Reviews

Healing.... Refreshing.... Loving.... Understanding

I really love this drama. Hometown Cha Cha Cha, is a drama that I wish I could watch first the first time again.

Watching all of these characters has made my heart feel so warm. I've learned a lot of important lessons. This drama is one that I will never forget, one with its soft warm fluffiness that keeps you smiling until your cheeks hurt, that teaches you lessons about appreciating life, all the big and little things and about forgiving yourself. And most of all, despite everything, still try to live as happily as you can in the end.

I will miss looking forward to smiling, laughing and feeling fluffy inside every weekend. I'll miss the anticipation in waiting to figure out what will happen next. The ending couldn't have been more perfectly beautiful, but despite that, I will miss it, greatly. My soul was deeply touched by the characters, their stories, their struggles and most of all that despite each having their own battles, they stuck to each other so closely, constantly being a support for one another.

The bond that all the residents of this beautiful village by the sea have, is what I love most about this drama. I will forever carry the warm feelings they gave me in my heart. I too, have fallen in love with Gongjin.

A thank you to the wonderful and utterly talented cast, director, and all the other talented people who helped create this beautiful ride for so many to hop onto.

Without Hometown Cha Cha Cha, my weekends will feel a little empty now, I'm glad that out of the blue I clicked on that first episode. It's been a wonderful experience <3

I already missed hye jin and du sik and all characters

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cute but nothing special

my rating for each Episode:
1. Would you be my love - 8.5/10
2. Rhythm‘s Heart - 7/10
3. Remember - 6.5/10
4. Once Upon a time - 9/10
5. Breakup Zone - 7/10
6. VS Love - 8/10
7. 50% My Puppy Love - 7.5/10

I might re-watch Episode 1 & 4 because they were my favorite but other then that I don‘t think I‘ll watch them again. I found the idea of the series cute & a good way to introduce rookie actors/actresses but I would have loved it more if the stories were a bit more connected. I also found it really sad that we didn‘t see any of the couples in one of the other Episodes..

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Han So Hee punches her way to superstardom

Prior to viewing “My Name”, the question begging for an answer was “How is Han So Hee really going to play a character that is more brawl than beauty?” That question is answered so quickly and thoroughly to the affirmative in such short order that immediately after viewing the conclusion, it seems insignificant. It shouldn’t however, as Han So Hee’s performance is outstanding and it makes “My Name” one of the best productions of 2021. As Yoon Ji Woo who joins the Dongcheong drug gang and becomes the mole narcotics detective Oh Hye Jin, Han So Hee bludgeons the screen with desperate rage, crushing isolation and grim determination. If her credentials as an A List star weren’t already established, this performance carves it emphatically in stone.

The story of a criminal enterprise planting a mole in a police department is not breaking new ground. The most notable predecessors are “Infernal Affairs”, the 2002 Hong Kong movie and its English adaptation by Martin Scoresese “The Departed” which won multiple Academy Awards. “My Name” has many similarities but the setup is an ingenious twist which is subtly hinted at multiple times but only fully revealed well past the halfway mark.

Beyond Han So Hee, there are two other marvelous performances. Kim Sang Ho is brilliant as the Narcotics Division captain with a murky connection to the murder of Yoon Donghoon which initiates the story. But the most electrifying work is by Yang Jool as Do Gang Jae, a former Dongcheong disciple with plans to take over as the new kingpin. Gang Jae is at the top of the villain heap - a tangle of psychosis, brilliance, theatrics and grudges. The entanglements between Ji Woo and Gang Jae are the finest moments in a very fine show.

Sadly, they are not the centerpiece and once Gang Jae is no longer involved, the tension markedly slackens. Where “My Name” lapses, it is with the finer points of how Ji Woo acts as Detective Oh, some lackluster characters, one casting misfire and a terribly unimaginative conclusion. For the lackluster characters, Ahn Bo Hyun’s Detective Jeon Pil Do varies from the cop stereotype only occasionally and almost imperceptibly. Park Hee Soon’s Choi Mu Jin, the Dongcheong leader is more corporate figurehead than ruthless drug lord. His right hand man, meanwhile, is Jung Tae Joo played by Lee Hak Joo who is entirely unconvincing in the role.

There are some questionable gaffes in logic. Ji Woo is far too reckless with maintaining her secrecy. It is a serious stretch that she is not quickly outed as a mole. One Bond-like near death escape around the halfway point is a mess. Dongcheong rarely seems like an outfit capable of either mass drug commerce, avoiding police entanglements or successful turf warfare against other gangs. Meanwhile, the entire narcotics division could fit in a walk-in closet and the secondary characters who inhabit it show no indication that they could apprehend the most simple minded criminals.

These are flaws but not so glaring to diminish the entertainment value. The production is overall very well done. The HMU work in particular is convincing. It’s not groundbreaking photography work, but it is solid. There is almost no filler or unnecessary flashbacks in the narrative.

With a satisfying conclusion, “My Name” would be in the top echelon of shows. That, however, is where “My Name” whiffs badly. In the final episode, there is a last shocking moment (a good one) and then the narrative veers immediately southward and never recovers. It is a final confrontation that magically combines a wholly unimaginative setup with a total departure from any possible realism. It results in a show that is nearly eight episodes of scintillating entertainment that is deeply marred by the last twenty minutes.

Overall, “My Name” is an excellent show that simply falls short at the end. For an audience that is not fond of violence, it should be avoided. In general, it is just short of being a “must watch”.

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A Good Slice of Life Drama

Hometown cha cha cha ended with a really good note but overall if you look back there were some dragging situations, 16 epi with 1h 20 min duration per Episode is too much i felt. But anyway a drama which filled with so many emotional scenarios and visually beautiful and heartwarming is really interesting to watch.

The way it started was really increased my expectations. Its definitely not something we see for the first time. It's full of clichés but if those cliché emotions has the ability to communicate with us is enough to label it as a good slice of life drama . If you are a ragular drama watcher you may feel little tired of some scenes, for me it's some romantic situations, especially Shin Min a acting, she looks really weird in some Episodes. its looks so artificial.

In the middle they dragged it like crazy, some unwanted love triangle caught in the center for a moment i thought of dropping this show. Because some dramas will take that it to the end, but thankfully it was ok after some point. Another interesting factor was the relationship of people of Gongjin and their bonding..❤️ it was lovely, their stories and those emotional moments everything was so good to see.

The unfold mystery and that flashbacks everything related to that was also so touching.. The best episode probably will be E15, that single episode changed the entire mood of the drama, excellent. Finale Episode also took its time which was unnecessary but the happy faces of Gongjin make it really good.

Hometown cha cha cha is a very good slice of life romantic drama experience.. its really a heartwarming slice of life show. I don't know why i feel that it would be a much better drama if they reduce the episode duration or numbers. Anyway if you love these kind of plots you must try this.

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like a breath of fresh air

It was just fantastic. You say chemistry,ost,location,story everything was so beautiful. The most amazing quality was it felt warm and was heart touching. It would touch your heart like a lil peck and you would be surprised to feel the warmth and sudden surge of emotions.

I loved the acting neither of the cast lacked in that area. The scenery, the ocean, the house, the supermarket,restaurant,clinic ..their little house and especially the bormance...everything was perfect.

Our sikhye couple nailed it. I am glad the divorced couple could resolve their misunderstanding and the guy realised his mistakes. I was surprised when they showed a lil bit of queer community. Our second couple was also so cute.

The halmonis', the owner of shops and bars...everybody was great...and ofc my special love ji pdnim??‍♀️

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Worth watching as light hearted simple drama.

It's been so long since I have seen a Rom Com without too many cliche scenes. The drama is so simple, it doesn't have any dramatic thing like twists, secrets kind of things. So unless you are the kind of person who loves intense drama, you will like Hometown Cha Cha Cha.

Some people say it is a predictable story and I 100% agree with that. But does it mean will it bore, I would say it doesn't.

The only two things I have to complain about this drama is certain times I felt the pace could be a little faster, but still the pace didn't bored me at all. And also Du shik sad past, I felt the writers could have done it much better. I felt the writers took a safe route in that writing.

The best thing about this drama personally would be Shin min ah role, she was immature in beginning, but the way her character grown and handled certain situations is incredible. And also this drama doesn't have any stupid love triangle at all.

Overall it is a good drama.

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One of a kind drama

This drama has been exercising my face every episode! From smiling too much. pouting my mouth, laughing my mouth widely, and crying too much. This drama has been a roller coaster, every episode has been worth my time. The drama made me feel good about myself as some of the characters has the same situation as me and it comforted as I have no one to comfort myself with. I'm very thankful that this drama existed cause I think my life wouldn't be complete without it. As for the acting, they are superb. Their acting really got me as if it happened naturally. The scenery was just perfect, the sea, the markets, house everything was just memorable and calming. The plot is just incredible, it was perfectly aligned, rich, healing at the same time. I hope I could watch this for the first time again. I think this has to be one of the best drama ever made.

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Really fun drama for light-watching. Simple plot, meaningful message.

This was a really enjoyable and satisfying drama overall. Not too serious, but enough to keep you interested and entertained as a lighthearted drama. Well, at least for me. Loved all the characters, from the leads to the supporting roles. Even the protagonists and antagonists. All of them contributed to the story until the very end. No one was left out.

The message of this drama is really nice. Besides the cute romance, there's also a lot about personal growth, friendship, and fighting for justice and equality. Seeing them fighting for people to receive education and opportunities regardless of gender was really meaningful. Absolutely love the character arcs for these characters. You see them grow and become a better person (or worse), and learn to fight for what they think is right. It's rare to see even supporting characters get their own character arc, and the writer did it really well in this. Each character was used to its full potential instead of just being a foil.

Personally, I think that their romance wasn't the major plot (not that I mind it), but what's really nice is that their love for each other solidified their trust and they became each other's support while getting through those hardships. I like that there weren't overused misunderstandings when there are love triangles. The leads had a happy, healthy, respectful, and supportive relationship. Very mischievous too, lol. Which brings lots of laughter.

None of the characters were dumbed down for dramatic purpose (Yes, not even the female characters). Female lead also wasn't the kind who waits for a knight in shining armour. She is just as intelligent and capable as the male lead, which is SO NICE! Rosy Zhao played this role so, so well. I love it when she plays characters like that. Male lead also wasn't the toxic and disrespectful type. He's probably one of the most respectful, open-minded, and supportive male leads ever. I haven't watched much of Xu Kai Cheng's dramas as I have Lusi's, but I personally think Xu Kai Cheng looks really nice in this drama with the long hair and I like the way he portrayed the role of Yan Yun Zhi.

Overall, I think this is a drama that is worth watching, especially for the laughs (Look out for Sang Qi and Yan Yan's shenanigans!). Though it gets a little more serious in the last few episodes, you'll still find yourself smiling at the very end. I'll definitely rewatch this whenever I need a pick-me-up drama. Great chemistry between the lead couple and second lead couple. Great dynamics between all characters. The plot was simple yet engaging and meaningful. Love the funny and sweet moments, and all the sword fights! I also like that they didn't forget any characters for the ending.

If you're looking for a complicated plot and more mature content and characters, then maybe this isn't your cup of tea. But if you want a light-hearted and fun drama with a little bit of mystery, then you might like this underrated gem.

P.s. I enjoyed this drama so much that I decided to create an MDL account just to leave a review because I felt so bad that this drama received quite some criticism especially from the Chinese audience.

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first part - greatest, second part - good, becomes quite repetitive

It's really great drama, but not greatest. in the beginning episodes you will think you found one of hundreds level drama, though second half isn't that level. in first part there is real tension, twists and turns, unexpected turns, every element of really high quality greatest drama, but in second half kind of nothing new, same and same "searching saving her" and "madly in love ML". in the beginning I thought it even could compare (not same level but could be close) to Cruel City, but at some point it becomes repetitive, by episode 10(+/-) I already knew there wont be anything new and big anymore, he will search her and love her till the end.
I'm not saying ML should give up on her, but after first few episodes you have expectations that this isn't usual action or usual romance, you expect more, because first half is really great and different, and you think second part will show also great plot and unexpected events, turns of story and character, like in "Cruel City" or "Kairos". just "saving girl he loves" becomes repetitive and for me disappointing, I was waiting something like it was in Kairos, when at the half way ML realizes she wasn't who he thought, or dynamic changes of situation like in "Cruel City"... but here actual "status" kind of stays same for 16 episodes: lost girl, searching/fighting for her ML, madly in love ML and modern Romeo/Juliet vibe.
Drama has one of greatest potential in first half or at list first episodes but then it's just another good action/saving FL/revenge drama.

I'm not saying not to watch it, on opposite it's really good and way better drama then 70-80% of kdramas, I'm just saying it could be better then 90-95% of kdramas.

p.s. I can forgive rom-cos for cliches, but high level dramas, when will you stop showing ML's like almighty supermans and bad guys with "evil laugh"???

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Sweet and Sassy

This heartwarming drama with perfect comedic and tear-jerk timing was so fun to watch! I had to give it a 10 overall. The ensemble of characters brought to life a small seaside town that you would want to live in. I enjoy dark, thriller dramas too, but sometimes you want to enjoy simple stories that are relatable and thoughtful...and don't have someone out to ruin someone else. This well-written script had the perfect balance of sweetness and sassiness that either made you laugh out loud or say ahh or bring you tears. Hence, I don't need to do a deep dive on the story or characters. All I want to say is if you want to laugh, cry, and smile then this is the show for you. I will definitely keep an eye for other dramas that the screenwriter has written.

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A roller coaster of emotion

I had never watched a series and go from smiling to crying in the end. This is (I thought) a light hearted drama but little did I know it touched on so many realistic issues of the society. It hooks you in at first, and reveals everything at the end naturally. I fell for it!

I had never felt so much emotions and growth for all characters in a drama! When they cry, I cried, and when they smile, I smiled like an idiot. It was as if I am there witnessing everything.

It is really heart warming watching this series. I want to travel. It destresses me. It prep me so well for Monday blues. I love the OST Romantic Sunday especially, it is on loop in my head. First part was cheery and merry, middle was all about understanding, third was letting go.

Individual episodes can be considered a story on its own, yet it still makes me want to watch it every weekend. I had so much withdrawal symptoms after every weekend. I would not want this drama to end. It can go forever. Although they only addresses everything towards the last 2 episodes (I cried like mad when the kid cried and grandma having her last words), it don't seemed strange.

Leaving the ending happy but vague (everything is solved but not solved vibe) is surprisingly comfortable to me! They will marry but they did not show the ceremony and miseon's wedding, interview with oh yoon, the teacher... but it was still the closure I seek for in my heart. It warms me very much. It thought me to appreciate everyone around me, and give myself love.

Love is the greatest gift for yourself, and health. I will definately watch this again soon! I couldn't get over it!

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This drama will stay with you for a long time.

I started this drama without much expectations and in fact the first couple of episodes didn't provide me with the hook. But every week, it got better and better and today this is my favourite Romantic Comedy drama of all time, being the only drama I've ever rated 10/10.

Here's why you should watch Hometown Cha Cha Cha:

1. The characters and the acting
- Every character in this drama was loveable. Each had their flaws but we love them regardless of it because we know everyone wants the best for each other. I loved how the drama portrayed this so deeply in small scenes throughout the episodes. The casting and all actors were truly a perfect fit.

- But ultimately, BIG kudos goes to Kim Seon Ho, where I couldn't help but be magnitised by his character in every one of his scenes. His experience as a theatre actor clearly came through, and you could genuinely feel his emotions through it all. I think this is his best role yet, and I can't wait for his future works and continuing to support him in 2D1N!

2. The visuals
- The aesthetic of the drama was the most healing. The blue skies, seas, b-rolls of Pohang and the small details made Gongjin feel like the most heavenly seaside town. Being in lockdown this year, this drama has given me something to look forward to for the past 8 weeks and I couldn't be more grateful to feel myself being transported there. It also made me feel more grateful for the place I live in as well and look for these small moments that make the most out of what we do have.

3. The plot
- On the surface, the drama might feel simple with a slice of life storyline. But there's so much more to that. Every scene and little detail felt intentional as I rewatched the episodes. Cliches were shown in fresh ways. The themes of love, community, people - appreciating how the small things in life are actually what makes life worth living were perfectly portrayed.

- I also loved the tension and mysteries throughout the episodes that made going onto Twitter fun to see what theories people had.

- You will definitely be on a rollercoaster of emotions, but just let yourself feel it all, it'll be worth it!

Overall, I highly recommend you give this drama a try! Thank you to the Hometown Cha Cha Cha team for giving me a drama that I'll always remember fondly!!!

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A Refreshing and Realistic and Remarkable story!

Ever since the start of 2021, there have been an overwhelming amount of kdramas released with the mystery, thriller, psychological genre, so HOMETOWN CHA CHA CHA was like a breath of fresh air.

The main thing that made this drama worthwhile was the perfect casting of our leads, the whole Gongjin family and of course, the Gongjin village itself! The way they captured the beautiful and mesmerizing sceneries, it will make anyone crave to live there, even if it's for a while.

Next comes our remarkable characters. Kim Seon Ho and Shin Min Ah showed one of the most adorable chemistry, and it was beautiful seeing how their whole journey towards finding and falling for each other evolved in front of our eyes.
The spectacular acting by our cast made this drama worth watching. Kim Seon Ho's famous "eye-acting" was present here too, and made us all cry along and suffer with him, then comes our Gamri Halmeoni who reminded us of our own lovable grandmothers. Moreover, the side stories of our Gongjin residents - Namsook, Hwajeong, Cho Hui, Oh Yoon, the bromance between Dusik and Ji pd was very perfectly executed. The child actors playing Ijun, Bora were exceptional too.

All in all, this drama showed us the perfect bonding and love between people who are not related by blood, but at the end of the day, they are like a huge, loving family, who will do anything and everything for each other.
WHAT AN ENJOYABLE RIDE IT WAS!

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You will like it if you are new to k-dramas

Intro:
Don't hate on me for not falling in love with this drama as most people have. It is my personal opinion and does not have to be the same with all.

What I didn't like:
I think in the story Captain Ri had multiple opportunities to send Seri back to South Korea and at some point, it felt like they didn't only because they wanted to drag the story on longer. Also, I think though Captain Ri was one of the main characters whose role was that of a North Korean soldier, he didn't do justice to the role. For some reason, he seemed the least North Korean in terms of accent and acting there.

What I liked :
I loved the acting of Seri and the other North Korean soldiers, they did a phenomenal job. I also really liked the OSTs of this drama. Through the drama I think many people were educated about life in North Korea, so kudos to that.

Rewatch value :
I think it is one of those cliche drams you could watch over and over. I was not especially moved by it the first time I watched it because I have seen many K-dramas and this did not spark any special interest in me. But I do have to say I rewatched some cute scenes especially those of the second leads.

Overall remarks/ Outro :
If you are new to the k-drama world and are watching something like this for the first time. I recommend you watch it with an open mind and then liking it or not is up to you. But you will mostly fall into this k-drama black hole ??. If you are a drama addict like me, then it is up to your preference I guess. If you love cliche and cute love stories with a lot of melodrama..This is totally something you should be watching.

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