Kim Da-mi Shines as an 80s Youth in 'Hometown Benefit' Premiere

Actress Kim Da-mi has captivated viewers with her portrayal of vibrant 1980s youth in the premiere of JTBC's new weekend drama 'Hometown Benefit' (formerly 'A Hundred Years of Memory'). The drama, which aired its first episode on the 13th, depicts the friendships and love among bus conductors in the 1980s and immediately drew audiences in with its nostalgic atmosphere and romance.

At the heart of this revival is Kim Da-mi, who perfectly embodies Go Yeong-rye, a model bus conductor on the '100 Number' bus. Yeong-rye, despite suffering from motion sickness, works diligently every day to support her family. The first episode showcased her persistent pursuit of dreams even amidst hardships. While shouting "Ora-i!" to passengers, she would secretly memorize English words and study with a flashlight in the dormitory after everyone else slept, embodying a 'god-saeng' (a life lived to the fullest) youth with qualifications like a sewing technician and abacus operator.

Beneath her innocent, round-bowl haircut and gentle demeanor, Yeong-rye revealed a fiery side. She would chase down passengers who fled without paying, headbutting them to retrieve the fare, and impulsively act to right the wrongs her friend Seo Jong-hee (Shin Ye-eun) faced. Her cute yet charming 'eun-tto' (subtly crazy) personality brought smiles to viewers' faces. Furthermore, in her fateful encounter with Han Jae-pil (Heo Nam-joon), her eyes and expressions filled with excitement, surprise, and a fluttering heart painted the picture of a girl falling in love.

Kim Da-mi's acting truly made Yeong-rye's true dream shine. Despite her current circumstances, Yeong-rye aspired to attend university and become a Korean language teacher. She famously altered the quote 'Boys, Be ambitious' to 'Girls, Be ambitious' and recited it daily, exclaiming, "Is it only boys who can be ambitious? Girls must be too. How much life is left!" Kim Da-mi conveyed Yeong-rye's ambition with sparkling eyes and a lively expression.

Having previously represented the youth of different eras in works like 'Itaewon Class' and 'Our Beloved Summer,' Kim Da-mi this time delves into the 80s. She infused the character with vitality, layering her unique colors onto the brilliant light of youth that existed even in hardship. This made Go Yeong-rye feel like a reflection of all of us living somewhere in the 80s, naturally drawing viewers into the era. Her journey of dreams, friendship, and love now beckons anticipation.

In just one episode, Kim Da-mi successfully transported viewers back to the 80s. The romance and sensibility of the era, combined with Kim Da-mi's gentle, clear-faced charm and captivating acting, created a warm and fuzzy feeling. The story of Go Yeong-rye, a youth chasing her dreams, has just begun, and viewers eagerly await further developments where Kim Da-mi's true potential will shine even brighter.

Meanwhile, the second episode of JTBC's weekend drama 'Hometown Benefit' will air on Sunday, September 14th, at 10:30 PM.

Kim Da-mi debuted in the 2018 film 'The King' and gained significant attention for her captivating performance in the 2020 drama 'Itaewon Class,' sporting a distinctive blonde hairstyle. She further solidified her status as a leading romance actress with her realistic portrayal of a couple alongside Ahn Bo-hyun in the drama 'Our Beloved Summer.'