For this edition of our drama review, we’re sharing our thoughts on a touching and nostalgic story about friendship, family, and love. Let’s talk about ‘A Hundred Memories’.
Written by Yang Hee-seung and Kim Bo-ram, and directed by Kim Saang-ho, ‘A Hundred Memories’ is set in the 1980s and follows the life of a bus hostess doing her best to support her family, pursue an education, and stand by her friends no matter what
Friendship on the Road
Go Young-rye (Kim Da-mi) works as a bus hostess to help her struggling family while living in a dorm with her coworkers. Despite her modest life, she dreams of saving enough money to one day attend university.
While working for the bus company, she meets Seo Jong-hee (Shin Ye-eun), a newcomer with a bright personality and a mysterious past. The two quickly form a deep friendship, supporting each other through the ups and downs of their challenging lives.
One day, while collecting fares, a passenger refuses to pay the full amount, confronting Young-rye aggressively. In that moment, Han Jae-pil (Heo Nam-jun) steps in to defend her and makes the man pay up.
Jae-pil, a third-generation chaebol, has a complicated relationship with his father and is determined to make his own way in life — a chance encounter that soon ties his path with Young-rye and Jong-hee.
A Complicated Love Triangle
Young-rye falls for Jae-pil at first sight, but unfortunately, his heart is set on her best friend, Jong-hee. Choosing loyalty over love, Young-rye decides to keep her feelings hidden. However, Jong-hee, noticing her friend’s quiet affection, chooses to step back from Jae-pil, though life has other plans.
Jong-hee continues to struggle with her troubled past, which refuses to let her go. Determined to protect her friend, Young-rye does everything she can to help, but eventually, Jong-hee is forced to leave in order to protect herself and those she cares about.
Seven Years Later
After seven long years, Jong-hee returns, now as the daughter of a powerful chairwoman. But the reunion isn’t as simple as she hoped. The world she left behind has changed, and her old friends have grown in ways she didn’t expect.
Young-rye and Jae-pil have developed a deep friendship over the years, and Jong-hee feels out of place seeing them together. Despite her efforts to rekindle what was once lost, she realizes that time has changed everything, and Jae-pil’s heart now belongs to someone else.
A Beautiful Coming-of-Age Story
‘A Hundred Memories’ is a touching coming-of-age drama that explores themes of loyalty, love, gender inequality, and resilience. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, it sheds light on the social struggles and financial hardships of the time while celebrating the power of friendship and perseverance.
The performances are truly remarkable, with Kim Da-mi, Shin Ye-eun, and Heo Nam-jun shining alongside veterans like Lee Jung-eun, Kim Jung-hyun, and Kim Ji-hyun. Each actor brings authenticity and warmth to their role, making the story’s emotional journey all the more impactful.
If you’re looking for a heartfelt drama filled with nostalgia, emotional depth, and strong performances, ‘A Hundred Memories’ is one you won’t want to miss.
It’s available on Viki, and you can watch the trailer below.
