Shin Ye-eun makes a striking return as a VVIP heiress in JTBC's 'A Hundred Memories,' setting the stage for a dramatic second act with a shocking reunion with Kim Da-mi.
The seventh episode of JTBC's weekend drama 'A Hundred Memories' (written by Yang Hee-seung & Kim Bo-ram, directed by Kim Sang-ho, produced by SLL), aired on the 4th, showcased the subtly changed relationship between Go Young-rae (Kim Da-mi) and Han Jae-pil (Heo Nam-jun) over the past seven years.
Although they insisted on being 'just friends,' it was clear to everyone around them that this was not the case. Jae-pil, now an intern doctor, would travel to Young-rae's distant salon for haircuts, and Young-rae would tenderly style his hair. Colleagues couldn't help but gossip, "With eyes dripping honey, how can they not be a couple?"
After work, Young-rae regularly cared for Jae-pil's father, Han Ki-bok (Yoon Je-moon), who had been bedridden after his department store went bankrupt. Despite his stubborn and authoritative nature, Ki-bok only trusted Young-rae with his hair and listened to her. Jae-pil's stepmother, Seong Man-ok (Kim Ji-hyun), who made a living selling cosmetics door-to-door, couldn't understand why Jae-pil kept Young-rae as a friend. She urged him, "She's not only pretty but also kind. Catch her before someone else does."
Young-rae's housemates, 'Bus Guide Three Corns' Choi Jeong-bun (Park Ye-ni) and Im Ho-sook (Jeong Bo-min), felt the same. They encouraged Young-rae to express her feelings on 'Rose Day,' suggesting she take the opportunity to confess. Young-rae's eyes were drawn to orange roses, symbolizing 'shy first love.' Jae-pil's gentle gestures, like warming his hands to massage her eyes when tired or putting a hood on her when cold, had often made Young-rae's heart flutter.
A decisive moment arrived when Jae-pil asked Young-rae to be his partner for the 'Medical Student Night.' Although he initially claimed it was to avoid a fine, he emphasized, "I'm asking because it's you," causing Young-rae's heart to race. She bought orange roses, deciding not to ignore her long-buried feelings any longer.
On the night of the event, Young-rae appeared in a radiant makeup and a white dress, surprising Jae-pil, who couldn't hide his amazement, saying, "You look truly beautiful." With a shy yet excited smile, they entered the hotel venue together. At that moment, Young-rae spotted a familiar figure resembling Seo Jong-hee (Shin Ye-eun) and followed her, only to find it wasn't her.
Seven years ago, after Jong-hee's sudden disappearance, Young-rae never forgot her best friend. Even during conversations with Jeong-bun, Ho-sook, and their former colleagues Kwon Hae-ja (Lee Min-ji) and Cha Ok-hee (Oh Woo-ri), who now run a clothing store in Dongdaemun, Young-rae's expression would turn wistful at the mention of Jong-hee. Whenever she thought of Jong-hee, she would chew and blow bubblegum on her desk.
As Young-rae chased after who she thought was Jong-hee and twisted her ankle, Jae-pil carried her home, heightening the romantic tension between them. Just as Young-rae was about to confess, they were interrupted by her brother Go Young-sik (Jeon Seong-woo), who had passed the bar exam and become a judicial trainee, and his friend Jeong-hyeon (Kim Jeong-hyeon), who had returned from studying abroad. During a rare drinking session, Jae-pil and Jeong-hyeon competed for Young-rae's attention, eventually passing out drunk at her house. This incident prompted Jae-pil to acknowledge his feelings for Young-rae. When his friend Ma Sang-cheol (Lee Won-jeong) asked, "What's your true feeling? Is Young-rae just a friend?" Jae-pil replied, "No."
On a typical day at the salon, Young-rae's boss (Shin Dong-mi) prepared meticulously for a special guest, the chairman of Daeyang Group and his daughter. To Young-rae's shock, the daughter was none other than Jong-hee. As their eyes met, the surprise was mutual. The revelation that Jong-hee had returned as the heiress of a conglomerate left viewers eager to learn about her mysterious past seven years.
Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr