate with viewers' hearts. We ask for much interest and anticipation until the much-anticipated premiere.” ‘A Hundred Memories’ is a collaboration between hit-maker writer Yang Hee-seung and director Kim Sang-ho. It will premiere on September 13 at 10:40 PM on JTBC, following ‘Esquire: Lawyers Who Dream of Being Lawyers’.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
