A Love Story Seven Years in the Making: Kim Da-mi and Heo Nam-jun's Romantic Journey in 'A Hundred Memories'

The long-awaited romance between Kim Da-mi and Heo Nam-jun has finally blossomed, capturing the hearts of viewers with a love story that transcends mere excitement to deliver profound emotion. After seven years, their fateful connection has come full circle, offering a touching narrative that resonates deeply.

In the JTBC weekend drama 'A Hundred Memories,' Go Yeong-rae (played by Kim Da-mi) and Han Jae-pil (played by Heo Nam-jun) have finally acknowledged their feelings for each other after years of being 'just friends.' Jae-pil's narration, "She was there. During every excruciating moment, the girl who was my first love was there," perfectly encapsulates their relationship. For Jae-pil, Yeong-rae was always the silent supporter by his side. Whether during the despair of his father's collapse, the day of his medical school exam, or another day when his father fell ill, Yeong-rae was always there, watching and cheering him on. In this way, Yeong-rae became a presence deeper and more steadfast than friendship, supporting him through it all.

Of course, Jae-pil had memories of Seo Jong-hee (played by Shin Ye-eun). Their relationship, which began with an inexplicable attraction seven years ago, was brief but intense, and the emptiness of their unexplained breakup lingered in his heart. However, during the seven years of Jong-hee's absence, it was Yeong-rae who filled that void. She became Jae-pil's pillar and comfort, an indispensable part of his life. The time spent hiding their emotions under the guise of friendship was anything but trivial. As they awkwardly navigated love, they grew and learned about each other, transforming from a relationship they kept at a distance to one where they became essential to each other.

Finally, by the shores of Incheon, their long hesitation came to an end. Jae-pil declared, "Let's stop being friends. I don't want to be friends anymore," and confessed, "I like you. I like seeing you smile. I like talking to you on the phone. I like it when you ask, 'Are you okay?' I like every moment with you." His confession marked the end of seven years of suppressed, ignored, and hesitated emotions. As he finally released the feelings he had locked away under the label of friendship, Yeong-rae, with tears in her eyes, was able to express her feelings for the first time, saying, "I was first. Actually, I've liked you for a long time." Of course, her confession was sealed with Jae-pil's kiss, which spoke volumes.

Yeong-rae and Jae-pil's youthful romance is a coming-of-age story of two young people who grew together while healing each other's wounds. It began as a friendship but ultimately became a record of destiny completed by love. The void left by Jong-hee's disappearance was not filled by a new love but by the trust in someone who had been by their side for a long time. The seven years of laughing, crying, enduring, and waiting for each other were the reason they could find love again. The moment their hearts, which had taken a long journey, finally connected, it stirred waves of emotion.

With only two episodes remaining, the final story of 'A Hundred Memories' will air on October 18 at 10:40 PM and October 19 at 10:30 PM.

Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr