What unfolds when friendship, romance, and youthful ambition intersect against the evocative backdrop of 1960s South Korea? A Hundred Memories begins with what appears to be a familiar love triangle, featuring two young women working as bus conductors and the charismatic man who steps into their lives. But as the series progresses, it becomes clear that this story is not merely about who ends up with whom. Instead, it evolves into a heartfelt exploration of resilience, personal growth, and the quiet strength found in human connection.
Set in a post-war era where every dream feels hard-earned, the drama introduces Go Young Rye, a hardworking and spirited bus attendant at Cheon Ah Transportation. There, she strikes up a friendship with fellow conductor Seo Jong Hee. Their bond is soon tested when Young Rye falls for Jae Pil, a reserved yet compelling young man who, to her dismay, seems more drawn to Jong Hee. On the surface, it may sound like a familiar setup, but the series quickly reveals emotional layers beneath its vintage charm.
Young Rye is portrayed as a classic tomboy: short hair, practical clothes, unfussy about appearances, brave in the face of bugs, and well-loved among her coworkers for her reliability. Yet beyond the lively façade lies a young woman driven by a quiet, almost desperate yearning—to pursue education and become a Korean literature teacher. The real conflict in her story isn’t born from rivalry or melodrama but from economic hardship. As the eldest child in a family held together by a widowed mother, Young Rye carries the heavy burden of responsibility. Her dream is pure but painfully out of reach.
Jong Hee, on the other hand, initially presents as the beautiful best friend—often the archetype set up for envy or betrayal. But the series refuses to reduce her to a stereotype. She is self-aware, confident in her looks, and unapologetic about her dreams of becoming Miss Korea, and later, a celebrated actress. However, she also shows compassion and generosity, whether she’s advocating for fairer treatment of junior staff or offering her savings to help Young Rye’s struggling family. Still, her character is not without mystery. A man is seen searching for her, raising quiet but compelling questions about her past and her reasons for keeping it hidden.
Jae Pil, the object of both Young Rye and Jong Hee’s affections, could easily have been written as a blank canvas—handsome, distant, and little else. Fortunately, the show avoids that trap. While he initially fits the mold of the reluctant rebel—good at boxing but uninterested in pursuing it, intelligent but unmotivated in school—he is soon revealed to be more than the sum of these traits. His kindness feels authentic, his choices driven by personal conviction rather than convenience. Whether protecting a boxing rival from his father’s wrath or stepping in for Young Rye, Jae Pil emerges as someone whose actions consistently speak louder than his words.
Beyond the main trio, the series gives thoughtful attention to its supporting cast. Young Rye’s younger brother juggles law school with secret tutoring sessions for Jae Pil, all while trying to live up to the title of “man of the house.” Their mother works tirelessly to feed and clothe four children on her own. Jae Pil’s family dynamic also unfolds in subtle but telling ways—his stern father and socially awkward stepmother add complexity to his character, creating emotional echoes that influence his choices.
What distinguishes A Hundred Memories from other dramas with similar themes is its refusal to hinge its emotional weight solely on romantic tension. Instead, it finds beauty in the ordinary moments: an unspoken gesture of care, a shared dream whispered between friends, the quiet persistence of someone who dares to want more from life despite everything working against them. The series understands that love is not always the most urgent or transformative emotion—it is often the resilience to keep going, to believe in a better future, that resonates most deeply.
With its richly drawn characters, emotional nuance, and an undercurrent of hope that runs through even the most painful scenes, A Hundred Memories invites viewers into a world that feels both distant and familiar. It’s a story that doesn’t just ask “Who will he choose?” but instead gently wonders, “What kind of life do you choose to fight for?” And in that question lies the soul of this quiet, poignant drama.
