JTBC's highly anticipated weekend drama "A Hundred Memories" is set to premiere on September 13, offering viewers a nostalgic journey back to 1980s South Korea through a heartwarming story of friendship, romance, and youthful dreams. The retro youth melodrama centers around the experiences of bus conductors working on the iconic No. 100 bus route during this transformative decade in Korean history.

The drama stars Kim Da-mi and Shin Ye-eun as bus conductors Ko Young-rye and Seo Jong-hee, respectively, whose close friendship faces challenges when they encounter Jae-pil, played by Heo Nam-jun. Jae-pil is the son of a department store owner whose privileged upbringing conceals deeper feelings of rebelliousness and loneliness. The series explores how these three young people navigate their relationships while pursuing their dreams in 1980s Korea.

At a press conference held at The Link Seoul Hotel in Guro District on Thursday, director Kim Sang-ho and the main cast introduced the upcoming series to media and fans. The drama is written by Yang Hee-seung, who has previously created successful shows including "Crash Course in Romance" and "Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo." Director Kim Sang-ho brings his experience from directing "Thirty-Nine" to this new project.

The series pays special attention to the role of female bus conductors, who were a common sight in 1980s Korea. These women were responsible for collecting fares from passengers, helping guide people on and off buses, and signaling to drivers when it was safe to depart. They would use the distinctive call "Orai!" - a Koreanized version of the English word "Alright" - to let drivers know they were ready to go. This cultural detail serves as one of many nostalgic elements that the show uses to authentically recreate the period.

Director Kim explained his vision for the project, stating, "Rather than just showing the period itself, I wanted to depict the lives and emotions of people who lived through it. The big theme is youth, and the freshness of 1980 is something special we hope to capture." The production team worked extensively to recreate the era through detailed sets, period-appropriate costumes, and authentic props, including vintage buses, berets, and uniforms that were typical of the time.

Kim Da-mi takes on the role of a diligent but fiery bus conductor, bringing her characteristic intensity to the character. Meanwhile, Shin Ye-eun portrays her progressive-minded colleague, showcasing a different but equally compelling personality. Both actresses spoke about how their real-life friendship developed during filming and how it enhanced their on-screen chemistry.

"At first, we were cautious, but as we acted together, we naturally grew close," Kim Da-mi shared during the press conference. "Shin's passion for acting impressed me - she never takes a scene lightly." Shin Ye-eun reciprocated the praise, noting, "Da-mi's calmness and warmth helped me adjust to the role. Watching her perform often made me realize new things in my own acting. She is a truly remarkable actress."

Director Kim also praised his cast's performances and work ethic. "Kim Da-mi brings authenticity and transparency to her role, while Shin Ye-eun has great instinct and spontaneity," he observed. "Heo Nam-joon is stable and also lightens the mood on set," he added, highlighting the positive working atmosphere the actors created during production.

The production team emphasized that they wanted the drama to appeal to multiple generations of viewers. Those who lived through the 1980s will find nostalgic elements that bring back memories of that era, while younger audiences can find inspiration in the timeless themes of friendship, love, and pursuing one's dreams despite obstacles.

Shin Ye-eun, who has previously appeared in period dramas including "Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born," discussed how working on historical productions has benefited her as an actress. "Experiencing different eras has become a strength for me as an actress," she explained. "For this role, I even practiced walking in flared pants to match the style of the time," she added, demonstrating her commitment to authentically portraying the period.

The drama aims to balance historical accuracy with character appeal, ensuring that while the 1980s setting is faithfully recreated, the focus remains on the compelling personal stories of the main characters. Director Kim noted that achieving this balance between realism and entertainment value was one of the key challenges and goals of the production.

"A Hundred Memories" represents JTBC's latest effort to create compelling content that combines nostalgic elements with universal themes that resonate across different age groups. The network hopes that the combination of talented actors, experienced creators, and an authentic period setting will make the drama a success with both domestic and international audiences when it premieres on September 13.