Actress Kim Da-mi is set to portray youth in the 1980s in JTBC's upcoming weekend drama A Hundred Memories (written by Yang Hee-seung & Kim Bo-ram, directed by Kim Sang-ho). She shared her reasons for joining the project and her thoughts ahead of the premiere.
A Hundred Memories is a newtro youth romance focusing on the friendship between bus attendants Go Young-rye (Kim Da-mi) and Seo Jong-hee (Shin Ye-eun), and their first love story with Han Jae-pil (Heo Nam-joon).
Choosing the Role
Kim explained, "When I read the script, every character felt alive. I wanted to live in that world with them." She was particularly drawn to the 1980s setting and the bus attendant role, describing the era as "romantic, full of passion and dreams, especially in matters of love."
Kim transforms into Go Young-rye, a model attendant of Cheonga Transportation's Bus No. 100. For her family's livelihood, she dons the attendant uniform instead of a school uniform, enduring motion sickness while boarding the bus daily. She was captivated by the character's purity and warmth, saying, "Young-rye has a pure soul, a kind heart, and is full of love. She gives everything for her friends and family, which is admirable."
Initially worried about portraying Young-rye's clear-heartedness, Kim added, "The more I read the script, the more I loved her, so I decided to take on the challenge." She focused on amplifying emotions and sensitivities unique to the era, aiming to fully realize the character.
Styling and Era Accuracy
Kim also paid attention to styling, selecting the iconic bowl haircut popular in the 1980s to reflect the youthful image authentically. She noted, "Even experiencing that era indirectly through this role made me realize how demanding the job was. I truly respect the bus attendants of that time."
The drama emphasizes first love, with Kim adding, "The emotions were so pure and tender. Through Young-rye, I learned the true value of love."
The series is a collaboration between writer Yang Hee-seung, known for Hit the Top Scandal, Familiar Wife, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo, and Oh My Ghost, and director Kim Sang-ho, known for Thirty-Nine.
A Hundred Memories follows Esquire: Lawyers Dreaming of Becoming Lawyers and will premiere on September 13 at 10:40 PM KST.
