A Hundred Memories Brings the Past to Life
A Hundred Memories is a K-drama that takes audiences back to 1980s Korea, shining a spotlight on a profession that has long since disappeared the bus attendant. The series follows the story of Go Young-rye, played by Kim Da-mi, and Seo Jong-hee, portrayed by Shin Ye-eun. Their unlikely friendship becomes the emotional core of a drama set against the changing social landscape of the decade.
Bus attendants, a female-only profession in Korea during that time, wore distinctive blue uniforms and red caps as they guided passengers, collected fares, and ensured order on crowded buses. By the late 1980s, automation had erased their roles, but the drama uses this backdrop to evoke nostalgia and highlight stories of resilience, dreams, and companionship.
Kim Da-mi’s character, Young-rye, is portrayed as bright, hardworking, and eager to improve her life, often seen reading or developing new skills whenever she can. She supports her struggling mother and younger siblings while balancing her duties at work. In contrast, Shin Ye-eun’s Jong-hee is confident, straightforward, and unwilling to be intimidated by others. The friendship between these two characters quickly becomes the heart of A Hundred Memories, with both women helping each other navigate challenges while sharing hopes for the future. Also Read: Julia Roberts: 3 Unexpected Moments from a Confusing Interview That Sparked Reactions
The drama begins with a chance encounter when Young-rye nearly gets left behind by her bus, only to be helped by Jong-hee. Later, Jong-hee joins the same bus company as a new recruit, and the pair soon form a close bond. Their shared experiences, from navigating strict supervisors to dreaming of education at night school, reflect the aspirations of many young women of the time.
As the story progresses, romantic subplots and encounters with Han Jae-pil, a boxer and son of a corporate chairman, add layers of drama, though the series never loses sight of its central friendship. The chemistry between Kim Da-mi and Shin Ye-eun is one of the show’s strongest assets, grounding the narrative in sincerity and warmth.
The series does not shy away from nostalgia. With references to popular culture of the 1980s, such as screenings of films like Madame Aema, the show captures the sights and sentiments of its era. Yet it also romanticizes the profession of bus attendants, avoiding deeper engagement with the harsh realities of their working conditions, which historically included poor pay, harassment, and humiliating treatment by employers.
A Hundred Memories Balances Nostalgia and Drama
While A Hundred Memories offers a unique setting that distinguishes it from many contemporary dramas, it leans heavily on familiar K-drama tropes. The inclusion of love triangles, family struggles, and melodramatic subplots sometimes overshadows the more original elements of the series. Still, the central friendship between Young-rye and Jong-hee elevates the story, thanks to the committed performances of the lead actors.
Supporting characters, including Young-rye’s mother and her classmates at night school, add depth to the narrative but occasionally feel underdeveloped compared to the main storyline. Nevertheless, the show succeeds in creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort, appealing to viewers who enjoy period dramas filled with charm and emotional bonds.
The production design deserves special mention. From costumes to set pieces, the attention to detail helps bring the 1980s setting to life, immersing viewers in a world that feels both distant and familiar. Combined with a stirring soundtrack, the drama creates an evocative experience that blends memory with fiction.
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Conclusion
A Hundred Memories is a nostalgic yet rose-tinted portrayal of a bygone profession and the friendships that blossomed in its shadow. While it avoids some of the darker truths of the era, the series remains compelling thanks to strong performances by Kim Da-mi and Shin Ye-eun. Anchored by heartfelt storytelling, it delivers comfort, emotion, and a vivid slice of Korea’s past, making it a noteworthy addition to the year’s K-drama lineup.
