Rising Tensions and Unforeseen Rivalries in 'A Hundred Memories': Kim Da-mi and Shin Ye-eun's Unavoidable Showdown

In the latest episode of JTBC's weekend drama 'A Hundred Memories,' Kim Da-mi and Shin Ye-eun's characters face an unavoidable showdown amidst a crack in their friendship. Adding to the tension, Park Ji-hwan's character, driven by revenge, makes a dramatic entrance. The episode recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 6.7% and 6.3% in the metropolitan area, following a peak of 7.5% in the previous episode.

In the 11th episode aired on the 18th, Seo Jong-hee (played by Shin Ye-eun) witnesses her best friend Go Young-rae (played by Kim Da-mi) confirming her love with first love Han Jae-pil (played by Heo Nam-jun). Jong-hee, who cherished both individuals, couldn't help but feel a painful sting of jealousy.

Meanwhile, Young-rae is offered a chance to compete in Miss Korea by Director Michelle (played by Woo Mi-hwa), who is impressed by Young-rae's natural and fresh look. Initially hesitant due to the scholarship prize, Young-rae is encouraged by her mother (played by Lee Jung-eun) to pursue the opportunity. Jong-hee, upon hearing the news from Go Young-sik (played by Jeon Sung-woo), also decides to enter the competition, persuading her adoptive mother Mi-sook (played by Seo Jae-hee) to support her long-held dream.

Young-rae and Jong-hee meet again at the Seoul regional preliminaries. Young-rae is surprised by her friend's unexpected appearance and feels guilty for not disclosing her relationship with Jae-pil. However, Jong-hee, seemingly aware, congratulates her and accepts Young-rae's reason for entering the competition. Despite agreeing to fair play, Jong-hee's determination to surpass Young-rae is evident.

Both advance to the finals as Seoul candidates and are assigned to the same room during the training camp. Unlike their past camaraderie, a subtle tension now exists between them. Jong-hee, aiming for extra points for friendship, takes on the role of class president and impresses with her perfect choreography, while Young-rae practices late into the night to overcome her complex about dancing.

During their intense preparation, Jong-hee's brother Seo Jong-nam (played by Jung Jae-kwang) and former Cheong-a Transportation manager No Sang-sik (played by Park Ji-hwan) meet at a day labor market, realizing they are pursuing the same person. Upon seeing Jong-hee in a Miss Korea broadcast, they suspect she has powerful backing and confront Mi-sook. However, Mi-sook refuses to be intimidated by Sang-sik's threat to expose Jong-hee's past as an attempted murderer. Instead, she expresses anger at her adoptive daughter's dark history, slapping Jong-hee and pressuring her to win.

Young-rae witnesses this worst moment. Earlier, Jong-hee had felt humiliated and ashamed comparing her life to Young-rae's, who was enjoying a sweet moment with Jae-pil. When Young-rae questions Jong-hee's uncharacteristic submissiveness, Jong-hee finally unleashes her pent-up emotions. She reveals the reasons behind leaving Cheong-a Transportation and breaking up with Jae-pil, all of which deeply hurt Young-rae. Overwhelmed by jealousy, resentment, and loneliness, Jong-hee breaks down in tears, and Young-rae, realizing Jong-hee's sacrifices, is also overcome with guilt and sorrow.

After the stormy night, on the eve of the Miss Korea pageant, Young-rae and Jong-hee give their best on stage. Just as it seems to end smoothly, Jong-hee's gaze freezes on a familiar face in the audience—Sang-sik, who holds her past. His deathly stare paralyzes her, leaving viewers wondering how this crisis will shape Young-rae and Jong-hee's fate.

Meanwhile, some viewers of 'A Hundred Memories' have criticized the show for its portrayal of the 1980s Miss Korea pageant, noting the use of modern hairstyles instead of the era-appropriate lion's mane style.

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