Kim Da-mi, Shin Ye-eun, Heo Nam-jun Ignite First Love Spark in 'The 8 Show'

JTBC's new Saturday-Sunday drama, 'The 8 Show' (tentative title, formerly 'Hundred Times' Memory'), has kicked off with a wave of nostalgic first love emotions.

The premiere episode, which aired on the 13th, garnered a viewership rating of 3.5% in the Seoul metropolitan area and 3.3% nationwide, according to Nielsen Korea. This marks a promising start for the series.

The story began by introducing Go Yeong-rye (played by Kim Da-mi), a bus conductor in the late 1980s. Her days were packed from dawn, meticulously handling fares and navigating crowded buses with energetic calls of 'Orai~!' Despite her busy schedule, she pursued various certifications, studying late into the night.

A significant shift occurred with the arrival of a new conductor, Seo Jong-hee (played by Shin Ye-eun). Yeong-rye missed her bus while helping a student, only for Jong-hee to flag it down from outside the window. This act of kindness, followed by Jong-hee's bold remark, 'Pay me back later,' left a strong impression on Yeong-rye. The two soon found themselves sharing a dorm room, quickly deepening their bond.

A pivotal moment arrived when Jong-hee was wrongly accused of causing food poisoning among the conductors after buying snacks. However, Yeong-rye's sharp observation skills uncovered the real culprit, Suk-ja, who had secretly eaten a cream bread. Yeong-rye's unwavering support, even tasting the bread herself to prove its innocence, cleared Jong-hee's name.

During this time, Yeong-rye shared her dream of becoming a teacher with Jong-hee, who aspired to be an actress after a stint as Miss Korea. Jong-hee, in turn, was inspired by Yeong-rye's ambition, quoting an English proverb, 'Girls be ambitious!'

Meanwhile, a dramatic encounter introduced Han Jae-pil (played by Heo Nam-jun) into Yeong-rye's life. He heroically rescued her from a dangerous situation with a fare-dodging student, leaving Yeong-rye instantly smitten. Their paths crossed again when Jae-pil, on the run from the police after a brawl, hid in the same cinema where Yeong-rye and Jong-hee were. The accidental reunion, with Jae-pil's hand covering Yeong-rye's mouth, created a moment of intense connection.

Jae-pil's voiceover, 'Back then, at the end of a thirst I couldn't bear without running, I met you,' hinted at a fateful connection between him, Yeong-rye, and Jong-hee, leaving viewers wondering about the true object of his affection.

Kim Da-mi portrays Go Yeong-rye, a bus conductor from the 1980s, showcasing a retro charm. She has previously garnered attention for her versatile acting performances across various roles. 'The 8 Show' marks her first foray into a historical drama, promising a fresh transformation for the actress.