[Seoul=RNX News] Reporter Jeong Seoyeon = There is an episode where Kim Da-mi and Shin Ye-eun of JTBC’s ‘Memories of a Hundred Times’ said in unison that it was the most memorable.
It’s the Cheong-a Transport dormitory. The bustling cohabitation of ‘sisters’ from that time in the 80s is expected to double the enjoyment of the work.
The new JTBC weekend drama ‘Memories of a Hundred Times’ (script by Yang Hee-seung·Kim Bo-ram, directed by Kim Sang-ho, produced by SLL), airing its first episode on September 13, is a retro youth melodrama set in the 1980s, focusing on the brilliant friendship between bus guide Yeong-rae and Jong-hee, and their earnest first love surrounding their destined man, Jae-pil.
Ahead of us are bus guides from the 80s, a motif that revives memories of that era, living and working together in the bus company’s dormitory, presenting a glimpse of ‘perfect life’ youth much different from now.
Most notably, Kim Da-mi, playing the exemplary guide Go Yeong-rae, and Shin Ye-eun, the new girl crush guide Seo Jong-hee, shared that filming the dormitory life of the ‘guide girls’ was fun, stirring excitement with assurances of great entertainment.
Kim Da-mi said “Taking photos and chatting together in a cramped space left a strong impression on me. It really felt like living in a dormitory,” sharing her vivid immersion in the character.
Shin Ye-eun also pointed out the same fun aspect, sharing behind-the-scenes stories as well.
“I really enjoyed the bean sprout kimchi soup we had while filming the dormitory dining scene. However, due to the nature of drama filming, we had to eat the same amount for every cut, which gave all the guides a difficult time due to upset stomachs. Looking back now, it has become a memorable, laughable memory,” she shared, an indication of the realistic dormitory life expected to be captured on screen.
However, whenever there are three or more people gathered, there’s bound to be a power struggle. In the stills released today (5th), right after Jong-hee joins, she is seen confronting the dormitory’s reigning power, Kwon Hae-ja (Lee Min-ji), directly.
Hae-ja tries to assert her dominance by pushing Jong-hee’s forehead, but Jong-hee keeps her eyes wide open, undeterred. Yeong-rae and the guides watch the situation with bated breath, raising curiosity over how the power dynamics in the dormitory will shift.
The fashion and lifestyle elements of the time add realism to the dormitory episodes. Kim Da-mi revealed, “Yeong-rae’s outfits mixed cute character-appropriate clothes with current items.
The hairstyle referenced the unique bowl and part styles of the 80s,” she explained, and Shin Ye-eun said, “I wanted to highlight Jong-hee’s girl crush charm through her clothing. I paid attention to details to bring out the character’s personality.”
The dormitory setting is filled with memorable items from the past, such as a radio and a quilted blanket, further emphasizing the era’s atmosphere.
The production team emphasized, “During that time, bus guides were more than just colleagues; they were a true community that ate, slept, and worked together in one space.
Amidst the tiring life of boarding buses from dawn, vibrant, lively, and humorous stories only youth can tell will unfold in the dormitory. Please look forward to it,” they requested.
‘Memories of a Hundred Times’ is a piece created by the life-hit maker writer Yang Hee-seung and director Kim Sang-ho. It will air on September 13, Saturday at 10:40 PM on JTBC, succeeding ‘Esquire: Lawyers Dreaming of Becoming Lawyers.’