JTBC's new weekend drama "A Hundred Memories" started strong with a polarizing beginning after fans questioned the credibility of its lead actor, Heo Nam-joon, as a high school student.

The show, which aired on September 13, stars Heo Nam-joon, who was born in 1993, as Han Jae-pil, a 1982 senior in high school.

Fans flocked to the internet forums after only two installments to vent their dissatisfaction with the casting due to his grown-up look and adult-like behavior.

"The visuals, tone, and styling are closer to an adult than a high school student," one observer wrote, and another chimed in, "The historical accuracy and hairstyle are contemporary, making it even more incongruous."

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This drama is a work between screenwriter Yang Hee-seung, who wrote "Familiar Wife" and "Oh My Ghostess," and director Kim Sang-ho, who directed "Thirty, Nine."

Kim described the casting strategy at the production meeting. "Looking back, there were many people who looked mature by today's standards even though they were 20 years old," he said. "If you watch until the second half, you'll understand why I cast these three people."

In spite of logic, public responses have been divided. Criticisms were based on appearance

"They look like a homeroom teacher or grade president in uniform"—and performance

"he voice is too deep, so it sounds like someone in their 30s."

Historical accuracy was also a cause for worry. One viewer wrote, "It's set in the 1980s, but the hair and makeup are contemporary."

A particularly awkward scene involving Jae-pil being disciplined by his father (played by Yoon Je-moon) led to comments like, "t felt like an adult hitting an adult."

Still, the show has managed to draw attention for its nostalgic tone. Heo Nam-joon's performance included a series of romantic moments that charmed lead actress Kim Da-mi's character, positioning him as the drama's "first love icon."

"A Hundred Memories" is a youth melodrama that deals with friendship and first romance between two 1980s bus attendants, Kim Da-mi and Shin Ye-eun. Viewership increased modestly from 3.3% in episode one to 3.6% in episode two.

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