Hometown Cha Cha Cha - Series Review

I wrote this ages ago, forgot about it, and then immediately had feelings again when I reread it… so obviously, we’re posting.

 

No spoiler review—because some twists deserve your full, unprepared shock.

 

After a very, very long time, I finally found my go-to drama of 2021. Hometown Cha Cha Cha, starring Kim Seon-Ho and Shin Min-Ah, has everything I love in a Korean drama. Lovely characters, cute chemistry between the leads, and a plot that has me hooked for the entirety of the drama. The town's talent show and Du Sik gobbling down a hot dumpling so his “rival” doesn't get any from Hye Jin is peak jealous kdrama hero moment. 

 

I feel that K-Dramas get it right in how they handle relationships, not just between the leads, but with everyone else as well. HTCCC follows Yoon Hye Jin, an aloof and hardworking dentist who quits her job and opens a dental clinic in a small seaside village, Gongjin. Here, she meets Hong Du Sik, more commonly known as Chief Hong (Hong Ba Jang), and a whole host of villagers who have their own troubles. 

 

At first, Hye-jin finds it difficult to adjust, her aloof personality clashing with the warmth (and nosiness) of Gongjin. But slowly, through small missteps and quiet moments, she begins to find her place—eventually discovering a sense of belonging that feels like family. 

 

Her romance with Du Shik was so sweet. This is a slow burn done right. Their cute banter, mainly caused by their opposite personalities, their friendship, and the chemistry - all this made them one of my favorite K-drama couples.

 

Kudos to the writer for a simple yet compelling story that made me anxiously wait for every new episode. When I first heard about the show, I was apprehensive about watching it cause it sounded a lot like a Hallmark movie - a city girl moves to a small town and falls in love. My main concern - How will they maintain this plot for 16 episodes? But every moment was entertaining. With each episode, I was invested in every character in Gongjin. I loved how every episode focused on one person and their troubles. Somehow, the loudest person in town, had the most traumatic backstory. That's solid storytelling right there.  And the takeaway? Don’t judge someone before you know what they’ve been through.

If you are looking for a cozy drama set in a seaside, picturesque village with lovable characters, a homely feeling, and strong storytelling, you should watch Home Town Cha Cha Cha. 

  

 

Random note: This series is based on the film Mr. Handy, Mr. Hong. While the movie had its own charm, the drama really takes its time—giving each character more depth, more backstory, and honestly, way more emotional impact.