How To Seek For Happiness.
I might be the 0.1% of the audience who do not feel as attached to the drama as I should've been. It's not because the drama is bad, no, no. It's one of the most heartwarming productions I've seen. I would suggest Hometown Cha-Cha to anyone looking for an escape from real life, yet deciding to learn something about reality while doing it.☆ If I could summarise it, it would be:
A young dentist Hye-Jin, has a wake up call on the harsh reality of life after moving to the seaside village of Gongjin.
I had a love hate relationship with her character during the first eight episodes that I saw. It's ironic because I'm as closed off as her in real life with very few friends. I related to her woes of moving from a huge city to a little known town where you suddenly discover that many of the items you used to buy are nowhere to be found, people are more nosy and everyone are an overly friendly bunch who inadvertently put you in an uncomfortable position. I loved how she tried to mask her difficulties and attemped to change herself. Her character growth was gradual and a delight to watch.
☆ But, Hye-Jin needed a lot of growth during the first half of the drama. And thankfully, Chief Hong existed to throw a pail of ice cold water on her biased views about people and life. I absolutely hated how she referred to herself as someone on the 'upper elite' despite being clearly in a difficult situation and there were several instances that her own best friend (who grew up in similar conditions as hers) seemed much more perceptive about the people around her. This stark contrast between those two stood out to me and I still do not know if that was purposefully meant to be that way.
☆ I have to mention the one character whom I deeply respect: Chief Hong, the male lead and the love interest to Hye-Jin. While clearly portrayed as empathetic and a jack-of-all trades, two qualities that earn him the nickname "Chief", we see him call out Hye-Jin several times for her prejudices towards the 'common folk' and her stubbornness and refusal to understand the minds and workings of a local close knit community. While I 100% agree with her actions, I admire Chief Hong for his confidence in himself and flr striving to change her views. I wasn't deeply invested in their romance, which is definitely leaning towards the slow burn arc, but I loved how strong their connection was. I loved his openness and the efforts he made to make the people of the small town happy.
☆ The little town has a handful of characters whom we closely follow throughout all the episodes. They are the basement of the drama. We get to know their grievances and secrets, and see them slowly warming up to Hye-Jin in turn. I loved her interactions with them. I admit, I'm eight episodes in, but I'm still unable to recall anyone of their names perfectly. (In my mind some of them: Mr. Americano + Singer and his daughter Ju-Ri; Restaurant Chief who is divorced with a son, the Restaurant Chief's divorced husband who is the head of the small town, The Shop Gang, The Three Grandmas, Pyo Mi-Seong, Police Dude…
Another aspect that I loved about the show was how they stuck true to the genre. It's not just the leads whom we learn in depth about, but the supporting characters as well. I have to say, I enjoyed the bittersweet parts of the drama a lot more than the lighter scenes. I've heard that it gets quite tearful during the last half.
☆ Although I'm sometimes annoyed with Hye-Jin, none of the characters got on my nerves. There were no pressure inducing misunderstandings and most of the arguments would be smoothened out in a calm manner. There was something magical about how the most simple things in life can bring us immense joy and pain. At one point, it made think of quitting everything and living a life like Chief Hong's. Yeah… haha.
☆ The OST was fitting and had a cottage core ambience that perfectly fit Gongjin's theme. The locations were really scenic and watching the blue ocean itself left me really satisfied.
☆ As to why I dropped this. Slice-of-life dramas are not ones that I usually binge. (It took me three months to complete Reply 1988.) But, I also realized that I'm more attached to slice-of-life dramas that I could somehow personally relate to. While this drama has all the right emotions that are meant to tug at our heartstrings, I don't feel the urge or curiosity to know what happens next and did not have a strong attachment to anyone. (This might be because of how disconnected I felt to the daily life of the people. I found their struggles relatable though.) And the hour long episodes of focus on the daily life of the villagers and Hye-Jin pushed my patience. (I was exhausted watching two episodes a day and tend to fast forward a lot.)
Somethings that are meant to happen, would eventually happen. Just like how the drama portrays life as: Unpredictable and sometimes bitter. I can see why so many people love the slice-of-life genre a lot and this one definitely deserves to be among one of the best in that genre.
I bid a hearty farewell to you, Hometown Cha-Cha. Maybe, somewhere in the future, I might pick you up once again to bring me back the calmness and contentment that I felt while I initially watched you.
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In this case this drama is rated so high because people love the setting/ambiance which is a relaxing seaside vibe. It is also kinda charming the way ML loves and befriends little old ladies. (Seriously, his relationship with his little old lady friends is a major part of the show.) Take away those things and this show is mediocre at best. The first episodes were promising with lots of potential but nothing ever really happened and the repetitive formula of nothingness quickly became incredibly boring as the show progressed.
I made it all the way to episode 11 before finally dropping it, and that's only because I watched as it was airing and kept hoping with all the reviews it would get better. The backbone of the show itself was dull, there was no actual plot propelling anything forward except these people living in this town interacting and talking with each other every day. The chemistry between the leads was sort of there in the background but incredibly subtle and slow. I kept hoping for more from the leads relationship but in the end I just couldn't take such a hollow plotline anymore. FL's character was also very "stuck up city girl" and unlikeable, my guess is they were trying to portray her as a city girl out-of-towner who didn't fit into the rural life, but they completely missed the mark and instead she comes across as annoying and pretentious.
If you just want to watch something that gives a unique vibe and you don't mind slowness in your dramas and I mean s l o w, you might be into this.
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Breath of fresh air...
Been watching varied genres of kdramas since the pandemic. From historicals, legal dramas to rom-coms. Hometown Cha Cha has been on my list since it aired. I held off watching this because, honestly, the title didn't give me any idea on what the story was about.I am glad I finally got to start this. It is such a refreshing series!! I love the countryside vibe, slow paced living (after watching Penthouse and LOve Marriage ft Divorce), the OST, quirky characters, the cute kids.... and the list goes on and on...
There are dramas that you watch without knowing what the story is about when you start. So this one which you can't really define except that it is a story about daily lives. People go about their business without any hidden agendas; literally just living their life...
The ensemble is well casted. Each actor and actress gets their fair share on screen; showing that they have a camaraderie with the people they interact with. I was at first in doubt as to the chemistry between the leads, but as it turned out, they did such a good job showing the evolution of their relationship.
This series also highlights so much of Korea's food and culture. I have been watching it and simultaneously googling the images for the delicacies they show.
If you just want to lay back and relax, then this is the series for you. Definitely deserving of the hype it is getting. Crossing my fingers that the ending would not fall flat....
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A Heartwarming and Delightful Journey
"Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" has truly captured my heart. Initially drawn to the drama because of my favorite unnie, I quickly realized that it offers so much more. The plot is refreshing and unique, taking viewers on a heartwarming journey filled with delightful surprises. The picturesque locations showcased in the drama are a treat for the eyes, adding to the overall charm of the story.One of the standout aspects of "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" is the significant role played by the side characters. They bring a great sense of comedy, injecting laughter and light-hearted moments throughout the series. The story feels grounded and realistic, making it relatable and allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in the narrative.
My admiration for the unnie grows as the drama progresses. Her character portrays an independent and confident woman who stands on her own, serving as an inspiration to viewers. I find myself drawn to her strength and resilience, which adds depth to the overall storytelling.
The male lead, though initially mysterious, emits a positive vibe that instantly captures the heart. His cute and handsome appearance only adds to his charm. The bickering relationship between the leads is undeniably cute, showcasing their chemistry and making their interactions all the more endearing.
In conclusion, "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" is a heartwarming and delightful drama that takes viewers on a memorable journey. With its unique plot, stunning locations, hilarious side characters, and realistic storytelling, it offers an enjoyable viewing experience. The portrayal of an independent and confident unnie, coupled with the charming and mysterious male lead, adds an extra layer of fascination. If you're seeking a drama that warms the heart, "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" is a must-watch.
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Sweet
Hometown chacha... I must be dumb cause I still cannot connect the relevenace of the title to the drama.Yes it was hometown but is there other interpretation to chacha aside from the dance that is typically danced back and forth? Repeatitive hometown lifestyle....?Anyway, I was so interested in the drama because of the main characters. Oh my Venus is still one of my favorites, and I want redemption for Kim seon ho from Start Up. I am hoping there is another drama lined up for Kim heon so as this drama still kept me wanting.
The drama was sweet, and lots of scenes that made me sigh.There were times though when I thought more depth should have been added. Did others feel that too?
Hometown Chacha has good actors, nice setting, and it is essentially a feel good drama. 👏👏👏👏👏
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Heartwarming cliches, surprising depth, superb chemistry
I'm going to miss this dimple couple!!Many viewers describe this as a "feel-good" or "healing" drama, and this is exactly the case. Homcha's cozy seaside village setting already lays the foundation of its biggest themes: found family, love in unexpected places, diamond in the rough, overcoming prejudice, forgiveness/acceptance, wholesome bromance, and more. If you can ignore the product placement, the fictional town of Gongjin is a heartwarming place to visit when watching Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.
PROS
❀ Production value was A+ | The thing about romcom tropes is that depending on the way the drama shows them, they can be ridiculously annoying or pleasantly refreshing. Homcha's tropes were the latter for me, and I think it was due to the accumulation of production, acting, and directing. The music was added in expertly (seriously, I associate the best vibes when it comes to the singer going "La-la-la-la-lalalala. romantic Sundayyy" for one of the OSTs), and the cinematography was an added bonus. I really think Homcha's production elevated this romcom for me, despite the well-worn tropes and dialogue.
❀ Literal flirting since day 1 | I saw this Instagram reel with Du-Sik eye-ing Hye-Jin the day they first met, and one of the comments was like "flirting since day 1." This is accurate. Although the characters aren't officially together until around ep 10, their chemistry is off the charts at first meet! I enjoyed their romantic progression from Du-Sik helping Hye-Jin settle into Gongjin as friends/neighbors into a romantic line between similar but different people learning from each other. Du-Sik opens Hye-Jin's eyes to the charm of a small-town life (be patient with her, as her socioeconomic prejudice is pretty conditioned and it takes her a few incidents to get out of that mentality), while Hye-Jin gets to spoil Du-Sik as this king deserves.
As for the characters themselves, they're both lovable. Hye-Jin is the more flawed one (more comments about this in CONS section), but this makes for excellent character development. She starts off as a snobbish dentist with a sense of justice who's trying to adapt to the sleepy seaside village of Gongjin but ends up really comfortable with this village and its people, despite a rocky beginning. She's a character with strong morals, definitely a sense of what's right or wrong, but is also empathetic (especially to children). I love that she's strong both mentally (thinks over her decisions and makes them resolutely) and physically (doesn't take sexual harrassers off lightly).
Du-Sik is the village chief and handyman. He's hilarious, light-hearted, and doesn't take anything too seriously. One of my favorite introductory scenes is when he pulls out all the licenses/certificates he has as a handyman - LMAO! To be honest I thought this guy was way too perfect - in his house, he pretty much made everything. He woodcrafts, fixes up boats, saves people from harm, delegates jobs, makes his own wine and tea, and everything in between. This man is literally self-sufficient. Underneath that playful exterior is a man plagued by nightmares and a deep-set trauma, which this drama later goes into.
As a couple, we have the uptight and snobby dentist x relaxed and easygoing handyman. You KNOW that's a set-up for cute happenstances, lessons learned, and a slight opposites-attract love story. Love this Sikhye couple! ("Sik-hye" combines their names and is also a sweet wine.)
❀ Superb side characters who are holistically explored | Homcha really dives into the side characters' backgrounds, and each one of them faces something that makes you want to cheer for them. (Also, love the 3 mysterious of Gongjin that the script includes haha.) Some of these conflicts include the difficulties of being pregnant/having children, losing a child, raising a child as a single dad, loss of loved ones, misunderstandings in marriage/divorce, failed careers, and more. Some scenes are heartbreaking, others are heartwarming. The common denominator is that the characters grow and come out stronger, emboldened by their new experiences and lessons learned. I'm in love with the imperfectly perfect villagers of Gongjin!
❀ Happy ending for everyone!! | Seriously, I was smiling the whole time while watching ep 16. Every character you root for in Gongjin gets their happy ending. Their stories felt completed and their endings were so satisfying to watch.
CONS
✕ Don't watch if you dislike romcom tropes | Personally, I loved the cliches that the writers of Homcha used, but I know some people may find it boring (including friends of mine). Others, like me, love the way the drama utilizes these cliches to make you fawn over the couple. Some of these cliches include: coincidential childhood/teen meetings between main couple, (slight) love triangle (although the 2ML takes it very well and finds his own romance later on), ML with mysterious/tragic past, getting saved from a stalker/harrasser, surprise angst towards the end, etc. Honestly though, it wasn't too bad and didn't have tropes I dislike like amnesia or forced separation. All the tropes used had feel-good romcom energy.
✕ Inconsistent character development | As much as I loved Du-Sik and think him a perfect ML, he was TOO perfect sometimes... even the 'flaws' about his mysterious past towards the end (ep 14-15 were the angstier ones) didn't really add depth to his character. He was just perfect from start to finish. Which is fine, I guess? But in contrast, Hye-Jin was imperfect and her character showed it well, which led to satisfying character development later on. In this way, the main couple's character writing felt inconsistent and lacking.
✕ Lack of logic when it came to the "incident" revealed in ep 14-15 | Don't know why the drama decided to use this heavily hinted incident as a point of conflict, but the actual reveal was anticlimactic and made me go "wat." The people who were mad/angry/upset were pretty emotional/illogical when it came to those feelings, and the guilt Du-Sik had was unwarranted. Sure, it added dimension to his character (the trauma leading to issues such as PTSD and survivor's guilt), but the set-up was weak. Very weak. I don't know, there was just this big build-up and foreshadowing and for what? It felt like the writers just crammed those characters/their emotions in for the sake of emotional angst to lead to the finale.
✕ Misunderstanding level: 0/10 | I don't remember any that jump out (feel free to point out any). One thing I liked about this drama is that the main couple is pretty open with their communication (ex: Du-Sik calling out Hye-Jin for her superficial attributes, them saying sorry to each other when warranted, etc). The other villagers had more misunderstandings, exacerbated by the hilarious gossip group, but it was all in good fun.
OVERALL
If you love love, family, and reconciliation, then Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is the heartwarming romcom you're looking for! However, if the first couple of episodes don't capture your attention, I feel like the rest of the show won't (and this is what I tell my friends who were bored of it). Otherwise, I was in love with it from ep 1 and understand why people call it a "healing" drama. Only good vibes and energy from Homcha!
(Note: My rewatch value is set to 5.0 always as a default as I'm not the type to rewatch dramas EVER. Thus, I do not take it into account when calculating overall score.)
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A SERVE through and through
At its' core, Hometown Cha Cha Cha is about men being men: doing hard labour and being in love with a sometimes mean woman.When I talk about chemistry between the leads, this is what I mean!
This slice-of-life drama that feels so genuine and realistic that it's hard not to connect with the characters. There's something about Du-sik that I just can't pinpoint, but he's my favorite ML of all dramas. I absolutely loved the progress of their relationship, it was sooo rewarding when they just admitted their love and went from pretending to hate each other to being the most cutesy couple.
HCCC's only flaw is the divorce subplot, which no one watching cared about lol.
Either way, I now have brand new relationship goals (how tacky, I know) in my life.
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Slice-of-life done right
City girl, Hyejin, having found herself facing continuous misalignment with her current superior, moves to the country side for a fresh start setting up her own private dental clinic in the seaside village of Gongjin. Reason being: a trip to its beach with family when she was younger. There, she is faced with different trials as your token “Seoul girl” and runs into Dusik, the village’s own “Chief Hong” and their jack of all trades.We follow along as she gets settled, starting off rocky and slowly but surely warming up to everyone and to our ML in particular as she finds herself indebted to him for saving her ass one too many times.
And just as simple as that. Your regular degular romcom. Nothing too deep yet, not at all lacking in depth.
The characters were very well-written and not a second was spared creating an amazing backstory for each and every one of them. Our two main leads’ banter, chemistry and dynamics were the focus of this show and at the heart of it and they kept us thoroughly entertained throughout as we witness their relationship slowly develops from enemies? to friends to lovers.
Shin Mina (FL) was the perfect match for this role and while I don’t find her to be the best of actresses out there, she offered an amazing performance and I got to see many strengths to her I haven’t noticed before as we follow her character’s growth arc. This role was meant for her.
Kim Seonho (ML) was flawless. I don’t see the actor when I look at him, I just see Dusik and that’s the best compliment I could come up with at the moment knowing it doesn’t do him enough justice. With his character arc being the leading plot point, to say he perfected this role would be an understatement. And don’t even get me started on how charming he was.
The people of the village were not a force to mess with either. And despite the fact that there were many of them, each packed a solid backstory and the drama did a great job at introducing everyone and unfolding their struggles at a good pace and order in a very clean, non-overwhelming manner. My special shoutouts goes to all of them but especially Lee Bongryun as Hwajeong. Out of everyone her story arc was my favorite and her phenomenal performance brought things to new heights.
On text, this drama is perfect. The writers knew exactly what story they wanted to tell and tell that story they did. There were no plot holes, pacing was perfect; nothing too rushed, nothing too slow and when we approached the climax of the show, we knew what to expect in the best way possible. There were no unnecessary plot twists or over-the-top predictable tropes (for the most part). Everything worked itself into a neat bow with a satisfying conclusion.
In reality, the show was perfect, too. Great casting, talented actors who embodied their roles, amazing character development and beautiful music and scenery.
But here comes the “but”, or at least “my but” and where I’ll probably be dropping minor spoilers.
If I were to complain or nitpick about anything on this drama, which I’m literally about to (duh), it would be on how everyone at the end was conveniently connected and how they, apparently, ran into each other multiple times at different times in their life when, technically speaking, only one coincidence mattered to the plot leading to the big reveal but they over did it too much by the time you got to it, you’re burnt out on the entire concept. Needless to say, the rest were unnecessary and served no purpose or function in moving the story other than being a cliché K-drama trope.
As a viewer too, at times, I found the show to be too slow for my own liking and was bored with some parts of it. The drama was 1h 20m an episode and I did not particularly find myself dying to watch the next one and even took breaks between some. All these aspects however are tied to my personal preferences and got no bearing on the writing.
After finishing this drama, I came here to read some reviews -as I usually do- and, to my surprise, there were lots of people who were disappointed or thought this show might have not deserved the hype it got. It might be because I came late to this said hype train, but this drama was exactly what I expected it to be and one of the best written recent pieces out there. Simple and compact and did not need to be anything more than what it promised it would be.
I’ve started that first episode a couple of times before and dropped it, not gonna lie, but I knew I’d comeback to it one day. I just needed to be in the right mood, first. And when I was, it delivered. Now I’m left homesick for a place I’ve never been, missing people I’ve never met and fantasizing about my own country-side romance.
And despite my personal grievances with the show (and why I’m docking it a point), credit must be given where credit is due. A 10/10 drama, otherwise, if I’ve ever seen one. I would strongly recommend.
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A Seaside Comfort Drama That Earns Its Heart
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is the definition of a comfort drama. It's warm without becoming dull, emotional without feeling overwhelming, and manages to tell a beautiful love story while reminding us that healing often comes from the people around us rather than from grand, life-changing moments.At its heart, this is a story about community. Gongjin isn't just a backdrop; it feels like a living, breathing character. Every resident has their own story to tell, and while none of them are overly complicated, they all add warmth and personality to the village. The writers did an excellent job balancing the supporting cast so that everyone felt memorable without taking attention away from the main narrative. Their friendships, romances, struggles, and daily interactions make the village feel like home, and by the end, it genuinely feels difficult to say goodbye.
Hong Du Sik and Yoon Hye Jin have one of the most natural relationship progressions in a rom-com. Their romance develops through everyday conversations, shared meals, and quiet moments rather than dramatic misunderstandings or unnecessary conflict. Their banter is entertaining, their chemistry is effortless, and watching two very different people slowly become each other's safe place is incredibly satisfying.
Kim Seon Ho completely disappears into the role of Du Sik. You stop seeing the actor and simply see Chief Hong, which is probably the highest compliment an actor can receive. He brings so much warmth, charm, and hidden pain to the character that every emotional scene lands perfectly. Shin Min Ah is equally wonderful as Hye Jin. Her character isn't designed to be instantly lovable, and that's exactly what makes her interesting. She's flawed, judgmental at times, emotionally immature in others, yet she constantly grows. She feels like a real person instead of another perfectly written female lead.
One of my favorite aspects of the drama is how the pacing works. It's technically a slow-burn romance, yet the story itself never feels slow. There is always something happening, whether it's another resident's story, a funny village interaction, or a meaningful character moment. The beautiful seaside scenery, calming soundtrack, and cozy atmosphere make every episode easy to sink into.
The child actors also deserve recognition because they were absolutely fantastic, adding plenty of humor and heart whenever they appeared.
That said, I do have a few complaints.
The biggest disappointment for me was Hye Jin's best friend. For someone who's supposed to be her closest friend, she feels incredibly underwritten and underutilized. She mostly exists to make occasional comments, disappear because she's busy , or gossip about the main couple with the rest of the village. I kept waiting for meaningful conversations or moments that actually showed why these two were best friends, but they never really came. It felt like such a missed opportunity.
I also preferred the first half of the drama. The enemies-to-friends-to-lovers progression was engaging and natural. Once the main couple officially got together, however, they became almost excessively affectionate. At times, it felt less like two mature adults in their thirties and more like teenagers experiencing their first relationship. Some viewers will probably find it adorable, but personally it became a little too sugary for my taste.
Ironically, during the second half, the second male lead quietly stole many scenes whenever he appeared. I appreciated that the drama never turned him into a typical love triangle villain and instead preserved the friendship between the three leads, which was refreshing.
The writing is strong for the most part. There are very few plot holes, the pacing remains consistent, and the emotional payoff feels earned. The drama wisely avoids many of the frustrating misunderstandings that plague romantic comedies. Instead, problems are solved through communication, making the relationship much healthier than most dramas in the genre.
My only real issue with the writing comes near the end, where the series leans a little too heavily into everyone being conveniently connected through multiple past encounters. One coincidence was enough to serve the story, but adding several more made everything feel unnecessarily contrived. It didn't ruin the ending, but it definitely felt like one cliché too many.
Even with those criticisms, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha remains one of the most comforting slice-of-life romances I've watched. It's funny, emotional, beautifully shot, and filled with characters who feel like neighbors rather than fictional creations. You'll laugh, cry, smile, and probably wish you could spend a few days in Gongjin yourself.
It's not a perfect drama, but it's one that understands exactly what it wants to be. Sometimes that's more than enough.
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A great drama!
It's a really good show overall, it's sometimes fun, poignant, and romantic. Just at the start i was a bit confused i was wondering where it was leading, but then kdrama magic happens and we're swirled with all the characters and this pretty seaside village! I wish there were more series with such a setting. There are few bad things about this show, like other viewers i thought the ending was a bit out of tune, but then the last episode is back to the mood of the show and the conclusion is satisfying. I think they went too dark for no reason, the show was great as light hearted.Anyway, i'm totally down for more series of this type: cosy romcom in a seaside village, Korea is so beautiful and there are plenty different landscapes to discover.
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Life is beautiful, just live it
Hometown Cha Cha Cha is not a love story, but a story full of emotional moments. It's all about love, pain, sorrow, happiness, regrets and every human emotion that can be expressed.Without divulging much, it is impressive how Hometown... attempts to go beyond a run-of-the-mill romantic comedy as it explores grief, guilt, loss, and healing. While this is dealt with in a mature way, it would have benefited the show more if the intense themes weren’t all packed into the final two episodes.
Kim Young-Ok as Gam-ri, an octogenarian grandmother who Du-Sik is closest to, once again proves why she’s the best K-drama grandmother. Hometown excels at slice-of-life goodness and wholesome romance of the best kind.
My Rating : 8/10
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