Miss Korea arc intensifies as JTBC drama heads toward its last episode

JTBC’s weekend drama A Hundred Memories is approaching its finale, with tonight’s last episode in view. After delivering its highest rating to date, the series slipped slightly as it prepared to close, yet remains praised for how it densely traces the growth and bond between two youths, along with their rivalries, reconciliations, and evolving friendships.

The Episode 11, broadcast on Oct. 18, drew 6.7% nationwide and 6.3% in the Seoul metropolitan area (Nielsen Korea paid-television households). That followed Episode 10’s peak of 7.5%, marking a modest dip as audiences pivoted toward the climactic narrative—centered on the new Miss Korea-themed storyline featuring Kim Da-mi and Shin Ye-eun.

In the episode, Seo Jong-hee grapples with the sight of her best friend Ko Yeong-rye and her first love Han Jae-pil dancing around happiness she longs for. She wants to celebrate her friend’s happiness, yet the long-simmering feelings inside her mix jealousy with hurt. Meanwhile, Yeong-rye receives a Miss Korea participation offer from Director Michelle; her natural look and pure charm catch the director’s eye, and the scholarship that would come with winning Miss Korea becomes a catalyst for Yeong-rye to take on the challenge. A mother’s supportive line—“I’ll push you forward properly now”—gives that decision a further push.

Ultimately, both vie to represent Seoul in the final and are assigned to a dormitory-style room. The space recalls their past dorm days at Cheong-A Transportation, but the atmosphere is now tinged with jealousy and wounded pride. Jong-hee earns attention for her flawless posture and proactive demeanor, while Yeong-rye relentlessly practices late into the night to overcome her dancing insecurities.

Alongside the competition, Jong-hee’s past begins to surface. A chance reunion with her older brother, who works as a day laborer, hints at a hidden history and the truth behind her past. Under Sang-sik’s threats, Misuk chooses not to expose Jong-hee’s past, even as anger and disappointment spill over, pressing the message that the journey to victory may demand tough choices.

The leads’ finales were conveyed with genuine emotion. Kim Da-mi described A Hundred Memories as a work that rekindled a sense of love within her, adding that, like the title suggests, it will live on as a beautiful memory of youth. Shin Ye-eun shared that meeting Jong-hee allowed her to feel and express a range of emotions, expressing gratitude to dedicated fans for their support and asking viewers to stick with the two protagonists to the very end.

Even amid an unexpected dip in the numbers, A Hundred Memories intends to return to its core: the relationship and growth of the two youths. Can the final episode still bring the story to a satisfying, hopeful close?

The finale of A Hundred Memories airs tonight, Oct. 19, at 10:30 p.m. on JTBC.

Ratings recap:
– Episode 1 (Sept. 13): 3.3%
– Episode 2 (Sept. 14): 3.6%
– Episode 3 (Sept. 20): 4.3%
– Episode 4 (Sept. 21): 4.9%
– Episode 5 (Sept. 27): 4.0%
– Episode 6 (Sept. 28): 5.7%
– Episode 7 (Oct. 4): 4.6%
– Episode 8 (Oct. 5): 5.8%
– Episode 9 (Oct. 11): 5.5%
– Episode 10 (Oct. 12): 7.5%
– Episode 11 (Oct. 18): 6.7%