JTBC's new Saturday-Sunday drama, <A Hundred Memories>, piques curiosity right from its title. The word "hundred," which one might associate with the number of loves, actually refers to the No. 100 bus where the main characters work. Instead of a romantic fantasy about loving a hundred times, the drama transports us on a nostalgic journey to 1980s Seoul, depicting the lives, friendships, and budding love stories of the No. 100 bus conductors. From its first episode, the drama has captured viewers' attention by promising more than a simple romance; it aims to warmly portray the social landscape and the joys and sorrows of youth during that era, all through the eyes of those in a now-vanished profession: the "bus girl."
The drama is specifically set in the year 1982. This makes it a true retro piece, delving a full generation deeper than the more commonly seen 1990s nostalgia. One of the most iconic figures of this era was the female bus conductor. The sight of them collecting tokens or ticket stubs from passengers and shouting "Orai!" (a Japanized version of "All right!") is a scene that has now faded into history. The drama meticulously restores the daily routines of these conductors, who would board passengers through the middle door to collect fares, unlike the front-door system of today. For those who lived through the era, it evokes a deep sense of nostalgia, while for the younger generation, it offers fresh and fascinating insight, creating a deeply immersive experience of the period.
<A Hundred Memories> has poured considerable effort into its visual details to authentically recreate the atmosphere of the 1980s on screen. A prime example is the scene of a jam-packed bus that appears right at the start of the drama. The sight of conductors pushing passengers into the bus, which was packed like a can of sardines, vividly illustrates the arduous daily commute of the time. This was not a phenomenon limited to buses. In those days, there were even part-time workers known as "push-men" at subway stations, whose job was to shove passengers into crowded trains. By calmly portraying these facets of the era without exaggeration, the drama succeeds not just in setting a scene but in allowing viewers to feel the texture and mood of people's lives back then.
At the heart of this nostalgic journey are three main characters, each with a distinct personality. Actress Kim Da-mi plays Go Yeong-rye, a senior conductor who works steadfastly to support her family. She is a character with a pure and warm heart who doesn't lose hope amidst a harsh reality. Actress Shin Ye-eun takes on the role of Seo Jong-hee, a bold and forthright rookie conductor. As a proactive female figure who refuses to bow to the established hierarchy and speaks her mind, she injects a vibrant energy into the story. Finally, actor Heo Nam-joon plays Han Jae-pil, a high school senior who has returned to school after a year off. He is a multi-layered character with the background of being a department store owner's son and the unexpected side of being a boxer. The anticipation is high for the story that will unfold as these three cross paths.
The drama's story truly begins as Seo Jong-hee joins the No. 100 bus company as a new conductor. The world she first encounters on the bus is one governed by the hazing of senior members and strict rules. However, Seo Jong-hee is not intimidated in the slightest. On the contrary, she boldly stands up against unfair treatment and shows a will to improve inefficient practices. Her attitude comes as a fresh shock to her senior, Go Yeong-rye, who had been quietly carrying out her duties. Although she has a clumsy side, such as trying to pack in so many people that she fails to get on the bus herself, Go Yeong-rye, who loves her job, finds herself increasingly drawn to Seo Jong-hee's confident charm, and a special bond begins to sprout between them.
The moment that transforms their relationship from mere colleagues into inseparable best friends—a bond known in Korean as "jukmagou," signifying a deep friendship akin to childhood friends—comes when Seo Jong-hee is entangled in a false accusation. In a situation where most people would have either endured the injustice or sought help, Seo Jong-hee uncovers the truth and proves her innocence through her own efforts. Go Yeong-rye, who watches this process unfold, is deeply impressed by her strength and sense of justice. Having confirmed their solid trust in each other through this incident, the two become each other's staunchest supporters, reborn as true companions who will navigate the unfamiliar era of the 80s together. Their "womance" is set to become the most crucial emotional thread driving the narrative.
The plot is expected to enter a new phase as the character Han Jae-pil enters the space between Go Yeong-rye and Seo Jong-hee's strong friendship. After coincidentally meeting the two on the bus, Han Jae-pil is poised to become more than just a high school student, evolving into a significant figure in their lives. Despite his wealthy background as a department store owner's son, he shows an unpredictable side, pursuing his passion for boxing to the point of appearing on television after competing in a tournament by chance. His appearance is expected to inject both fresh excitement and subtle tension into the two friends' relationship, signaling the beginning of a love triangle that will capture the growing pains of youth in the 80s.
The drama also sheds an interesting light on the lives of bus conductors of the time. Mostly young women in their early 20s, they lived and worked together in dormitories. A unique community culture with its own rules, including a "room leader" for each room, existed among them, which hints at the large number of women employed in this profession at the time. Furthermore, a scene where Go Yeong-rye and Seo Jong-hee go to the movies together features the era's blockbuster hit, 'Madame Aema,' enhancing the period atmosphere. Coincidentally, a series inspired by 'Madame Aema' was recently produced by Netflix, and this kind of cultural code connecting the past and present offers a unique layer of fun for viewers.
An interesting point lies in the subtle differences between the drama's setting, actual history, and its filming locations. In the show, the No. 100 bus is depicted as a route operating in Incheon, but the real historical No. 100 bus ran through the Yeongdeungpo area of Seoul. Furthermore, the main filming location was not Seoul or Incheon, but Jeonju. This decision was likely made because the atmosphere of Jeonju, where the nostalgic scenery of the 80s is well-preserved, was deemed most suitable for realizing the drama's retro concept. The serene and friendly ambiance, reminiscent of the Jeonju Hanok Village, blends perfectly with the drama's lyrical tone, effortlessly guiding viewers into the memories of that era.
<A Hundred Memories> also raises expectations with the stable performances of its lead actors. Kim Da-mi is expected to infuse her unique charm—a mix of innocence and a touch of naivety—into the character of Go Yeong-rye, stirring the protective instincts of the audience. Meanwhile, Shin Ye-eun once again solidifies her image as a sharp and confident character, a persona she has demonstrated in recent works, firmly anchoring the drama's center. However, there is a minor point of critique that even considering the 80s setting, some characters, including the high school student, appear slightly old for their roles. Planned for a total of 12 episodes, this drama is expected to become a warm and cherished piece that will be remembered not for explosive plot twists, but for its quiet yet deeply resonant story.
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