A Hundred Memories: JTBC’s Nostalgic Bus-Ride into 1980s Youth and Love

A bus ride through Seoul’s 1980s glow,
Dreams, love, and friendships begin to grow,
A Hundred Memories—where nostalgia flows.

When a four-second teaser clip can send social media into a spin, you know a drama has struck a chord. JTBC’s upcoming series A Hundred Memories will premiere on 13 September 2025 at 10:40 PM KST. The youth melodrama is a retro love letter to the 1980s, centering on two bus attendants whose hopes and first loves collide against a rapidly modernizing Seoul.

Headlined by Kim Da-mi, Shin Ye-eun, and Heo Nam-joon, the show is penned by veteran writer Yang Hee-seung and directed by Kim Sang-ho. After an initial poster and teaser were released in early August, netizens flocked to comment—some intrigued by its Snowdrop vibes, others simply eager to join the ride.

Retro Bus Attendants and Dreams in 1980s Seoul

A Hundred Memories transports viewers to a time when bus hostesses—always women—were as iconic as the routes they served. In a bustling economy where real GDP growth exceeded 8% annually, these attendants handled fare collection and passenger safety with a signature cry of “Departing now, all right!”

The drama’s first teaser poster captures this spirit: Kim Da-mi and Shin Ye-eun stand in vintage uniforms and bright berets, signaling departure on Cheong-A Transport’s bus 100.

The series follows Go Young-rye, a model bus attendant whose motion sickness doesn’t stop her from working hard to support her mother and save for university. Her daily grind reflects the chaotic mornings of the 1980s, a period when bus queues rivaled those at India’s train stations. Seo Jong-hee (Shin Ye-eun) is an energetic newcomer who brings fresh energy and dreams of her own.

For Young-rye, education is a lifeline; university enrollment exploded from 192,000 students in 1970 to 611,000 by 1980, making college a coveted ticket to upward mobility. Jong-hee, meanwhile, dreams of becoming Miss Korea, mirroring how pageants inspired 80s young women.

Enter Han Jae-pil—the charismatic son of a department-store president. His wealth and polished demeanor earn him the nickname “prince charming.” Beneath that privileged exterior, however, lies deep emotional pain. In the teaser, a fleeting glance between him and the two women hints at a classic love triangle. Viewers will see the girls’ friendship tested by first love, echoing how social changes of the era balanced new opportunities with personal struggles.

Cast and Creative Team

• Kim Da-mi (internationally acclaimed for The Witch: Subversion) plays Go Young-rye, balancing filial duty and personal aspiration.
  
• Shin Ye-eun (from Secret: Untold Melody) brings bubbly charm to Seo Jong-hee.
  
• Heo Nam-joon, a rookie actor, portrays Han Jae-pil with hidden vulnerability.
  

Behind the scenes, Yang Hee-seung (writer of Crash Course in Romance and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo) pens the script, while Kim Sang-ho (Thirty-Nine) directs.

The drama will air 12 episodes every Saturday and Sunday on JTBC, beginning 13 September. According to Dispatch Korea, the teaser poster released on 7 August 2025 evoked nostalgia with its vintage imagery and tagline. Times of India notes that the teaser recreates the hectic routines of bus attendants who began their shifts before dawn, pushing passengers into crowded vehicles and reflecting the grit of ordinary workers during South Korea’s economic boom.

By anchoring the story in 1980s urban life, the series taps into a period when women’s participation in higher education was rising and cultural icons like Miss Korea captivated households. The contrast between Young-rye’s academic aspirations and Jong-hee’s pageant dreams offers a nuanced portrayal of coexisting ambitions within friendship. Coupled with Heo Nam-joon’s complicated chaebol heir, the character dynamics promise both heartwarming camaraderie and dramatic tension.

Netizen Reactions and Cultural Buzz

On Instagram, the teaser posted by the official account @jtbcdrama immediately drew waves of excited responses. Many fans pointed out the undeniable chemistry between the leads, which could already be felt even from such a short clip. Others highlighted Kim Da-mi’s remarkable track record of project choices, noting how each of her comebacks feels fresh, unexpected, and unlike anything she has done before.

Some fans even declared this moment as Da-mi’s long-awaited “romance era,” excited to see a softer side of the actress who is equally known for her powerful and emotional roles. At the same time, attention also shifted toward Shin Ye-eun, with playful remarks about her taking on a more melancholic role this time. Rather than discouraging viewers, it only fueled anticipation—many confirmed they would still watch to witness how the chemistry between the two actresses unfolds on screen.

The comments section became a snapshot of that anticipation—equal parts admiration, excitement, and the lighthearted banter that always fills K-drama fandom spaces:

“The chemistry already looks amazing. Can’t wait to watch Da-mi, my favorite.”

“Da-mi and her project choices—it’s always something new, and you can never predict how she’ll make her comeback.”

“Da-mi’s romance era is BACK!”

“Still watching, even if Ye-eun ends up as the sad girl.”

On Reddit, user perochan summarized the premise, explaining how Kim Da-mi’s character braves motion sickness to support her mother and chase her dream of attending college, while Shin Ye-eun plays a charismatic colleague who finds stability at the bus company. They also noted Heo Nam-joon’s Han Jae-pil hides deep pain beneath his privileged exterior. Many fans seem drawn to how the drama shines a light on everyday professions, while others are charmed by the leads’ chemistry or concerned about familiar tropes.

“Ooo. New highlighted occupation just dropped. I love it when characters have regular mundane jobs.”

“Oh boy I hope this show rocks. Will watch for Shin Ye Eun.”

“Ooh, I’m loving the poster and the overall feels! Not sure about the love triangle though…”

“Omg this is so cute, both the leads are so cute.”

“Not the love triangle please…. Enough is enough.”

Together, these reactions highlight both the anticipation and the hesitation: audiences are excited by the nostalgic concept and strong cast, but remain vocal about their preferences for how the story should unfold.

The nostalgia factor is clearly a major draw. Older Korean viewers recall seeing bus hostesses in berets before automated ticketing, while younger fans connect the retro look to dramas like Reply 1988. International fans compare the vibe to Snowdrop, another JTBC period romance.

As the premiere date approaches, expectations grow that A Hundred Memories will be more than just a romance. By spotlighting working-class women whose strength lies in camaraderie and ambition, the drama promises to be both a heartfelt journey and a cultural time capsule.

Sources: Times of India, Dispatch Korea, Wikipedia, X, Reddit