JTBC’s “A Hundred Memories” concluded its emotional twelve-episode run this week, leaving viewers reflecting on friendship, love, and the bittersweet passage of time. Starring Kim Da-mi, Shin Ye-eun, and Heo Nam-jun, the period K-drama wrapped up its 1980s storyline with cinematic nostalgia and heartfelt closure that tugged at the heartstrings of fans worldwide.
A Hundred Memories Overview: Story of Dreams and Destiny
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Series | A Hundred Memories (JTBC / Viki) |
| Episodes | 12 |
| Setting | 1980s South Korea |
| Main Cast | Kim Da-mi (Koh Young-rye), Shin Ye-eun (Seo Jong-hee), Heo Nam-jun (Han Jae-pil) |
| Genre | Historical, Friendship, Romance, Slice of Life |
| Finale Air Date | October 19, 2025 |
The story traces Koh Young-rye’s daily life working for Cheonga Transportation while dreaming of entering college, her pure-hearted friendship with Seo Jong-hee, and their tangled love story involving Han Jae-pil, a kind doctor torn between two souls.
3 Things We Loved About the Finale
1. Unbreakable Female Friendship
The ultimate triumph of A Hundred Memories lies in its portrayal of female solidarity. Despite heartbreak and jealousy, the friendship between Young-rye and Jong-hee stands unshaken.
The finale’s most moving moment comes when Young-rye takes a knife stab meant for Jong-hee, saving her during the Miss Korea contest. Her brave act redeems past misunderstandings, proving that empathy surpasses rivalry. Viewers adored this emotional climax — a nod to the core theme: friendship as eternal love.
“Jong-hee and Young-rye’s relationship was the real love story,” wrote one fan on Reddit.
2. A Poignant Ending with Hope
Although tragedy strikes, the ending isn’t bleak. After surviving the attack, Young-rye awakens in the hospital to hopeful faces around her. She finally enrolls in university, fulfilling her lifelong dream.
Meanwhile, Jong-hee wins the Miss Korea title, securing freedom from her manipulative mother while rediscovering self-worth. Their parallel arcs highlight self-growth — one achieves education, the other finds purpose — both winning in their own way.
| Plot Twist | Resolution |
|---|---|
| Young-rye’s stabbing | She survives and reconciles with all characters |
| Jong-hee’s mother’s crimes | Arrested and redeemed through repentance |
| Jae-pil’s choice | Ends up with Young-rye; destiny over fate |
| Friendship theme | Stays intact till the final scene |
The show ends with the trio — Young-rye, Jong-hee, and Jae-pil — walking together under radiant light, symbolizing a new beginning beyond pain and rivalry.
3. Cinematic Direction & 80s Aesthetic
Director Kim Sang-hyuk deserves praise for meticulously recreating the late 1980s Seoul — rotary phones, bus ticket punchers, vintage makeup parlors — every frame carries nostalgia.
The cinematography mirrors the show’s theme: each moment feels like a warm photograph of the past. The nuanced use of warm tones conveys melancholy while preserving hope — a timeless quality that made the finale deeply emotional.
The Message: Love, Loss, and Growth
The finale reinforces the drama’s central philosophy — that love doesn’t have to conquer all, but it can heal all. Through Young-rye’s self-sacrifice and Jong-hee’s redemption, the series champions forgiveness and resilience over rivalry or revenge.
The narrative also redefines fate and destiny. As Soompi beautifully noted, “Jae-pil might have been Jong-hee’s fate, but Young-rye was his destiny.”
External References
- Soompi: “3 Things We Loved About the Finale of A Hundred Memories”
- Dramabeans: A Hundred Memories Episodes 11–12 (Final)
- The Review Geek: Ending Explained & Recap
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FAQs
Q1: Who does Jae-pil end up with in the finale of A Hundred Memories?
Jae-pil ends up with Koh Young-rye, as their relationship reflects destiny rather than fleeting infatuation. However, the finale focuses more on rekindled friendships than romantic love.
Q2: Does Jong-hee get her happy ending?
Yes. Jong-hee wins the Miss Korea crown, symbolizing independence and self-discovery. Despite her struggles, she reconciles with Young-rye, completing her emotional evolution.
