This review may contain spoilers
Hometown Cha-Cha-Wah??
This is a show that largely has two different halves to it, one before and one after our main characters become a couple. This review is going to be largely contrasting the pros and cons of the two through condensed points, with an (*) on what I believe is the most important pro and con to mention. With that being said, let start!Story()-
Cons:
-I found the show conveying Doo Shik as a jack of all trades felt kind of unbelievable, but the real problem is him always being the only person to service any of those jobs. Its how the writers force interactions between our main characters after Doo Shiks cold introduction to Hye Jin, but it just feels like sloppy writing and can take you out of the immersion of the show.
-The series loses some flare after episode ten or so. The last half doesn't convey much more development between our main characters and they just become quite mushy for the rest of the series, with there relationship moving unbelievably fast in this period.
-After Hye Jin and Doo Shik decide to start dating there are a multitude of flashbacks to push the narrative of the two being destined to be with each other, it was a bit cheesy and unnecessary. We get solid build up till that point between their related trauma and social chemistry, the audience already had enough development to appreciate their connection. This time could have been used elsewhere.
-They also try to force the unwrapping of Doo Shik's past in a short period during the end of the show, with him getting over his deep trauma incredibly quickly(inspite of him being blamed for everything when it wasn't his fault), it feels the purpose was just a way to keep the viewer invested, instead of actual development of his character.
*-After our main characters become a couple they are faced with multiple struggles that makes the viewer wonder "are they going to break this relationship off?" only for them to decide to get married within a few episodes after. That pacing is crazy and ruined the development that was built up to that point making it unrealistic and difficult to wrap your head around. I personally lost all I had invested in the main relationship at that point.
Pros:
-The part of this show that drives home uniqueness is the partnering of exciting side characters with the set. with all of the side cast being store owners, you get a deeper idea of their past as well as the towns through the various shops. Giving the plot a sense of vibrancy early on without trying.
*-Fantastic at responding to the main love triangle, it makes you sympathize with Sung Hyun nicely while still being satisfied that Doo Shik gets the girl. This makes ep9 the best in my opinion, It sells the message that not everyone gets the results they want and/or deserve conveying sadness. But most importantly, in a beautify way makes you appreciate how relationships can consolidate as well as break apart, displaying its not all doom and gloom for Sung Hyun.
-With that being said it has good romantic elements in the first half but it gets brownie points for setting up four separate relationships with arguably the side three being more satisfying and what holds up the series till the conclusion.
Cast/Characters(9)-
Cons:
-As mentioned in the story section above, the second halves focus is put more on romance. This should be fine, but because of this, all the great side characters that were built up in the first half get push by the wayside, only being gossip hounds for the majority of the second half of the show.
Pros:
-The side characters are fantastic, all bringing a unique element that makes the world conveyed feel colorful.
-All the acting and casting was done very well. I often found myself surprised at how the side characters could steal scenes.
-Inspite of the poor treatment of the side cast during the last half of the show, they get a final bang in the last 20mins of the show bringing a feel good ending, but also leaves more to be desired from these characters.
Music(6.5)-The music is not bad, but the soundtrack is what can make or break a show into being truly memorable and iconic. I felt that job was done much better by the unique set, not the music. To note I personally liked the opening, "Here Always" and "one sunny day". That being said the soundtrack was decent but nothing to call home about. I felt the sfx did a better job at elevating scenes.
Rewatch Value(7)-The unique set makes it an interesting show. But the side characters are really the heart and soul, so with them being mostly absent and with a weak second half of Doo Shik and Hye Jin's relationship its hard to give a great rating here.
Overall(7.5)-This show has two very different sides. In the first half our main characters and side characters get good development. But in the second they are lost for the most part. The one benefit being the three other side relationships that develop and get a satisfying resolution. Where many romantic K-dramas can end in a whimper, this one ends slightly better. It does lose the main relationship to poor writing and pacing, but the trade of developing the other three relationships, in a weird way keeps you invested. In many ways its all over the place with there always being something to like and dislike in the second half. Overall id recommend, but i don't think its nearly as good as the common consensus.
I hope you found my review helpful. Have a great day!
Was this review helpful to you?
Refreshing and new story line with lots of cute support characters
Refreshing story due to the plot and scenery. Watched this during COVID and it uplifted me to see the scenes near the water.This story is more like real life in that we are friends with people of all ages and enjoy community activities. Maybe it is my Western way of thinking, but the ML should not have felt responsible for the impact of the loss of money of the security guard. He freely chose to put his savings on the line. Why do the blame the ML ? Also, the car accident wasn't directly his fault. I am not saying to not take responsibility for your actions but really...... he was not the cause of the problems of others just a cog in the wheel. Both leads and the other actors were interesting characters to get to know- did not fast forward at all. The problem now is that this is not such an enjoyable show to watch again due to knowing the background on the ML. no surprises now.
Was this review helpful to you?
Very wholesome series - lighthearted and Kim Seon Ho xoxo
It's been a while since I was interested enough to finish a drama and what kept me going was Kim Seon Ho's dimples and his brilliant acting! This show was maaade fo him and the storyline will touch your heart, I cried at the ending :')This is a drama about community, humbling my city girl outlook to what it's like in a small town and neighbourly love. All these things that I hadn't cared for, this is not the kind of drama that I'd gravitate to, but I really liked how simple it turned out to be! It's humorous, everyone's so hard working, it shows you how people deal with a small town life, without the entertainment and advancements of the city and they still have a great time.
The romance between Seon Ho's character and Shin Min-A are cringey towards the end but the build up made it bearable. The storyline was at times, unbelievable especially with the producer coming into the picture to do a reality show there...(i did not love this at all ugh) but Kim Seon Ho's character and acting makes up for it :)
Was this review helpful to you?
a light, warm-hearted, sweet healing drama but with deep stories behind each character
— you will see yourself laugh hilariously and cry like baby!You know, to be honest, this drama is actually my weekly go-to sweet-healing drama, however never I would expect this will also make me cry a lot. Yes. A. Lot. Especially in Ep.15 to beginning Ep.16. I never expected scene after scene from that specific eps would make cry like a baby!!!
When you thought you already cried a lot from one scene, but the next scene would make you cry even more!
I hate that. I hate the feeling that the story is just so realistic and relatable. Each. Lines. Are. Just. So. Deep. That. Will. Strike. Through. Your. Heart. Whether you like it or not.
But overall, I love how this drama is well-planned, well written and well executed.
Having alot of characters in a single drama (not just 4, but 19+!) will never be easy— bcs it might confuse the audience if there’s at least even one mistake in the flow of the story —
But this drama is exceptional although all these 19+ characters has its own story to tell — not just a typical story but a realistic, relatable and deep story to tell! — the director & screenwriter of this drama, most especially the actors really did a great job!!!
They are so consistent from unfolding each characters’ purpose and story to wraping the story. Plus the cinematography + bgm are just so accurate and perfectly matched with the story! Which makes it more enjoying to watch.
I am just thankful they produced this gem-like kind of drama in the middle of pandemic crisis where all people have a lot to take on their everyday life. Thank you for comforting me for 2 months even you made me cry so much in near ending!!!
Probably, if I’m going to rewatch it, I’m for sure going to end it at Ep.14. Hahaha I don’t wanna cry again.
But if you want some refreshing and relaxing drama, this one is for you! Go and watch it now.
Was this review helpful to you?
Love love love
This show is my life. I love it more than words can express. It made me sob, it made me laugh so hard my stomach hurt. It was everything. And I will absolutely not settle for anything less than a Hong Du Shik for me. The main leads chemistry was fantastic. The side characters were all so love-able. Even the ones you were sure you would despise to the very end, they made you feel sympathetic towards. The ending episode’s pace and execution wasn’t exactly how I would have done it, but it still was happy, so no worries! The second to last episode was the most amazing episode ever though so it’s all good. Literally this show is all good, I love it!Was this review helpful to you?
The reason why this took me so long to finish was that I felt like it went on and on and nothing really happened. But I mean that in a good way. It felt peaceful. It really captured the essence of what I believe it to be like when Yoon Hye Jin moved to a small seaside community, after living in the business of Seoul. We got to get to know the small community as we got to know everyone and their own individual stories. Yes, this was a love story between Yoon Hye Jin and Hong Doo Shik, but the drama was split up almost equally between all the other townspeople, whether it be the friendship between Kim Gam Ri and her two best friends near the end of their lives, Yeo Hwa Jeong getting a second chance at love, and Yu Cho Hui coming back to the town she loved, being around the people she loved, while learning to love and accept herself, when her family didn't. And there are so many more stories to follow... including... a fake kpop boy band, who I wish came out with more songs.
But what I thought was always interesting, was there there was always this hint of darkness in the background. It came and went, but it was masked by the easygoingness of this homey town.
It wasn't until the final few episodes, where coincidentally is right where I stopped watching almost a year ago, that this darkness was exposed. It made me ugly cry watching, as it felt like I was watching a completely different show, but I loved how the writer and director decided to "solve" the final obstacle. I truly felt that I was watching a show about mature people. Even if they do sometimes act like puppy dogs and gossip, when it really mattered, everyone stepped up and somehow knew exactly what to do to comfort one another, even if they couldn't find the words.
And because of that, I wanted to give this drama a high rating.
Was this review helpful to you?
But what I love the most are two things. First, the supporting characters were amazing. They weren't just a comedy relief or fillers, they actually had their own stories and lives to lead. Second, the strong female characters, from Yoon Hye Jin who does everything without thinking about the other's opinion and is ahead of Chief Hong, to Pyo Mi Seon, who is older than Choi Eun Chul and has to teach him about relatioship, to Grandma Gam Ri, to Yeo Hwa Jeong and all the others women of Gongjin, which everyone is a strong indepentant woman and dictates herself her own life. Some are strict, some are sensitive, some are a bit too much, but everyone is strong in her own way and can take care of herself. Also, the series speaks a bit about some social problems which is really positive. To summarize, Gongjin is actually a miniature of our society with everything a reallistic community would have.
Was this review helpful to you?
The kind of side drama I want with my stressful dramas
It is a great drama, it had a slow start at first but then it became a cute and beautiful drama waith no nonsense shit out in it just to annoy us.The characters were nicely portrayed like the acting was A++ for me and something that made me sit through the whole drama. Tbh the main story was a little slow and caught sudden speed in the last few episodes and that just confused me.
The only thing I did not like was that Gamri died for no reason and made me cry again for no reason. This is a cute and wholesome drama it is the kind you watch between your stressful drama side by side just to calm down and laugh a little.
Was this review helpful to you?
10/10, you NEED to watch it
I've never written a review, but this kdrama was just too good to not write one.I really got extremely attached to the characters, I felt sad when they felt sad, and I felt happy when they were happy. I really came to love all the characters in the show in a way i've never done before with another drama. The acting was perfect and the story didn't feel dragged out at any time. This drama made me rethink my life and values, just as much as it made me smile, laugh and cry.
10/10, i will be recommending this to everyone i know
Was this review helpful to you?
safe zone
A fun, non-distressing series. I don't understand why it's 18+. I think it's 13+ or so. It deals with family and relationships. It's quite naive. The acting was good. A complete safe zone.We see what people of all ages experience in their neighborhood lives. The romantic relationship between the leads convinced me. Plus, they all have such beautiful smiles :)
While our lives are chaotic enough, watching TV series like this that don't upset or tire us helps me clear my head……………………………………………..
Was this review helpful to you?
Good drama , worth watching
The series is a warm, healing romance that feels like a seaside hug. Its gentle pacing, charming village characters, and heartfelt themes of community elevate a simple love story. Shin Min-ah and Kim Seon-ho share good chemistry, balancing humor and vulnerability. While occasionally predictable, the sincerity shines. Comfort viewing at its finest, leaving you smiling.Was this review helpful to you?
O K-Drama que mais me emocionou!
Um excelente dorama com uma história não muito complexa, porém com gigantesca carga emocional, o drama nos faz refletir pelo nosso passado e presente. Contando com um grupo magnífico de atores, ótimas atuações o que faz com que criamos laços com os personagens rapidamente. A trilha sonor! é impecável e conta até com com Stray Kids 💕, além do cenário ser tãoaconchegante e familiar. Sou um cara que não se emociona facilmente, porém o ep 15 fez com que eu me acabasse em lágrimas!Was this review helpful to you?
