A Hundred Memories

1950s values - shallow blinded women competing. doormat women doting on stoic parastitic guys

The first few episodes while they are bus conductors are cute and ok and even powerful social commentary. That part shows young ppl putting in effort to move forward in life, and "UglyFriend" as a powerful force in social change and worker's rights. BUT THEN THE CHARACTERS NEVER GROW MUCH IF AT ALL.
After the time gap, this drama went totally trashy and promoted 1950s relationship between YR the doormat and JP the entitled male brat

The ONLy good part was the MrQueen King actor, he was awesome, and Sang Cheol taking Single Mom on a honeymoon and saying he will do his best to bring home a honeymoon baby. And scenes of him and Mr Kim the driver talking about handing off the fatherhood and Mr. Kim peeking at the church. The rest... forget.

The rest was trash - the narcissist JH and her abuse of YR being mean etc, YR as the naive baby girl doormat sucking up to JP, and JP as a robotic poker face using YR and then playing with JH

YR is somehow supposed to be good for being a naive immature doormat who taks cute like a little girl and thinks cute like a little girl and crawls on the floor FOR YEARS to catch any sign of polite and cold kindness of the fat as@ Jae Pil, who finally bestowes his princely charms because he realizes he needs YR as a personal servant for free the rest of his life.

The characater of JH is immature, mean, shallow to the max, and the most disturbing thing is how many of the audience found her charming and angelic and even accused YR of backstabbing her. All the narcissists in the world love JH ....

OVERALL THE DRAMA IS ABOUT TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS THAT DO NOT ADVANCE AT ALL BC PEOPLE DO NOT CHANGE

IT IS HOPELESS
and that is very western. This is Netflix. THe drama is about ordinary toxic ppl doing toxic things and not fixing their messes. It is a study in toxicity. REading the comments and reflecting on the drama should be a required homework for every psychiatrist, psychoilogist and social worker.

THIS IS JUST 10000% TOXIC

and worth watching just to analyze all the shades of it
The acting is good so you get to see how real life plays out

TERRIBLE, DISAPPOINTING, HOPELESS, NO CHARACTER GROWTH, JUST TOXIC, **** DEAD END ****

YR, JH and JP are very realistic toxic characters from real life. And that is why it is so frustrating to watch YET ANOTHER character like that for 12 hours. Nuff already. We saw it all. We see it every day. We do not need to see that anymore! We need to see the solutions.

This drama skillfully and cunningly endorses "1950s" type of people and relationships as commendable, so in fact it promotes the status quo in sexism, catering to men, women competing and backstabing each other for men, shallow ambition of being in a peagant, shallow ambition of waiting around a guy, women not thinking further than their nose, men ennjoying privileges and personal servants for free, etc. This drama could have been set in Goreo or Joseon or before, and it would be the SAME plot.
And that dead-end just stating problems and never showing any hope for any solution is the trademark of western media.
For a piece of art to be truly a piece of art, it has to give some ideas for solutions and has to show some transformation.

This particular drama is useful as a study in toxicity because you can dig through the layers and you can see the comments of the audience and realize the toxicity in the society and the false beliefs.

**** So this drama is useful like a dissection class at the medical school. **** But someone needs to start producing art with solutions, ie. some healing ideas and solutions.

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Insufferable love triangle, lost it's value in part 2

They threw away all the potential built in part 1 and turned it into a soap opera slash makjang mess in part 2. Whoever wrote part 2 should never be allowed to write again.

How is it that all the misfortunes fall onto Jonghee’s lap, and all the qualities of a male lead are given to Junghyun, yet we’re still expected to root for the main couple?

Jonghee and Junghyun were well written, layered characters, but they ended up being used merely as tools to push the main couple together. The romance in part 2 felt like a checklist, another cliche from kdrama land, where the first male and female leads must end up together no matter what.

Jaepil was more interesting in part 1, when he was decisive, broken yet soft, he knew he liked Jonghee so he actively pursued her. The hate his character received later on is understandable given how poorly written his development became. We were not given enough foundation on how his heart moved to Youngrye other than Youngrye was the one who takes care of his personal (and family's) needs.

Youngrye in part 2 fell into one dimensional main lead syndrome. She eventually got everything while Jonghee had so little, yet lost so much. This contrast made some of us can't help but symphatize with Jonghee rather than Youngrye. The only thing Youngrye's character showed in part 2 was her being a lovesick. She was supposed to be ambitious but the only thing she chased was Jaepil. I cannot comprehend how she still clung to her bestfriend's ex after everything that happened to Jonghee without feeling guilty (and after the grand monologue of ending her unrequited love!). I blame the writer for her such an out-of-character degradation.

This drama would have been so much better if it had focused on female friendship instead of forcing them into rivalry. It could’ve been heartwarming and soul-lifting, but instead, we only got an insufferable love triangle. I genuinely feel sorry for the actors. The only silver lining is maybe the hype from all of this madness could help the actors to be more selective in accepting scripts.

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feel back and relax

I’ve just started A Hundred Memories and I’m already hooked. From the very first episode, it draws you in with heartfelt storytelling, layered characters, and a nostalgic atmosphere that feels both emotionally rich and visually authentic. Set in 1980s South Korea, the drama doesn’t just lean on retro aesthetics for charm — it uses the era meaningfully to explore themes of dreams, sacrifice, and friendship.

The main characters — Go Young-rye and Seo Jong-hee — are immediately compelling. Young-rye is hardworking, grounded, and relatable, a young woman juggling dreams of going to university with the burden of supporting her family as a bus conductor. Jong-hee, in contrast, is vibrant, charming, and confident, but not without her own complexities. Their bond feels real, and watching their friendship unfold against the backdrop of growing tensions (and possible romance) adds depth to the story.

What really makes this drama stand out so far is how it captures the feel of the 1980s. The uniforms, the buses, the handwritten tickets, even the sound of old radios and bustling stations — it all brings a wave of nostalgia, whether you lived through the era or just appreciate stories grounded in a time of transition. It gives the show a warmth and sincerity that’s hard to fake. The atmosphere is comforting, even as the story deals with serious themes like societal expectations, lost opportunities, and emotional wounds.

The pacing has been well-balanced so far — thoughtful but never slow — and I’m genuinely curious to see how the characters grow, especially with the hints of a love triangle and family pressures simmering beneath the surface. I’m particularly interested in Jae-pil’s backstory and how his relationship with the girls will develop. There’s a lot of promise here for emotional depth, and the chemistry among the leads makes it easy to get invested.

Overall, A Hundred Memories is shaping up to be a beautiful period drama — nostalgic without being overly sentimental, grounded in relatable struggles, and filled with the kind of sincerity that makes you want to keep watching. I’m definitely excited to see more, and I have a feeling this one is going to leave a lasting impression.

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A Bus Full of Memories

What does “memory” mean to you?
- For me, it’s like a bus that has already left.
+ But if you stay there and wait patiently, it will surely come back.

About the story, I’ll tell you: the main focus is friendship—two people whose bond develops quickly but is very valuable to them. They do everything they can to protect each other, even if it means sacrificing themselves.
Many people didn’t like how the story progressing, but I disagree with them. They just had certain expectations in their minds that the story didn’t follow. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad story. But rest assured, it has a happy ending; everyone ends up happy. And so do I.

If you ask about the acting, it was amazing. I’ve seen Kim Da-mi in many roles, and this one was different for them—but she handled it really well. As for Seo Jung-hee, I had only seen her in Glory and only knew she was beautiful, but through this drama, I realized that besides beauty, she is also a talented actress. Regarding the male lead, honestly, I didn’t know him well and wasn’t a fan. When I realized he was the ML, I was a bit disappointed. But he did his role well, and that’s enough. The other characters each had their own stories—not that they focused on them too much, just briefly—but even that was enough for me to feel that it wasn’t just about the three main characters; the others existed too.

The main songs weren’t particularly memorable, but they weren’t bad either. I didn’t focus on the music, but it didn’t make me dislike the drama.

I generally don’t rewatch series because the story feels repetitive, but if my mind were clear, I would definitely watch this drama from the beginning again. I love how their relationships and friendships develop, their hangouts, their happiness, and their sadness. Like it all.🥹✨

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A Hundred Memories: What Doesn’t Return

Set in 1980s South Korea, A Hundred Memories is a slice-of-life drama where a backdrop filled with analog and nostalgic elements embraces both the pain and beauty of everyday life — like a wildflower blooming through concrete.

The beginning is slow and subtle, but as the minutes pass and life unfolds, what once seemed like coincidence gains weight, revealing itself as fate through the gentle lens of Ko Youngrye — the eldest daughter in a humble family of five. After her father’s death, she puts her dreams on hold to help her mother support the family by working as a bus fare collector at Cheong Ah Transport. On what appears to be an ordinary day, two meaningful encounters take place: her eyes meet those of Seo Jonghui, who would later become her coworker, and Han Jaepil, her first love. And so begins an emotional journey where young hearts must navigate new and conflicting feelings.

I’ll admit I have a bit of a bias against love triangles, so I started off wary, expecting the cliché of two best friends fighting over the same man to feel shallow. But A Hundred Memories made it work — at least in the beginning. I still remember the thrill of wondering who the final couple would be (good times).

After all the emotional weight and tension of the first part, the seven-year time skip changes everything. The relationships lose their grounding, and much is left to the viewer’s imagination.

YR’s feelings endure over time, and her bond with JP grows deeper and more intimate. Meanwhile, JH lives a life of appearances, feeding the ego of her adoptive mother who forbids her from reconnecting with her past. When that connection finally happens, it triggers an inner conflict — the past she remembers so fondly no longer exists. People have changed, matured, and she seems to be the only one who changed on the outside but remains the same confused JH inside, lost in a role she can’t escape.

Watching A Hundred Memories was a meaningful journey. Even now, I’m not entirely sure how I feel about the series. The issue wasn’t with the main characters or the final couple — I quietly rooted for YR and JP, and I didn’t dislike the idea of JH and JP either. For me, either pairing could’ve worked as long as it made sense. Still, I wasn’t fully satisfied. After the rush of the ending faded, I was left with a bittersweet feeling and the sense that something was unresolved. Honestly, I missed a sincere and emotional reconciliation between the girls — they made a point of showing their downfall in the rain, so why not show the healing and forgiveness too?

That said, the supporting cast was delightful. I really enjoyed the development of the relationship between YR’s friend and JP’s friend — it was the breath of fresh air I needed after getting so annoyed with driver Kim. Oh, and I missed seeing more of YR’s brother — he definitely deserved more screen time!

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A Retro Ride with Heart

This drama gave me major retro vibes — think Reply 1988, but with its own beautiful twist. It’s got everything that makes a slice-of-life drama hit right in the feels — the helplessness of a son who just wants to give his family the world, the desperation of a daughter doing everything she can to protect hers, genuine female friendship, and of course… a classic K-drama love triangle (because what’s a retro story without one, right?).
What I absolutely loved is how Hundred Memories reminds us of the tiny joys we often overlook — having dinner together, laughing through struggles, realizing that happiness isn’t about wealth but about being surrounded by people who truly care for you.
✨ Favorite moment? When the mother has an accident and the daughter realizes how important money is — yet still refuses to sacrifice love and relationships for it. That scene hit different.
P.S. Finished watching this on Oct 21 — and trust me, the ending is so satisfying. No loose ends, no heartbreak hangovers — just a beautiful, full-circle closure. 💛

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Friendship Over Rivalry: The True Triangle in A Hundred Memories

When we talk about love triangles, we usually picture rivalry, jealousy, or even betrayal between two friends. That’s the cliché. But A Hundred Memories dares to flip the formula. Ko Yeong Rye is in love with Jae Pil, but Jae Pil is drawn to Seo Jong Hee. The twist? Yeong Rye and Jong Hee aren’t rivals—they’re best friends. That choice changes everything.

It’s a premise that echoes Truffaut’s Jules et Jim (1962), where friendship and love collide in a way that feels honest rather than melodramatic. Or think of My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997), where the story doesn’t end with the expected romantic “win,” but with a bittersweet acceptance of friendship over rivalry. That’s the same kind of vibe A Hundred Memories might be leaning toward.

What are the possible outcomes? One: Jong Hee could renounce Jae Pil, leaving nobody with anyone. Two: once Jae Pil shows clear interest in Jong Hee, Yeong Rye would realistically back away—because being the “second choice” is painful, maybe even unbearable. And three: there’s Jong Hee’s brother, the law student, who already seems intrigued by her. He could easily become the unexpected twist in this delicate balance.

And then there’s that closing scene of Episode 4. Jae Pil accidentally runs into Jong Hee, now wearing her work uniform. His silence and stare linger too long—it feels exaggerated, almost as if the uniform itself carries judgment. If it were me, I’d have gone with something natural like, “Oh, what a surprise, I didn’t know you worked here.” But the direction makes his hesitation about status clear. Is he truly shocked… or is the drama emphasizing how much appearances still matter in this world?

We’ll see in Episode 5 if he softens his reaction or doubles down. Either way, it’s a fascinating tension between natural storytelling and heightened drama.

Episode 10 Update
With just one weekend left before it ends, the series chooses stability over catharsis.
After Hee and Rye finally face each other and admit they love the same man, the show instantly cools everything down. Hee realizes—without anyone having to tell her—that she has no real chance against Rye. From that point on, she practically disappears from the episode when it comes to Pil: no contact, no exchange, just her own tension with her mother and the brief encounter with Rye’s brother. It’s a deliberate narrative choice: the script removes her from the love triangle and reframes her as a social mirror rather than a romantic rival. The result is an emotional void—the triangle doesn’t resolve, it simply fades away. A Hundred Memories shifts from the inner fire of feelings to the outer order of hierarchy. Visually stunning, yes, but clearly a choice for stability instead of catharsis.
The preview for episode 11 confirms it: love is no longer the battlefield—Miss Korea is. Where they once competed for affection, they now compete for validation. “Let’s play fair this time,” Hee tells Rye, barely touching her hand. It’s the echo of everything before: two women who once hurt each other trying to win the same man, now standing as equals in a symbolic arena. It’s not reconciliation; it’s acceptance.
Meanwhile, Hyun drifts into narrative limbo. His arc promised maturity and balance, but the script reduces him to a bystander. Unless the finale gives him purpose again, the ending risks feeling uneven. Because if this episode proved anything, it’s that A Hundred Memories knows how to close chapters with visual grace—but not always with emotional justice.

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Truly not that bad

A Hundred Memories has been receiving a lot of flack, much of it, imo, unfair.

I think many complaints you'll read will be because viewers either A) expected the show to go against the typical kdrama formula, hoping for something AHM just wasn't going to give, or B) have, naturally, chosen a side in the love triangle(s), and are unhappy with the outcome(s).
But it's important to keep in mind that fans of each female lead feel their favorite character was mistreated the most, so in that regard, weren't the 2 FLs treated quite equally?

I think the focus of the first half of the show at 19 years old, is on choosing friendship and getting through tough times together. The focus of the second half at 26, is on choosing yourself, overcoming insecurities, and learning that you can stand on your own.

No character or relationship is all that thoroughly developed. There was much left unexplored. The final ep tried to cram in too much at once. I can't help but think this drama is another victim of the new 12-episode model in Korea.

But I'd say all the actors and their characters are great, and this often-charming drama is worth a watch if you try to appreciate every character.

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A Hundred Memories, Only a Few Worth Keeping

Disclaimer: I went into this drama with unusually high expectations. The time period was exactly the kind of setting I love, the premise appeared fresh, and, most importantly, it featured one of my favorite actresses, Shin Ye Eun, in a role that promised emotional depth and quiet strength.

Acting / Cast
The cast is, without question, the drama’s strongest asset. Shin Ye Eun delivers a compelling performance as Seo Jong Hui, a woman carrying the weight of a tragic past yet presenting herself as capable, resilient, and fiercely protective of the vulnerable. Her character instantly drew me in. She balances mystery, moral conflict, and emotional restraint in a way that anchors the entire show.

Kim Da Mi, as Ko Yeong Rye, initially adds an interesting contrast as a timid young woman from a financially struggling family. However, her indecisiveness and self-effacing nature quickly became exhausting. Her constant willingness to sacrifice herself for nearly anyone in her vicinity felt less like a character trait and more like a narrative burden.

What surprised me most is that despite my issues with Yeong Rye’s characterization, Ye Eun and Da Mi have genuinely strong on-screen chemistry — arguably the best dynamic in the entire series. Their early interactions are engaging, natural, and brimming with understated tension. I honestly enjoyed those first episodes largely because of how well they played off each other.

Then, unfortunately, the male lead enters the picture. Heo Nam Jun’s Han Jae Pil begins as a promising, layered character, but the writing strips him of nuance with every episode. His emotional volatility and constant “love reversals” made him increasingly frustrating to watch. He isn’t a red flag, exactly — more someone who is addicted to feeling things for the sake of emotional stimulation. His bond with Jong Hui dissolves the moment it becomes inconvenient for the plot. His pursuit of Yeong Rye feels transactional, almost like he’s checking obligations off a list rather than falling in love.

By the end, the love triangle not only weakens the cast dynamic — it actively damages it.

Score: 8/10

Writing
This is where the drama falters most. The setup is undeniably strong: Two female bus conductors navigating the tight constraints of 1980s Korean society — family expectations, economic hardship, danger on the job, and personal dreams. Their contrasting personalities create a natural balance and enormous potential for character development, social commentary, and a deeply textured friendship arc.

But instead of cultivating that foundation, the writing gradually funnels everything into a conventional, unnecessary love triangle that diminishes both women and overshadows their personal journeys. The hints of complex female friendship — and even potential queer subtext — are abandoned without payoff. Their bond, which initially felt layered and quietly intimate, becomes flattened into cliché “love rivalry” tropes that strip both characters of individuality.

The drama repeatedly suggests it wants to explore themes like:
– women’s solidarity
– social class struggles
– the emotional cost of survival
– the contradictions of female independence in a conservative era

But none of these threads are given real development. There is no narrative build-up, no clear motivation, and ultimately no cohesive message. By the time the finale arrives, the story feels like it has taken a hundred illogical routes, losing sight of what made it compelling in the first place.

Most disappointing is the ending: the writers chose the most predictable path by pairing the main couple, despite their stark lack of romantic chemistry. Jong-hui and Yeong-rye worked far better as a mirroring duo, and ironically, the two women had more chemistry with each other than had with the male lead.

Score: 5/10

Direction / SFX / Music
The direction is serviceable but inconsistent. The early episodes are atmospheric and grounded, effectively capturing the social rhythms of the 1980s. As the drama falls deeper into melodrama, though, the direction becomes flatter, as if following the writing into less inspired territory. Cinematography and set design are solid throughout — enough to make the period feel lived-in rather than decorative. The OST did not particularly stand out to me, it was fine but rarely enhanced the emotional beats.

Score: 7/10

A Hundred Memories could have been something special: a textured portrayal of two women balancing friendship, duty, and desire in a turbulent era. The setting is promising, the cast talented, and the initial chemistry — especially between the two female leads — is genuinely compelling. But the drama ultimately sacrifices its uniqueness for a tired romantic framework, reducing its protagonists to conventional tropes and abandoning the themes that could have made it memorable.

I would recommend it only with caveats:
Watch it for Shin Ye Eun, for the early episodes, and for the glimpses of what it almost became. But be prepared — the story loses its way long before the end.

Overall score: 8/10

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Dont get fooled by bad reviews here!

I almost believed the people here who speak so badly of this drama. I was so afraid it would be the classic cliché where a friendship breaks down because of love, but it's the complete opposite. It breaks with many clichés that I'm already tired of in Korean dramas, like first love from childhood or the rival becoming unbearable because of jealousy. What a great work, full of freshness, memorable, well-developed characters, setting, and story in just 12 episodes! Now it's competing for my Korean drama of the year alongside Goodboy. And this is coming from someone who has seen more than 200 K-dramas.

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