'A Hundred Memories' is coming to evoke nostalgia for everyone, whether they experienced the 1980s or not.
On the afternoon of the 11th, the press conference for JTBC's weekend drama 'A Hundred Memories' (written by Yang Hee-seung and Kim Bo-ram, directed by Kim Sang-ho) was held at The Link Hotel in Sindorim, Seoul. Kim Da-mi, Shin Ye-eun, Heo Nam-jun, and director Kim Sang-ho were present at the event.
Set to premiere on the 13th at 10:40 PM, 'A Hundred Memories' is a new-tro youth melodrama that depicts the shining friendship of bus guide Ko Young-rye (played by Kim Da-mi) and Seo Jong-hee (played by Shin Ye-eun) in the 1980s, along with their poignant first love surrounding the fateful man Han Jae-pil (played by Heo Nam-jun).
Writer Yang Hee-seung, known for trendy works like 'Crash Course in Romance', 'Once Again', 'Familiar Wife', 'Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo', and 'Oh My Ghost', has teamed up with director Kim Sang-ho, who directed 'Thirty, Nine'.
Director Kim Sang-ho stated, "I hope this drama can resonate with both those who experienced that era and those who did not." He added, "I am of an age where I did not directly experience the era depicted in the script. I had many concerns, but I believe that what a drama does is tell stories about emotions. There are universal feelings that transcend time, age, and gender, so I tried my best to capture that."
He further explained, "Nowadays, we can communicate instantly. I think the 1980s had a purity and freshness unique to that time. While thinking about the 1980s, there was a theme of 'youth'. Although it may not be sophisticated or mature, I believe that the emotions felt during that time, as they grow and interact, will resonate universally."
Kim Da-mi plays the role of bus guide Ko Young-rye. Young-rye is diligent and intelligent but has a quirky side that no one can control once she gets going. As the eldest daughter among five siblings, she endures motion sickness to help her mother with her business and to support her older brother, a law student at a prestigious university, but she chooses to work on the bus instead of doing simple factory labor.
Kim Da-mi explained, "I heard that the feeling of first love has a unique emotional quality that belongs to the 1980s. Although it's first love, the emotions are felt intensely. I wanted to express that in a way that fits the era."
Regarding her chemistry with her best friend Seo Jong-hee, played by Shin Ye-eun, she said, "Since I'm not an outgoing person, we initially felt each other's vibe and gradually became close." She continued, "Rather than thinking we needed to get close, we immersed ourselves in our acting, and I felt our hearts connecting deeply as we performed together."
Kim Da-mi also praised Shin Ye-eun, saying, "I felt that Ye-eun is a friend with a passion for acting. I learned a lot from watching her. She strives not to waste a single scene, which is impressive."
Director Kim praised Kim Da-mi, saying, "She shows honest and sincere acting. Young-rye may seem frustrating by today's standards, and it's important to portray her without pretense. I think Kim Da-mi's honesty and authenticity bring the character to life." He added, "She has prepared a lot and has many ideas. We discussed a lot during filming."
Shin Ye-eun plays the role of Seo Jong-hee, a new bus guide who appears like a comet at Cheong Ah Transportation. Jong-hee is full of energy and enthusiasm, straightforward yet possessing a complex inner world that craves love more than anyone else.
Shin Ye-eun explained, "I wanted Jong-hee to have a unique image that differs from the bus guides of that time. I wore styles that might not have existed back then, even though I also wore bell-bottoms and denim jackets from that era. I wanted to show a different charm with long straight hair and a chic look."
In addition to 'A Hundred Memories', Shin Ye-eun has appeared in various period dramas and historical dramas such as 'Flower Scholar's Love Story', 'Jungnyeon', and 'Tackling'. She stated, "Being able to experience various eras is an advantage of being an actor."
She added, "When it comes to the Joseon era, I try to be thorough from the basics, so I take acting classes without fail. I focus on pronunciation in the lines and try to capture the rhythm and walking style of the era. I sought a lot of advice while working on period dramas like 'Jungnyeon'."
Shin Ye-eun also mentioned, "This is a very personal thought, but I believe my face and image are not exceptionally unique, but I have a good talent for adapting to any environment. I try to be confident." She explained, "The style of clothes and hair I wear while acting changes my tension and emotional immersion. In 'A Hundred Memories', I created my character with a slim styling and a Miss Korea-like demeanor."
Regarding her chemistry with Kim Da-mi, she said, "Da-mi has a calmness and warmth that greatly helped me adapt to the character and create Jong-hee."
She continued, "I often find myself in awe of Da-mi's acting. I've told many friends and acquaintances that when I'm worried or sometimes doubt my performance, looking into Da-mi's eyes makes me act beyond my expectations. I felt for the first time that I naturally became Jong-hee without thinking about the emotions. I think Kim Da-mi is an amazing person."
She expressed her affection, saying, "Ko Young-rye and I are similar. Just as Jong-hee falls in love with Young-rye, I find myself rooting for Kim Da-mi in her life. I hope she is happy, and I feel a desire to protect her if someone bothers her. It's endearing and precious."
Director Kim noted, "Shin Ye-eun is very different from Kim Da-mi. She acts instinctively and has great spontaneity. Sometimes, even when I say, 'This is already great,' she has the ambition to think about how to bring out her performance, which reflects in her character."
Heo Nam-jun plays the role of Han Jae-pil, the 'prince on a white horse' who receives the love of both Ko Young-rye and Seo Jong-hee. He is the son of a department store owner and a senior at a prestigious high school, but he struggles internally due to childhood wounds. To overcome his pain, he leads a double life as a model student by day and a boxer by night.
He explained, "To understand the 1980s, I asked my father a bit. I had previously asked the director and writer about my curiosities, but rather than seeking answers, I was just curious about that era."
He added, "Being called a 'prince on a white horse' is something I can't avoid. He is a character who hides a lot. He doesn't flaunt his wealth. Since he has wounds, he wants to appear strong on the outside while protecting his vulnerable side." He continued, "That aspect might come off as annoying to others."
He also mentioned, "While playing a high school senior, I wore a school uniform. I’m 19 years old and wearing a school uniform. I’m grateful to the director. The only thing I could do was wear the clothes; I’ve never even done skin care," which brought laughter.
Director Kim expressed gratitude, saying, "Heo Nam-jun's acting is very stable. He expresses himself well even without specific direction. Outwardly, he is the most energetic among the three. He is bright and tries to lighten the atmosphere. He did well with a smile."
He continued, "When looking at documentaries and other materials, I found that people who seemed young often appeared much more mature. A 20-year-old can look like they are in their 30s. We decided to align the ages of the main characters with the era rather than casting them younger."
He added, "The story is divided into two parts, showing the youthful appearance of just turning 20 and the more mature appearance in the latter half. You will be able to see why these three were cast."
'A Hundred Memories' will premiere on the 13th at 10:40 PM.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
