JTBC’s ‘A Hundred Memories’ captures the friendship and first love of youth in the 1980s with an analog sensibility, providing a poignant reminiscence that gently stirs the heart.
The first episode of JTBC’s weekend drama ‘A Hundred Memories’ (written by Yang Hee-seung and Kim Bo-ram, directed by Kim Sang-ho, produced by SLL), aired on the 13th, capturing viewers' attention from the opening scene.
In the morning of 1982, as the scene of the 100 bus rushing on the way to work unfolds, the energetic shout of the bus guide Go Young-rye (Kim Da-mi) echoes, vividly conveying the air and vitality of that era. Kim Da-mi's strong presence, Shin Ye-eun's delicate emotional acting, and Heo Nam-jun's fresh gaze combined to make the drama even more vibrant. Beyond a simple period piece, the actors' performances breathed life into the analog background, leading viewers into memories of first love and friendship in the 1980s.
Items like bus tokens, tokens, attendance records, abacuses, English books, and paper dolls added to the drama's realism. Even the smallest objects meticulously recreated the lifestyle of that time, receiving reactions that praised the show for “perfectly reviving the everyday life.” Although they had little, the moments of youth that shone because of each other are captured in ‘A Hundred Memories,’ conveying a special resonance to today’s viewers. The charm of the work can be summarized in four keywords.
#1. The ‘First Love Formula’ Evoked by Iconic Spaces of the 1980s
The drama unfolds against the backdrop of spaces and cultures representative of the 1980s, such as bus guides, music cafes, theaters, and school uniform meetings. In particular, the now-defunct job of a bus guide vividly resurrects the scene of that time, where she would shout “Orai~” while picking up passengers, collecting fares, and handing out tokens.
Young-rye’s portrayal conveys the vitality and romance of the youth roaming the streets of Seoul at that time, leaving a deep impression. In an era without cell phones or messengers, the analog ways of communication, such as encouragement notes from day school students to night school students, song requests at music cafes, and meetings in school uniforms, evoke that purity.
#2. Youth Blossoming Amid Despair, Two Girls Kim Da-mi and Shin Ye-eun as Comforts to Each Other
Faced with the shattered reality from the cart accident of Young-rye's mother (Lee Jeong-eun), Young-rye fell into despair, but her best friend Seo Jong-hee (Shin Ye-eun) was by her side. Even while handing over a large sum of money, she made Young-rye smile with a joke, saying, “I’ll save one wish token as a bonus,” helping her forget the harsh reality for a moment.
Above all, the scene where they turn on the bus radio and sing together using a mop as a microphone is a moment when Jong-hee alleviates Young-rye's despair and brings back her smile. Their friendship, which sparkled despite being poor and shabby, resonated deeply with viewers. A sense of empathy formed naturally, reflecting on “Although we had nothing, we were the most valuable strength to each other during that time.” The natural chemistry between Kim Da-mi and Shin Ye-eun amplified the authenticity of this scene.
#3. A Reunion Like a Twist of Fate, The Beginning of a Love Triangle?
Following the first episode that left a strong aftertaste with the theater's ‘Mouth Shut’ ending, the second episode unfolds another twist of fate. After finishing his final exams, Jae-pil (Heo Nam-jun) reluctantly attends a 4:4 meeting at the persuasion of his friend Ma Sang-cheol (Lee Won-jeong), where Young-rye and Jong-hee, who were attending night school, coincidentally reunite.
Young-rye instantly recognizes Jae-pil as the ‘Giant’ who saved her, and Jong-hee looks at him with an intrigued gaze. Their eyes meet, creating a tense atmosphere among the three, signaling the beginning of a love triangle where friendship and love intersect.
#4. Analog Sensibility Completed with Classic Songs
The immersion of the drama was heightened by classic songs from the 1980s. At the moment Young-rye falls for Jae-pil at first sight, the acoustic version of The Carpenters’ ‘Close to You’ (1970), remade by Baek Yerin, plays, amplifying the excitement of first love. The song ‘Wherever, Whatever, We Will Meet Again’ (1982) by Yusimcho, sung by Young-rye and Jong-hee in sync with the radio, adds warmth to their friendship.
Additionally, the ending of the 4:4 meeting features the unreleased song ‘Your Eyes Like Stars’ by Yoo Jae-ha from 1982, completing the lingering feeling of analog romance. The classic songs resonating across generations broaden the empathy between generations and maximize the emotional impact of the work.
‘A Hundred Memories’ airs every Saturday at 10:40 PM and Sunday at 10:30 PM on JTBC.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
