Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha

This is probably my most anticipated kdrama of the year and I am glad to say that I enjoyed every second of it. I usually stay away from romcoms because they tend to have the same formula but homecha is different from the rest.

Yes, there was romance and there was comedy, but there were more layers and depths to it; the complexities and simplicity of different types of relationships (romantic, platonic, familial, friendships, etc), the sense of belonging in a community, living life the way you want to, grief and guilt, etc. I smiled, laughed and even cried while watching this.

And I love the found family trope in this show, it was so heartwarming how everyone became a huge family and supported each other. The cast was incredible, and thanks to the great writing, they brought so much life and variety to the show. On that note, I have to mention that Kim Seonho and Shin Min-a have amazing chemistry and honestly, the person who casted them deserves a raise. This show is a gem and kudos to the entire team that worked on it because they created something that touched many people's hearts.

The first thing that struck me about this show is that each character is independent, mostly self aware (of course there is room to grow) and making course correcting choices for a work/ mental health balance. Our leading female, Hye-jin is self-driven, stubborn, and self-accomplished. Our leading male, Du-sik, is a savant jack of all trades choosing to live a simple small town life filled with meaningful relationships vs a profitable city career. The episodes are still being released so there is more to unravel, and of course a love triangle, but this show is filled with tender moments, hearty laughs, and a harrowing sorrow for what is beyond our control.

EDIT: Now that we are nearly at the end, and as a viewer that has fully immersed myself in this drama right from the start to now (finished episode 15), I can say that this drama is definitely the second best series (after squid game) I've watched in 2021. I like dark dramas, and intense plotting, revenge against each other, weird monsters stuff, but every weekend exactly at 10pm, I find myself waiting impatiently for HTCCC to drop a new episode on Netflix, this is my perfect dose of relaxation. I don't know about cliche storylines or whatsoever, I'm watching because of the chemistry of the entire cast of this drama, the setting, how they are having fun on set. It was almost they were really living in Gongjin. I love how every single family in Gongjin has a story to tell, even right to the beautiful pre-school teacher. The stories were simple, but realistic. Eg, the pregnant store lady part, the little boy whose parents were divorced. I love to watch the two main leads going on their dates, so rarely we get to have 2 full episodes on lovey dovey scenes in k dramas, you know what's the real cliche for me? It's always when the two main leads going on lovey dates and then suddenly one of them sick or die or they just cannot be together. And it usually happen like 15 mins after they are happy. 🤣🤣 Like finally! We get to see my fav couple having a proper date too. Finally can I just say that the OST for this drama is PERFECT. My fav has got to be Here Always by Seungmin!

Sorry the other unhelpful review here has prompted me to start an account here to write a proper review of this drama. There was definitely more dialogue going on, so I'm not sure if that reviewer watched the right drama.

To start off, this drama has been touted to be a healing drama, and also finally we have Kim Seon Ho as a lead against Shin Min Ah, two dimples visuals here, so really, what's not to love?

The first episode started off light heartedly, and I thought it was a great introduction of the fishing village that will likely be the main setting for the rest of the drama, we have Chief Hong being a know-it-all, and also gave Hye-Jin whose likable personality should be a great hit in the village soon after. The cinematography and natural acting of the actors are great and also in this pandemic, after watching several "heavy" dramas from TVN, this is definitely a refreshing change and now I can't wait for the next episode to be out!

A disillusioned city girl heads to the seaside and meets up with a local popular character who she clashes with initially but over time they come together but he has issues from his past that could tear them apart. A great cast with superb performances and side stories make each episode enjoyable. Anything with Shin Min-a in is always watchable because she plays an adorable love interest like no other. The chemistry with her co stars is always believable and in this series Kim Seon-ho as her partner puts in a sterling performance.

Short story:- It got me hooked from the very first episode.

Long story:- I am someone who have watched plenty of Kdramas in the past and so my standard is pretty high for rating a show as positive. Any show which gets me attached and hooked from early on is straight away deserves 10 stars.

Lately at the time of writing there is so much negativity and depressing stuff going on in the world and in our life, i was looking for show which can bring smile on my face after hard day at work. I started few Kdramas on Netflix before this and was struggling to find a decent show.

About this show, first of all it is believable, the story I mean. It's so simple yet so beautifully crafted. It's relaxing and doesn't stray away from the story much. The rural setting makes you wanna retire to some place like this in your future. The setting of the town is picturesque and full of colours. Both the lead characters are cute looking and instantly lovable. At times, the show will teach you valuable life lessons also. The romance and chemistry between the two characters are pure and angelic. You know they are made for each other.

This is so far my analysis of the show after watching the first few episodes of it. Can't wait how the rest of the story will unfold. So interesting.