Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha

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!

It's impossible not to fall in love with the character of Hong Du Sik. He is a total Renaissance man: capable, accomplished, considerate, humorous, athletic, and very good looking.

While the characters seem at first glance to follow a standard construct, I am anticipating that the story arc will continue to be intelligent, as it is touching on a number of contemporary issues to do with prejudice and assumptions. The writer seems to have developed considerable back stories and subtext for the majority of the characters, although we are not yet privy to all of them (as of episode four).

I'll edit and update as the season progresses.

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.

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.

After watching first 2 episodes, i found this drama lightweight in storyline, heartwarming in storytelling, funny in between characters interaction. Plus, it's cinematic background just like I went to watch the place myself. 😍

No big events & so heavy topics up until now, so i think this drama can be a healing "me time" after a long exhausted working days. It suitable to watch together with family too. It's gonna be fun relating Gongjin Villagers's story to our life too.

For romance part, i think its like typical love story but maybe when the main leads start push & pull their real feelings, we will enjoying it more. Just like the drama title, i hope the drama will make my heart dance cha cha cha at every episode's ending.

P/s: their first ost is very catchy! They got me lallalalalala after both episode!