The romantic plot is thickening in the popular JTBC drama “A Hundred Memories.” In newly released stills from the upcoming episode, actors Heo Nam Jun and Kim Jung Hyun are shown in a tense face-off, their confrontation sparked by growing romantic feelings for Kim Da Mi’s character, Go Young Rye. This dramatic showdown promises to bring long-hidden emotions to the surface.
A Complicated Love Triangle
Set in the 1980s, “A Hundred Memories” is a nostalgic coming-of-age story centered on two young bus attendants, Go Young Rye (Kim Da Mi) and Seo Jong Hee (Shin Ye Eun), and their shared first love, Han Jae Pil (Heo Nam Jun). The drama has been following the evolving relationships between these characters, and recent episodes have introduced a significant complication.
Kim Jung Hyun plays Jung Hyun, a fellow chaebol heir who has also developed deep feelings for Young Rye. Unlike Jae Pil, who has struggled to express his emotions, Jung Hyun has been certain of his feelings for a long time. However, he has chosen to step back and watch over Young Rye from a distance rather than confess directly. This dynamic began to shift as Young Rye and Jae Pil’s relationship started showing increasingly romantic signs, causing Jung Hyun to feel threatened.
The situation became more intense with the return of Seo Jong Hee, Jae Pil’s first love, who came back into their lives after seven years. In a recent episode, Jung Hyun’s protective instincts kicked in when he saw Jong Hee embracing Jae Pil in the rain. He quickly turned Young Rye around to shield her from the painful sight, revealing his desire to protect her from heartbreak.
The Confrontation Scene
Newly released photos from the drama’s next episode capture the intense moment between Jae Pil and Jung Hyun at an outdoor food stall. While the two men have previously been shown as gentle and considerate in Young Rye’s presence, these stills reveal a different side when they are alone together. Their fierce gazes and the palpable tension between them suggest this is far more than a simple drinking contest; it’s a collision of powerful emotions.
The production team for “A Hundred Memories” teased what viewers can expect from this confrontation, stating: “In Episode 10, Jae Pil and Jung Hyun’s emotions will clash in a head-on collision. You’ll be able to feel the tense power struggle threatening to burst out of the screen.” They further explained, “The two men, who have remained by Young Rye’s side in different ways, will directly reveal their true feelings. Please keep an eye on what kind of decision Jae Pil makes when faced with the bold pursuit of Jung Hyun, who jumps to act without weighing the consequences. It will be an episode in which an entertaining whirlwind of romance unfolds.”
Evolving Relationships and Character Growth
The rising tension between Jae Pil and Jung Hyun comes at a significant turning point in the characters’ relationships. Following a substantial time jump revealed at the end of episode six, the dynamics between the main characters have undergone notable changes. What began as a one-sided crush from Young Rye toward Jae Pil has transformed into something much more complex and mutual.
Before the time jump, Young Rye was the one quietly nursing her unrequited feelings while Jae Pil pursued Jong Hee. However, after confessing her first love and moving on, Young Rye’s bond with Jae Pil evolved into a deeper friendship built on trust. From Jae Pil’s perspective, years of companionship have gradually changed how he sees Young Rye, blurring the lines between friendship and romance.
Jae Pil’s growing jealousy has become increasingly apparent, particularly when a coworker asked about taking Young Rye on a date and when Jung Hyun returned to Korea showing clear interest in her. This sets the stage for their dramatic confrontation, as both men are now compelled to openly acknowledge their competing affections for the same woman.
Kim Da Mi, who plays the central character of Go Young Rye, previously shared her thoughts on the project, explaining why she chose the role. She described her character as having “a pure and clean soul, a warm heart, and is full of love,” noting that Young Rye is “willing to give everything for her friends and family.” Regarding the 1980s setting, Kim Da Mi commented, “It seemed like a period where there was more freedom than now, yet also less in certain ways. But when it came to love, everyone was passionate and full of dreams.”
When to Watch
The highly anticipated episode featuring the confrontation between Heo Nam Jun and Kim Jung Hyun will air on October 12 at 10:30 p.m. KST. “A Hundred Memories” airs on JTBC and is available for international viewers with subtitles on the streaming platform Viki.
The drama, which premiered on September 13, 2025, has consistently achieved strong viewership ratings, frequently ranking first in its time slot. With only a few episodes remaining in its 12-episode run, the romantic tensions appear to be reaching their peak, setting the stage for significant developments in the relationships between Young Rye, Jae Pil, and Jung Hyun.
Also Read: How Episodes 7-8 of ‘A Hundred Memories’ Changed Everything for Its Characters
Source (1)
