JTBC's '100 Years of Memory' Concludes with Record Ratings, Kim Da-mi, Shin Ye-eun, and Heo Nam-joon Shine in Farewell

JTBC's '100 Years of Memory' bid farewell on the 19th, delivering a powerful message about the enduring strength of cherished memories. The final episode of the retro youth melodrama starring Kim Da-mi, Shin Ye-eun, and Heo Nam-joon garnered national viewership ratings of 8.1% and a peak of 9.1% in the metropolitan area, marking a personal best for the series.

In the dramatic finale, Go Yeong-rye (Kim Da-mi) heroically intervened to prevent tragedy from befalling her soulmate Seo Jong-hee (Shin Ye-eun). As Jong-hee was celebrating her lifelong dream of being crowned Miss Korea, an unexpected assailant, the labor affairs director No Sang-sik (Park Ji-hwan), stormed the stage with a weapon. Yeong-rye, who had just confessed her deepest regrets and wishes to Jong-hee, shielded her friend and was tragically stabbed.

Plunged into a coma, Yeong-rye's absence deeply affected Jong-hee, who was wracked with guilt. Meanwhile, Yeong-rye's mother (Lee Jung-eun) reached out to the lost Jong-hee. Han Jae-pil (Heo Nam-joon), who had steadfastly supported Yeong-rye, played their cherished song 'Close to You' by her bedside, miraculously awakening her from her deep slumber. Jong-hee was the first to rush to her side.

One year later, Yeong-rye, thanks to Jong-hee's generosity with a scholarship fund, finally enrolled in her dream major, Korean Literature. The wedding of Choi Jeong-bun (Park Ye-ni) and Ma Sang-cheol (Lee Won-jeong) saw Jae-pil proposing to Yeong-rye, hinting at a new chapter in their youthful romance. Yeong-rye's older brother, Go Yeong-sik (Jeon Sung-woo), who had been Jong-hee's steadfast "Daddy Long Legs," stood beside her for a commemorative photo, symbolizing their enduring bond.

The trio, Yeong-rye, Jong-hee, and Jae-pil, reunited by the sea in Incheon, laughing and reminiscing about their past just like they used to. Yeong-rye's opening narration echoed, "It was a difficult and humble youth, but our sparkling, brilliant past because we had each other." The series concluded with her voiceover, "Though we will face storms and struggles in the time ahead, hurting and healing, laughing and crying, we are not afraid because we will always be together," leaving a lasting impression of an unfinished story.

Netizens praised the drama's conclusion, with comments like "The chemistry between Kim Da-mi, Shin Ye-eun, and Heo Nam-joon was amazing!" and "This is my healing drama of the year." Many also expressed their love for the OST and hoped for a potential second season.