My favourite drama (and most likely show in general ) of all time
Hometown Cha-cha-cha was truly amazing. It's the closest thing to perfection I have ever seen. The story was impeccably told and the writers and producers did an amazing job of bringing the story to life. Never have I gone through so many emotions in one show. You end up falling in love with pretty much every member of the main cast and the entire story itself. The show managed to avoid many of the sometimes frustrating tropes associated with many dramas. I just finished the series and I would watch it multiple times over in a heartbeat. Truly a must-watch for everyone and my favourite drama (and honestly, show) of all time.Was this review helpful to you?
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Come for the laughs and stay for the chemistry.
Both the actor and actress were perfectlycasted for this show. The chemistry between Seon Ho and Shin Min Ah is great. The back n forth between the two makes for some good dialogue. Defintely something you want to
watch if you want to smile. If you are looking for something light hearted with some good laughs. I highly recommend that you watch this show. Especially if you are looking for that feel good romantic comedy of the summer. I can't begin to say enough good things about this show. I know it is still early on but this show is everyrhing it was promoted to be.
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This review may contain spoilers
Many holes in the plot
I don't get what the hype is with this drama. The ratings are so high that I thought I would enjoy it, but in reality, I don't understand it. It seems they are putting every stereotype of Korean romance dramas: parent health issues or death, main characters meeting when they were young, and I bet they have a connection to be revealed at the end. The male lead is cold to the female lead, doesn't care, and even bullies her. They go back and forth until they eventually become a couple. There's also an unrealistic supportive friend whose job is just to be there. If I can predict something more, it will be a gentle male character who cares for her, but like all Korean dramas, she is fixated on the male lead.In episode 1, the main female lead quits her job because she is an honest, non-greedy person who cares a lot for others, to the point that she gets blocked from all jobs in the market. She moves to a village to open a clinic, becoming an arrogant person who thinks low of all people. In real life, any person would avoid her completely after she publicly shamed a retired singer without an on-the-spot apology, which confirms her bad character. Yet, the male lead helps her all the way to be forgiven by all the others.
The singer got depressed because of her harsh words, and she never bothered to apologize in the following days. When they met again after some time, he suddenly became the happiest person just because she told him she listened to his album and liked one song? He even quit smoking on the spot when she noticed the cigarette?!
The coincidences that happen one after another are so unrealistic that it gets boring. I feel the writer put them all just to justify her staying and starting a life there.
When the female lead came to visit the village, she was spotted by everyone as an outsider, interacted with them, and the male lead met her "by coincidence" many times. Yet, when her friend joined to live and work with her, I don't see her side story or any interaction or comments from people. No one paid attention to her. I realized this when it was cleaning day: all the villagers were up early to clean, and they were disappointed with the female lead because she was not there and dragged her to assist in cleaning. Her friend just got a free pass because no one cares or it doesn't add to the building love story between the main leads?!
In reality, if a man existed in the same situation and personality as the male lead, he would never be attracted to the female lead because several situations since she came to the village showed her disrespect to the dearest people in his life whom he loves and protects.
The only reason I will continue watching (though I'm like 90% quitting it) is because I am learning Korean and I need to improve my listening by watching Korean dramas.
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wasted time
An infantile main character who thinks everything revolves around her. The main character generally has the syndrome of being eternally guilty in front of everyone. How could you get so attached to a security guard to give him your fortune, and even blame yourself for his death, that he chose to invest all the money himself? the plot is just at zero. I fell for a high rating, but it's not like that. Only koreans can blame themselves for everything, even if the earth is round. In addition, the episodes are very long and tedious at the same time.Was this review helpful to you?
Literally healed me
I watched this back when it was airing in 2021, gave it a 10/10, rewatched it in 2023 and again this year in 2025. A 10/10 EVERYTIME.I HAVE NEVER FELT SO WARM AND FULFILLED WATCHING A DRAMA. Like, HomeCha wasn’t just a show, it was an experience. It was like taking a deep breath of fresh air, like a warm hug, like drinking hot chocolate on a rainy day. It was comfort in drama form.
Romance? 12/10. Chemistry? OFF THE CHARTS.
Yoon Hye-jin and Hong Du-sik??? PERFECTION. Their relationship felt so natural, so real, so deeply emotional that I could feel their love growing with every interaction. Their bickering? Adorable. Their tender moments? Butterflies. Their angst? PAIN. This is what true romance pacing looks like—no unnecessary dragging, no unrealistic jumps, just two people gradually falling in love in the most beautiful way. The chemistry was so electric it didn’t even feel scripted. Just pure, unfiltered longing and love.
That being said, I have some thoughts on Hye-jin. People say she’s rude, but honestly, I never saw her that way. What did bother me, though, was her cringy baby talk when she got into a relationship. I honestly get it because her whole life she has had to be an adult because of her family, and now she finally gets to experience her inner child, still it annoyed me a little😭. Also, around ep 13, she seemed lowkey embarrassed about Du-shik’s lack of a set job, and I was just like… girl, this is Chief Hong we’re talking about. The man can do literally everything. Also, why did Du-shik have to apologize just because Hye-jin was telling Du-shik to care of the guy who had a crush on her? It made no sense. But her character development was EVERYTHING.
But does Hye-jin ruin the drama for me? Absolutely not. Nothing could ruin this drama for me. I squealed like a kid every time she and Du-shik had a moment. Their dynamic was everything, and Du-shik as a character?? A 20/10. Kim Seon-ho ate this role UP. His smile, his little eyebrow raises, his dimples—I need a Du-shik in my life, it’s not even funny anymore. If my man doesn’t steal drumsticks for me, I don’t even want him. Like ask me to write my college essay on Cheif Hong, AND YOU WILL FIND IT DONE IN AN HOUR.
But This Drama Wasn’t Just Romance…
The side characters??? ICONIC (mostly). Gongjin wasn’t just a setting, it was a whole community that felt like home. The character development, especially with Hye-jin finally understanding why Du-shik loved Gongjin so much, was so beautifully done. That being said…
Nam-sook? Annoying.
Oh Yoon? Sir, I get that you’re a musician, but enough. Stop pushing your music on everyone.
Geum-cheol??? Bro. Your wife is pregnant. Stop being so insensitive. Like, Yung-yeong is so patient, and he’s just like, “I said sorry”—LIKE WHAT?
But on the flip side—Ji-won and Seung-hyun??? CUTEST. And that scene of I-jun crying because his parents got back together??? My heart.
Listen. Episode 14 destroyed me. Du-shik’s past… I was NOT prepared. The way this drama slowly unraveled his trauma, his guilt, his deep-rooted pain—it was SO well done. And Kim Seon-ho’s acting??? CRIMINALLY GOOD. The breakdown scene?? I sobbed.
The fact that Hye-jin didn’t “fix” him, but loved him through it?? UGH. The way she showed patience and understanding instead of trying to be his savior??? Perfectly written.
Final Thoughts: A MASTERPIECE. This wasn’t just a romcom. This was a healing drama. It made me laugh, cry, scream, melt, and reflect on life all at once. The romance was top-tier, the characters felt real, and the emotional depth was unexpected but so satisfying.
Would I rewatch it? Yes.
Would I sell my soul to experience it for the first time again? Absolutely.
Do I now expect every K-drama romance to feel this real and perfect? Unfortunately, yes.
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Reminds me again of CLOY :)
Highly recommended watch!! It’s got people from all ages- grandmas conversations, town gossip, the divorced couple, the nosy and loud lady, the retired musician/ single father, the pregnant lady and “no-good” husband, the kids... and then you have Hong Du-shik <3<3<3He is such a dream!!! Kim Seon-Ho played his character extremely well!! With his Okay! Cool and Thankiew!!! So adorable ;);) His smile and his dimples will just melt your heart. His chemistry with Shin Min-Ah is off the charts! I know she already has a bf, but on set they look so comfortable and cute together :) Relationship development was done so right! (Spoiler: and I just loved the proposal scene!!! Soooo cute!) Love triangle was also done well and the bromance between the two gentlemen was friendship goals.
I admit I did skip some of the town gossip lol... it was just a tad blah blah... too loud and too naggy hahaha. Towards the end you will have your typical Kdrama cliches- the past is revealed, lots of crying moments, but the ending was done very well, nice closure to it. You will also see Cliche coincidences, just don’t mind it too much.
The one criticism I will give is Shin min-Ah’s dressing on set. It was horrible in my opinion! (Spoiler: especially the green dress she wore for Chief Hong’s birthday! WHAT WAS THAT??? For someone who can afford Dior and expensive shoes, please dress better!!) Most of her dresses looked like grandma’s table cloth (sorry!!!)
A wonderful, feel- good rom-com!! I laughed a lot, cried a lot, and replayed the romance scenes a lot! :) :) :) GO WATCH IT NOW!!
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Solid half light drama!
Hmmm my feelings towards this drama...I think the cast is actually amazing. There some actors that I wouldn't imagine playing this kind of light funny characters as they usually play these heavy bad guy roles. But the show started out pretty slow, it felt like it was a drag. But as the male lead and female lead meets, that's when it starts getting good, I'd say it starts getting good at around half through episode one.
In this drama, I have a hunch that this drama is going to teach us about the hardship we face but we must go on. Because although we lose things, we also gain new things and new experiences. We may struggle to adjust ourselves in environment but if we show kindness and perseverance, we will be able get along with anything. Although, I have another hunch that this will have some aspects of darkness to the story later in the episodes.
I'd say if you want a half light funny drama about overcoming things, this is for you.
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So overhyped
Things I liked1 The premise. I don't mind repetitive themes and this one talked to me although it reminded me of Hallmark movies which I hate. It never delivered.
2 The ML. At first I loved him, the character and the actor. But then he fell in love with a stupid, mean, ugly person outside and inside and I lost every goodwill I had. Still, the actor did a good job.
Things I disliked
1 Most of the residents. Sad, unoriginal stories that one could come up while doing a million other things at the same time. No brain required. I don't think I found one who talked to me and for whom I cared. At first yes, but as the drama unfurled, my feelings changed for all of them. Obnoxious, nosy characters who think know better.
Things I hated
1 Usually I leave long reviews whether I like or dislike a drama, but this time I feel like it would be a waste of my time to honor this stupid drama with my detailed thoughts. So I'll just say that I hated the FL, he character and the acting. Now it's established that I think of her as an ugly actress, who looks ten years older, and has not the slightest talent. She always comes out as a mean, egotistical, know-it-all person who is never sympathetic. I made the mistake to start 3 series with her and I finished them, thank god, so I'll never have to see her again. Her only talent is to ruin every series she appears. It may sound harsh, but my gut tells me that the ugliness she infuses in her roles is her true self. I'm not sure what others see in her, but to each their own. The 3 is only for the ML. Otherwise it would be -20.
2 The title. Who the heck think of that atrocious title?
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heartwarming, light and fluttering
Finally the most awaited drama. The plot and the cast looks really promising. If you are in for something cute and light, definitely give this a shot. Everything looks very realistic and the funny scenes are just cherry on top. Humor of the ML is top tier and the dialogue delivery is so effortless by all the characters. I am rooting for our dimple couple!!!The plot is simple but even in the starting episodes, it has firmly gripped the base. The ML was "Good Boy" in Start up and here every granny's boy. lol
The setup gave me when-camellia-blooms VIBES. I love himmm. His character is just so naturally bubbly and lovable ahhh.
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Feels like a Hallmark movie. Not for me
I didn't really like how unnecessarily rude the Male Lead was to the Female Lead right from the start.Also this show kind of seems like a Hallmark movie lol. Like: beautiful lady from the big city goes back to the small town she went to in her childhood and ends up falling in love - with a local man and with the town itself - so she decides to stay. Nothing wrong with that premise, of course, it's just not my favourite type of story, and I've seen it a million times in cheesy Hallmark films. :|
Perhaps I'll come back to this show at some point.
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This review may contain spoilers
4000 W. are 2.80 E.
Unfortunately, I had to cancel the series. I may have been too hasty, but I don't like an artificial character like Hong Doo Shik, who is supposed to be an all-rounder and Everybodys Darling. He can do everything, knows everyone, everyone loves him! His dealings with the grannies are adorable.He is not friendly to the stranger Yoon Hye Jin, he is brusque and unpleasantly unfriendly, an experience that strangers unfortunately make everywhere. But that compatriots are treated this way is questionable.
I cannot share the opinion of many critics here, who claim that the FL is arrogant. At least in the 1st episode, which I have watched, I have the impression that the FL is treated cheeky and insulting, while she behaves normal and only a little insecure.
Ridiculous the whole storyline because of the 4000 Won (ca.2.80 Euro). For this ridiculous sum she is accused of lying, harassed with insinuations, massively insulted and then dragged by the Hong hero for hours through the village ultimately to an unreasonable "work" position.
Here she earns with unfamiliar work, in which she was also not correctly instructed, converted ca.20.- €. She ruins her designer clothes in the presumed value of several 100 €. to pay her f**king debts.
These idyllic islanders are supposed to be simple, nice people. They only confirm the prejudice of provincial obduracy here. So, friends of the night, I'm out. If you like the series, go ahead, there's nothing wrong with it. Maybe the story will be better later.
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