I knew how the end of the story will be and the thing that was important to me was the process of the story.
Let me tell you that I enjoyed the chemistry between Kim Seon ho and Shin Min Ah.
Also the cast of this drama, made me feel good and the truth about this drama is that was not just a comedy-romance drama, but it tried to give us some lessons about life.
Of course, as always I exprienced second lead syndrome; but I can stand it because it wasn't as painful as Han Ji Pyung :)
Let's be honest another time, I liked this drama and I'm happy that I gave it a chance.
I wish the best for my Flower Boy, KIM SEON HO <3
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A mature, healthy romance to keep you hooked from start to finish
While waiting for new episodes of King the Land I just picked something from my list on Netflix to watch inbetween, and the summary of this one looked interesting, even though it doesn't seem to be as highly hyped and promoted as some of the other K-dramas on Netflix. Don't let that discourage you from watching this. This is definitely a shiny jewel among k-dramas. I've been binging it now over the last week. It has just the right amount of drama and intrigue without most of the toxic/cliché tropes that are so common in kdramas, with a healthy sort of love triangle and a realistic relationship between mature adults. The acting feels natural and genuine, especially between the two main lead actors.I was absolutely gobsmacked by Kim Seon-ho's performance in this. First drama I've seen him in and yet I'm willing to say he's one of the best Korean actors I've ever seen (and I say that with about 15 years and hundreds of dramas under my belt). I'm sad I haven't discovered him sooner, but now I'll have to catch up one some other of his work.
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Phenomenal acting saved this drama
After reading so many conflicting reviews I wasn’t sure what to expect. Was it touching and sweet? Yes. Was the acting good? I was blown away by the acting skills of this entire cast. Did the main leads have chemistry? Absolutely! So why didn’t I give it a perfect 10? Two reasons: the pacing of the drama and the storyline. (Don’t worry, I’ll be addressing a lot of good stuff about this drama later. But let’s get the bad out of the way first).First, let’s talk about the pacing. Yes, I know it’s a slice of life drama which is typically slow paced, which I expected. I love slice of life dramas and adored You Are My Glory (my all time favorite slice of life drama). But it wasn’t the slow pacing of the drama that bothered me. It was how the drama started out a little slower than normal, then continued at a very relaxed laidback pace, then suddenly out of nowhere it had major drama and angst in the last few episodes. I felt like I was watching a melodrama. I’m not talking about small misunderstandings or love triangles. It got much deeper and darker. Not only does a beloved character die but someone almost committed suicide. It was such a light, fluffy, relaxing drama that I never expected death and suicide to be the main topics of discussion in those last few episodes. If they had paced things better it would have been a far better drama. It was very slow for a good deal of the drama with very little excitement. Then there was too much excitement and angst crammed into the last few episodes. If the excitement and angst had been sprinkled throughout the drama in little bits it would have been perfect. I appreciated all of the various topics that were touched upon. Like death, mental health issues, the effects of divorce on both parents & children, and alternative lifestyles. But most of these issues were hinted at and slowly built up throughout the drama but didn’t really come to light till the last few episodes. So it seemed like everything happened all at once near the end. If each issue had been dealt with separately throughout the drama it would have been more interesting and more evenly paced.
Now let’s address the main problem of this drama, the storyline. I think the reason it felt slower than normal for so long was because of the basic setting of the story. The female lead is a dentist, which is not a very exciting job. Then the male lead doesn’t really have a career, he just fills in wherever he’s needed all around town. Most of his jobs are uninteresting like waiting tables or making coffee at the local coffee shop. And since slice of life dramas mainly focus on the lead characters daily lives, I found it a bit slow and uninteresting at times, especially when it involved their jobs. And since it was set in a laidback quiet little town in the countryside, there wasn’t much excitement. I normally enjoy a laidback drama, I find them relaxing. But this one was just too calm and sedate for my tastes. If the main leads had more interesting careers or had it been set in a more exciting location, the drama would have been much better.
Now for the good stuff: the acting. The acting of the entire cast was far above average. I’ve watched hundreds of dramas and it’s extremely rare for me to like the entire cast. But they acted their butts off. I think that’s why this drama has such great ratings. These amazing actors took a drama with pacing and storyline issues and elevated it to one of the top dramas of the year. I don’t expect it to get drama of the year, but to have everyone talking about the possibility is a testament to their fine acting.
One of the things I always look for in a drama is character growth. And I was thrilled to see lots of that in this drama. All across the board each and every character grew and changed. They learned from their past mistakes and became better people. I enjoyed watching them become better versions of themselves.
With a romance drama the chemistry between the leads is essential and these leads oozed chemistry. They are both gorgeous and seemed very attracted to each other. There’s lots of kisses, flirting, and hand holding. But I wish there had been a little more skinship. And the kisses were too light and delicate. The sweet delicate kisses are more appropriate for youth dramas. When the actors are more mature then steamy kisses are expected and much more realistic. That being said, I still loved their romance and looked forward to their romantic moments. Just don’t expect a real life romance between the two. The female lead is already taken. (Shout out to Kim Woo Bin.)
My favorite thing about this drama and what I think makes everyone like it so much is that it has some deep underlying messages, such as:
First: don’t judge a book by its cover, the image people portray may not be who they really are.
Second: Burying a pain deep inside will only make the pain worse. Just like an impacted wisdom tooth, if you don’t pull it out it will just hurt more.
Third: No occupation or lifestyle is superior to another.
Fourth: Appreciate the small things in life, they are what brings true happiness, not money or fancy careers.
In conclusion, I now understand why the reviews are so varied. Slice of life dramas are not everyone’s cup of tea. You will only like this if you’re into slice of life dramas that are slower paced. Yes this is slower paced than most slice of life dramas but the acting is phenomenal, the leads have chemistry, the side characters are interesting, there’s lots of character growth, and it teaches some valuable lessons. I probably won’t watch it again because it’s a bit too calm and sedate to bring me back a second time. But I loved how fuzzy and warm it made me feel. The ending is so touching and sweet and not cheesy at all. I would definitely recommend it but only for those who like slower paced slice of life type of dramas.
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It made me laugh, cry, get annoyed, be angry. I fell in love with every single one of the characters, and even if I had iffy feelings on one of them, I ended up loving them in the end. It made me wish I lived in a small town where everyone knows and cares for each other. It felt like one huge family, and made me wish I had that close of friends as well.
I loved that every single character mattered and they each had a story and a past that went into an episode. All of their relationships were given so much time, and it helped create a bond with each and every one of them.
If you want a show that can have you laughing, but then also have you crying so hard then def give this show a watch. It's so wholesome, but has moments where you have your head in your hands in embarrassment. You'll be laughing and then crying.
The story flows so well and has many call-backs to things that help give you more answers and insight onto what was happening.
10/10 amazing.
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I liked it!!
I liked it a lot. Especially, since I've been watching too much of suspense, thriller and dark kdramas, this was extremely refreshing and nice. Cute and nice, this drama was really fun. It gave me butterflies in my stomach. Plot wasn't that strong, but you know what? Sometimes the plot doesn't have to be breathtaking, super duper intersting and all to deliver the little messages of life. Those kind of dramas stress me out (although I do enjoy them). I took my time to sit on a cozy couch and watch as much as I was comfortable with. Really enjoyed it. Strongly recommended!Was this review helpful to you?
Heart-warming storyline with realistic romance
I thought the setting in a small-town with "weird side characters" would bore me, but this is now one of my favorite dramas for it's realistic approach to how 2 individuals slowly get to know each other as well as what it takes to settle into a new home/community.Very heart-warming story with great romantic development between the main couple as well as nuanced side characters with their own backgrounds (i usually think the latter is a waste, but not a scene or line was wasted in this drama!).
Upon first glance, it doesn't seem like Shin Min Ah and Kim Seon Ho have chemistry, but you'll get small glimmers of his growing affection for her, which makes it such a satisfying slow burn. Additionally, they both judge each other off the bat but you'll watch them change their judgment of each other the more they get to know each other.
Both are warm-hearted, talented individuals who keep themselves guarded: one with a demeanor of a high maintenance ice-queen while the other keeps himself busy with work. Little by little, they become vulnerable with each other and realize that you don't have to be "whole" to genuinely be loved.
Additionally, each of the side characters have a story line that makes it easy to understand why they are the way they are.
tldr: If you want a drama that shows the power of a small community uplifting each other and how vulnerability can lead to love, this drama hits those points.
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My safe zone
Hometown cha cha cha is the second drama I watched that totally immersed me in the world of romantic Kdrama. I really like the two main actors and the story itself. The air with the waves calms me and makes me happy so much that I will never get tired of watching it again. Although it was sometimes a little boring, it was still a drama of strong emotion for me. I laughed a lot and sometimes I even felt like crying, which is very rare in my case. In any case, I will never forget it, especially Choi Yu ri's ost, a gem !Was this review helpful to you?
Absolutely beautiful ❤️✨
I wanted to watch this when it was airing but couldn't. Now that I have watched it, I loved it.The story is not complex or extraordinary. It's a simple, sweet and fluffy show. It's been days since I genuinely enjoyed any drama but I loved this one.
Location, OST, cinematography, visuals, cast, everything about this show was amazing.
It ended so soon. I don't know when will I get a chance to watch something this good again.
There are only some shows that make your heart warm and giddy and makes you feel good and this show is one of them for me.
Also, I'm officially crushing on Kim Seoh Ho❤️✨
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They did not lie when they promised this drama would be healing
This drama is one of the most refreshing things I've watched in awhile. It's fairly light hearted (though there are episodes that will hurt), and full of good communication and character growth and so many of those lovely things. Every couple is a delight to watch, even the ones that frustrated you in the beginning. The town and the people who live in it genuinely feel real and complex, and they get as much screen time as they deserve.It's not nothing but fluff, but this is a good thing. This is well written and soothing and I absolutely recommend it to anyone.
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Some of The Worst Writing and PPL I’ve Ever Seen
My 4 categories are Acting/Cast, Writing, Direction/SFX/Music, Entertainment Value.Am I in the Twilight Zone? This drama was one of the worst I’ve ever seen, but how are so many people are saying it's their favorite? I’m flabbergasted…I was trying to avoid using that word because it sounds weird, but it’s the only way I can describe my feelings right now.
Acting/Cast: I like Kim Seon Ho (김선호), who plays the male lead. I know him from Catch Yoo Ryung, which is a drama I really enjoyed. His character is probably the only okay thing about this drama and he’s not even a well-written character. All the acting is bad from nearly everyone. Even the child actors weren’t great, aside from maybe Kim Min Seo (김민서). However, I think this is probably due to bad writing and directing; even the actors had no idea how to deliver these terrible lines. 1.5/10
Writing: The first half of the drama is decent. Although, the male lead literally is a Gary Stu, which is a clear indicator of bad writing. He’s good at everything, he went to a good college, he has a perfect personality, everyone loves him, blah blah blah. The female lead is a little better because she starts off very flawed. This was a nice surprise as drama writers tend to be afraid of writing flawed female leads. However, her character growth isn’t written well and when episode 11 hits (more on this later), any hopes for more character growth goes out the window. This drama has no message and it could have had one if the male lead wasn’t a Gary Stu. Then the female lead could learn to value people for their hearts and not for their schooling and designer clothes. One of the flaws that the female lead has is that she’s materialistic. Apparently this isn’t a bad thing because they use her materialism for all kinds of product placement and she never stops being materialistic. Ugh...the PPL in this drama is so bad that calling it PPL doesn’t even feel right. It should be called shameless advertising or infomercials or something. If the PPL interrupts the flow of a drama, then it’s a problem, and this happens multiple times. I think what happened was, they didn’t fulfill enough of the PPL requirement in the first half of the drama, so the second half was jam-packed with it to make up for it. Poor planning on their part. They even have a long Domino’s pizza commercial in the last episode where the actors have to pretend like they’ve never tasted pizza before. It’s so cringey. And the PPL isn’t the only thing that’s cringey about this drama...as I’ve mentioned earlier, the dialogue – particularly the dialogue between the two leads – it’s so bad. It’s so bad that I can swear the actors were cringing just as much as I was. There are multiple instances where the female lead simply tells the male lead how her personality is. That’s not how that works...we’re supposed to be shown a character’s personality, not told. Now let’s talk about episode 11. This is when the drama really imploded. The leads are now dating, but of course they got to put in the ‘secret relationship’ trope for the sole reason of trying to pack as many tropes as possible into this drama. In an attempt to keep their relationship secret (which is already super disrespectful and why I hate this trope), she physically abuses the male lead. It’s even to the point where she makes him bleed. It was not cute, it was not funny, it had nothing to do with the story, it was alarming. This chick is supposed to have feelings for him and she can still do all that to him! Imagine if the roles were reversed and it was the male lead who was slapping, kicking, and head-butting the female lead out of “reflex”. But no, it’s okay because it’s a man being abused by a woman. This is when I wanted to drop the drama. I was disturbed by the female lead’s behavior (and by the drama writers thinking that this is perfectly fine and funny). It was no longer cute or romantic by any means. However, I decided to keep going mostly because I wanted to type up this review. Unfortunately, since that point in the drama, it was a painful watch through to the end. The physical abuse stops, but the female lead’s crazy does not. Her personality in the first half of the drama and her personality in the second half of the drama are two completely different characters. She is so vastly different that I was expecting the male lead to fall out of love with her since she’s not who he fell in love with anymore. She is so cringey, constantly talking with a baby voice trying to act “cute”. If you thought Welcome to Samdal-ri and Doctor Slump was bad, hold my beer. The leads had decent chemistry in the first half of the drama, but since the female lead has now become some sort of baby-talking sleep paralysis demon, the chemistry has left the building. By this point in the drama, I’m well aware of how terrible the writing is, so when the male lead’s mystery gets uncovered, I’m already 100 steps ahead. I won’t “spoil” it, but think of the most cliché thing that it could be and you’ll be correct. I really hate this trope, too; it’s so lazy and makes no sense. Around this time, the female lead starts to blatantly emotionally manipulate the male lead into revealing his past to her (something that he has kept private from everyone). Excuse me bitch, how long have you known him?? And you think you have the right to know all his secrets?? And what makes matters worse is that there are no interesting side stories to keep me from wanting to drop this drama either. All the side relationships are also kind of annoying and/or weird. To be completely honest, I thought almost all of the characters themselves were annoying. 1/10
Direction/SFX/Music: The best thing about this drama is the filming location. The production value looks decent. The OST is decent. The directing...I don’t know who to blame. With such a bad script, can you really do anything to make it better? It's also as if the last half of the drama is a completely different drama. 4/10
Entertainment Value: The first half was decently entertaining. I liked the frenemies vibe that the leads had. I liked watching her befriend the townspeople (although it could have been done much better). However, the second half is so bad (from episode 11 and on) that I was actually angry. I would have dropped this at episode 11, but I was so freaked out by all the positive reviews that I wanted to finish this drama so that I could write one. 1/10
Overall, I gave this drama a 1/10. I have to give it a 1 because I would have dropped it at episode 11. There's only one drama I've seen so far that has worse writing than this one and that's The Third Charm (and that's even debatable). If you didn’t like Welcome to Samdal-ri, you won’t like this. There are no good characters, no chemistry, no message, and every cliché in the book is thrown into this drama. It ends up turning into a series of PPL commercials.
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Even with its simple storyline, the setting is one of its greatest highlights. The series takes place in one of the most beautiful regions, with stunning coastal landscapes that create a warm and nostalgic atmosphere. Each scene enhances the feeling of comfort and belonging, making the experience even more special.
With a charismatic cast and a script that embraces the simple joys of life, it captivates without relying on dramatic twists. It is a lighthearted, engaging, and visually enchanting story—perfect for those looking for a comforting and heartfelt experience.
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Wholesome drama
While I was watching this show I thought: My mum woud love it! It is just so wholesome and positiv and its bascially stories about normal life. Stories about friends and family, divorce, falling in love, jobs, expectations of society, missunderstandings, raising a family, parenting, getting old, dealing with some kind of trauma etc. It is entertaining and kept me engaged until Episode 14... OK maybe also 15 as I did want to know what happened to Chief Hong... But like many Korean Dramas it just streched out a bit too long and the end there was just too much happy endings so I stopped 10 minutes into Episode 16. By then the story was told and nothing in Episode 16 added to it (apart from making me cringe a bit).But yes if you are looking for some wholesome story with nice acting and beautiful scenery its the one for you.
My mum would love this and its a shame they didnt synch it in German.
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