“A Hundred Memories” tells the story of two young women who worked as bus attendants in the 1980s. It’s a mix of friendship, love, and the reality of chasing dreams when life is tough. The show focuses on Ko Yeong-rye and Seo Jong-hee, two women whose lives change after meeting each other. The setting is full of retro details that older viewers might remember and younger viewers might find new.
In 1980s Korea, bus attendants weren’t just there for tickets — they were part of the city’s rhythm. They stood at the bus doors, calling out destinations, helping passengers carry heavy bags, and even mediating small disputes.
Many people still remember their distinct voices and the way they leaned out of moving buses to signal the driver. “A Hundred Memories” captures these habits in small but telling moments, making them more than just background props.
Ko Yeong-rye, played by Kim Da-Mi, works at Cheong-a Transportation. Her job is tough because she suffers from motion sickness.
Still, she gets on the bus every day to help her mother. She has a bold personality and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Her story is one of determination, even when the job is exhausting.
Seo Jong-hee played by Shin Ye-Eun, arrives at the bus company like she belongs there. She’s talented, energetic, and full of charm. She wants to escape her difficult home life and find her own way. At Cheong-a, she meets Yeong-rye and forms a strong bond with her. They support each other through work, dreams, and love.
The drama also features Jae-pil, played by Heo Nam-Jun, the man who becomes the center of both women’s first love. It’s not a simple romance. It’s complicated, emotional, and shaped by the time they live in. The show doesn’t just focus on love but also on the way youth can shine even in hard times.
Nostalgia and Life on Bus No. 100
JTBC confirmed the release date for “A Hundred Memories” as September 13, 2025, airing after “Beyond The Bar.” It’s set to bring back the feeling of the 1980s.
From uniforms to bus departure calls like “Orai~,” every detail aims to feel authentic. The teaser poster already gives a strong idea of the mood. It shows Yeong-rye and Jong-hee in their red bonnets and navy uniforms, leaning out of the open bus door, smiling in a way that feels like youth itself.
In the 1980s, female bus attendants collected fares, greeted passengers, and made sure everyone got off safely. They were a familiar sight, and their work was part of daily city life. The show uses these details to build a realistic setting. It doesn’t glamorize the job but shows both the charm and the challenges.
Yeong-rye dreams of going to college. Even though she works from dawn and deals with nausea, she doesn’t give up. She also has a stubborn streak, chasing fare evaders without hesitation. Jong-hee is confident and stylish, with her signature rosy lips. She has the kind of personality that people remember.
Their friendship becomes the core of the story. The love triangle with Jae-pil isn’t the only tension. It’s about how friends handle changes, disappointments, and choices that can’t be undone.
The production team says the casting of Kim Da-mi and Shin Ye-eun is key. Both are well-known for playing youthful, spirited characters.
The drama also has writer Yang Hee-seung, who has worked on “Familiar Wife” and “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo,” and director Kim Sang-ho from “Thirty-Nine.” That mix could make the show both heartfelt and sharply observed.
Still, the question is how much of the story will lean into drama and how much into realism. Period dramas often risk turning into style over substance. The uniforms, retro colors, and set design may look great, but the writing will decide if viewers stay. The description promises a balance of humor, emotion, and nostalgia. If it delivers, it could be one of JTBC’s stronger offerings this year.
When To Watch ‘A Hundred Memories’?
- Episodes: 12
- Airs: Sep 13, 2025 – Oct 19, 2025
- Airs On: Saturday, Sunday
- Original Network: jTBC
- Duration: 1 hr. 10 min.
Episode Schedule:
- Episode 1 – September 13 (Saturday)
- Episode 2 – September 14 (Sunday)
- Episode 3 – September 20 (Saturday)
- Episode 4 – September 21 (Sunday)
- Episode 5 – September 27 (Saturday)
- Episode 6 – September 28 (Sunday)
- Episode 7 – October 4 (Saturday)
- Episode 8 – October 5 (Sunday)
- Episode 9 – October 11 (Saturday)
- Episode 10 – October 12 (Sunday)
- Episode 11 – October 18 (Saturday)
- Episode 12 – October 19 (Sunday)
Schedule Timings
The drama releases at 10:40 PM KST on JTBC. Here's your timezone schedule:
💡 Tip: KST is 9 hours ahead of GMT. Use this to estimate future air times!
Whether it becomes a favorite will depend on how the relationships develop and how truthfully it captures that time in Korea’s past.
For those who lived through it, the details will matter. For younger viewers, it might be an introduction to a piece of history they’ve never seen before. Either way, the bus is leaving, and the ride could be worth watching.
Countdown for A Hundred Memories
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Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
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