Actor Heo Nam-jun Shines in 'A Hundred Memories' with a Heartfelt Performance

Actor Heo Nam-jun (32) has finally found his spotlight in his seventh year since debut. Playing the role of Han Jae-pil in 'A Hundred Memories,' he delicately portrayed the emotions of a clumsy yet sincere first love, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

On the 15th, we met Heo Nam-jun at a cafe in Jongno-gu, Seoul, where he discussed his role in the JTBC drama 'A Hundred Memories.' The series tells the story of the radiant friendship between bus guide Go Young-rae (played by Kim Da-mi) and Seo Jong-hee (played by Shin Ye-eun), and their poignant first love surrounding the fateful man, Han Jae-pil.

Heo Nam-jun's character, high school student Han Jae-pil, was someone who didn't know how to express his emotions. Having been reserved since childhood, Jae-pil opens his heart for the first time after meeting Young-rae and Jong-hee. Heo Nam-jun recalled, "He was clumsy in expressing love and was still an immature kid."

"Jae-pil in high school felt like a character with something tightly shut. Living a mundane life, he encounters Young-rae and Jong-hee. For Jae-pil, who found even the emotion of love unfamiliar, Jong-hee was there. Later, as he grew up and realized 'this is true love,' Young-rae was there."

Heo Nam-jun played a high school student, a boxer, and a doctor in the drama. Regarding this, he said, "It wasn't too difficult," adding, "Fortunately, Jae-pil had decent boxing skills, so I only needed to attend action school for a month or two. The doctor scenes weren't challenging as there weren't many hospital scenes."

How was his chemistry with co-stars Shin Ye-eun and Kim Da-mi? Heo Nam-jun shared, "I communicated a lot with both actors on set. At some point, I found myself naturally conversing and joking with them, realizing 'Oh, I'm really comfortable.'"

"Actress Shin Ye-eun had such a good personality that I couldn't even recall her previous role in 'The Glory.' Actress Kim Da-mi was incredibly meticulous and thoroughly prepared. I learned a lot while filming with both actresses."

In contrast to his intense role in the 2024 drama 'Your Honor,' Heo Nam-jun showcased a completely different side by playing a character with a pure and tender heart in this project. Despite the praise for his acting, Heo Nam-jun humbly stated, "I still have a long way to go."

"Still, it's amazing and grateful that many people remember and call my name. So, I try not to be swayed by trivial matters, whether big or small. I don't have big ambitions. I just want to act for a long time and try various genres that suit my age."

Finally, Heo Nam-jun expressed his wish to be remembered as an actor with a subtle presence, like a mild broth, saying, "Of course, I have the desire to do better, but I'm already grateful and satisfied. I want to act in various genres subtly and naturally fade away over time."

Jung Se-yoon, TenAsia Reporter yoon@tenasia.co.kr