it should have more eps
I think this drama would've benefited from having 14/16 episodes bc it would've had more time to explore eunah's side of the story, which felt a bit rushed to me. I like her, but I think the script didn't do a great job of expressing her perspective. With more episodes to develop her character, i don't think a realistic and open ending would've felt as disappointingminju's performance as Eunah was incredible. i hope this role leads to more leading roles for her in major dramas from now on.
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It would have been a 10 if not for that stupid second couple
Things I adored1 The FL. She is such a beautiful and good actress. She did a great job with her role. She was the perfect rom com heroine. Smart, funny, hardworking and independent. I just adored her. do I think her allergy was a bit farfetched? Yes, but once you accept the principle, there's no reason not to enjoy the performance. I didn't search to find out if such an allergy exists but I wouldn't find it weird if it did. Anyway, we always suspend out disbelief so i's not difficult to do so here as well.
2 The chemistry and the banter between the leads. So good and the romance was one of the best. Kisses and hugs and romantic moments to enjoy in every episode. I loved hat once they got together the relationship felt real. There was no keep our distance nonsense I've seen in other dramas. The leads seemed to have a great time playing together and that gave us a great drama.
Things I loved
1 The ML. I'll be honest, I thought I'd hate him. He's not my cup of tea looks wise and I admit that in a rom com I like the leads to be beautiful. He's so talented though and his chemistry with Bai Lu was so good I forgot completely my reservations. He played the role to perfection. I loved how cunning he was sometimes and I truly enjoyed every minute he was with the FL.
Things I hated
1 The 2ML. I hated the actor and I still can't forget his role in this drama and that influences me when I want to watch him in another series. That shows he did a great job, but I will admit that he isn't handsome in my eyes either.
2 The last episodes and the arc of the 2ML. This destroyed quite a bit the whole drama. I'm not sure why they chose to do this. It didn't bring anything to the series and if it had ended before they ruined the character they tried to redeem for the entire series in a few episodes, it would have been great. Honestly, this would have been a 10 if it weren't for the this arc and the second couple.
3 I won't waste my time to write a different text for each of them. Both were awful actors and their characters were beyond stupid. I'll never watch anything these two are part of unless i can forward their parts. The 2FL was such a stupid character. She fell for someone without any reason and there was no reason for anyone to fall for her. I found her unappealing, looking old and there was no chemistry between her and the 2ML.If only they had chosen a better, funnier cuter actress it'd be perfect.
As for the 2ML, let's be honest, if it weren't for his looks I can't imagine anyone hire him. he had one expression allover and I'm not sure how to describe it other than dull. He was also looked like he was 15 years old which was quite creepy. There was no chemistry whatsoever between him and the 2FL. They could have been better as mother and son. They truly ruined my enjoyment.
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A very touching, intimate, warm drama to watch slowly
This is a very touching, intimate, warm drama about the ups and downs of three couples as they navigate very contemporary Chinese issues, while remaining universally relatable. Nothing out of the ordinary, but a very extraordinary way of storytelling, with a very distinctive voice and personality.The series revolves around these three couples with different life paths and characteristics, and their personal, partnership and family relationships, which are all interconnected. At the beginning of the show, they share something in common: they aren't where they were supposed to be, or where they'd imagined themselves to be at their stage of life.
Four of them (two in their twenties and two in their mid to late thirties) are in Canada and returned to China for different reasons — embodying what in China is colloquially known as "sea turtles" (海龟/海归, *hǎiguī*), those who study or live abroad and then return — while the other two (mid to late thirties and early 40s) had never lived abroad.
We follow the characters as they deal with these circumstances while searching for personal happiness and fulfillment, that as you can imagine isn't always a smooth ride. As the series goes deep, you'll discover the inner world, conflicts, dreams, broken dreams, hopes, flaws and strengths of all of them, including those of their parents. Some people fall once and learn, others need to fall several times, and a group needs to fall even harder; but as in real life, there's people who can't face themselves and the world as they are and never learn.
The younger couple's storyline was my favourite though, I guess because it had the sense of hope that comes with having all your life ahead of you, and the courage to try living your life the way you want, even if it means discovering it in the process, with the good and the bad: loneliness, grief, depression, betrayal, friendship, love.
The story also explores, with different levels of detail, some specific professional and work sectors: entrepreneurship and startups with angel investors, tied to the main lead and his best friend, and the streaming industry – influencers and content creation companies – through the female lead, are the ones that received the most screentime and scrutiny. Personally, I found the exploration of the streaming industry particularly interesting in its detailed and merciless dissection. Meanwhile, the study abroad system and the life of those struggling to insert themselves in the work system is portrayed through the young ones.
A lot happens and going into details would be endless here, so I'll just give an honorable mention to Zhang Ran's boss. Only by the last episodes did I stop believing that the violent and chaotic criminal/gambler from Fearless Blood was hidden inside him and would reveal himself, as he was played by the same actor. Here, he still managed to make me lose my patience although for different reasons lol.
The performances are great, but I especially loved the direction of Yu Xiao Chen, and the cinematography: the use of the camera, the lighting, and how it manages to find beauty and tell so much in every little detail and common moment. There are so many great scenes like this! And of course, I can't avoid mentioning the quotes at the end of every episode even when sometimes the translation stretches quite a bit, and the ending credits OST.
All in all, the drama doesn't rush and lets you reflect on life, and the same you could say about my watching experience: I enjoyed it at a slow pace. If I had to sum up Back to the Origin, I'd say it's a mix of melancholy for the past times and the decisions we cannot change, the feeling of ordinary everyday moments, optimistic spirit towards the future, honesty, courage and love.
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The Peakest of All the Peaks.
This is my first review. I’m not the type to write reviews, but I felt like this one was just needed, you know?I have many favorite things about this show, so I'll list a few of them here.
1. The Script Writing:
I have watched a fair number of shows throughout my life, but the script of this one? Wow. Every single line was masterfully crafted in the best possible way.
2. The Desire to Become Human:
This element of the show gave me so much will to live and cherish being human. This show is such a positive influence.
3. The Chemistry:
Their first eye contact, and I was like, "WOAH." I have never seen chemistry this good. The best chemistry ever, in my opinion.
4. The Ending:
For me, the ending was actually very well written. I loved it. It gave me a sense of hope.
I will miss them♾️.
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Adorable couple and good second roles
Things I adored1 The ML. I didn't expect him to be that good. I went into this without much hope, but I was hooked from the first episode. I loved his character. He was a good doctor, a great leader, a perfect boyfriend. He also can kiss and that made the story even better. I truly loved his character.
2 The cousin of the FL. My favorite character. He was truly adorable and I adored his relationship with his cousin but also with the ML. Great every time he appeared.
3 The mother of the FL. I love the actress, (I've seen her in other dramas and she always steals the scene) but here she was so funny and adorable. I wish she had a bigger role.
Things I loved
1 The FL. She was adorable most of the time, and although her acting got on my nerves sometimes, with the wide eyes and the deer caught in the headlights expression, she did a good job and made me care about her. She had chemistry with the ML, more than what she had in the PYHOMS with her costar in my opinion.
2 That they lived so close. I loved that. It was well done and it made it easy to have some funny and moving moments between the main couple.
3 The 2ML and the 2FL. I saw that some didn't like the second couple, but I did. They weren't annoyed to me and I cared about them. The 2FL is an adorable young woman, kind and naïve and I wanted her to be happy. My heart ached for her when she was unhappy. As for the 2ML , I wanted to slap him sometimes with how clueless and cruel he was, but he got to his senses and changed so I forgive hm. The actor did a good job and I loved him despite his flaws.
4 I loved the past connection. It gave me butterflies and was looking forward to the moment she would find out. Good job.
5 I loved the ML and the 2ML family. They were all funny and the interactions were great between all of them. it reminded me my family.
Things I disliked
1 The ex and the previous relationship of the 2ML. It seemed unrealistic to hold on her for so long, but then again it happens in real life as well to let people who don't deserve it take our lives hostage.
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Rage Watched It
Normally I really love body swap or soul swap shows because they are quite entertaining and the potential for comedy is great but this one was frustrating for me. Now that I know the ending, I would say they saved themselves from becoming a disaster which is a relief. Unfortunately I was irritated right from ep 1 to score this an 8 or higher. Ep 9 really raised my blood pressure.The story begins where a talented football player's career is ruined after an accident when a high profile chairman's car is involved in a hit and run. The chairman unapologetically throws a blank check in the man's face. To make matters worse, during their second meeting, the chairman falls on top of the footballer while falling down a flight of stairs resulting them in switching bodies.
What irked me right off the bat is that the footballer (now in the old chairman's body) is unconscious and the chairman now has a youthful body. The entirety of the drama focuses on the chairman and his twins fighting for the position as the next chairman.
The problem also lies in my expectation because I hoped for some comedy gold but the drama is quite serious and a lot of office and family politics come into play. There is some comedy in the final episode but not really what I expected.
The actors all did a good job. I simply could not forget about the footballer's plight. It felt like his life and problems were simply not as important as an old rich man. Though they managed to wrap up the plot well, I couldn't enjoy myself. Also the romance aspect involving the youngest daughter is a bit weird considering the circumstances. That's a bit of a plot hole.
You'll probably enjoy it more if you know what you're getting. I just wouldn't expect much comedy.
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This c drama is absolutely wonderful
Honestly this show made me feel alot of emotions. It made me feel happy, sad, angry, annoyed, frustrated, wholesome and alot more, but whats more important is the fact that it made me feel. I was able to really connect to the characters as if i was just watching but i was there.The actors ability to display the emotions their characters feel is truly extraordinary and it's something that really isn't common these days.
The way the characters were written is honestly so refreshing to see, they aren't inherently good like most main characters are, you can see them make bad decisions and struggle with the guilt of knowing what they did was wrong even thought they really didn't have a choice or see a way out at that point.
Zhou Wan and Lu Xixao's love story isn't simple by any means but they were still able to find their way back to each other. We get to see them grow up together and then grow individually and still choose each other in the end. That's why i think their childhood era was very important to the plot because it shows us the depth of their relationship, although i would have loved to see more of their adulthood i think that their teenage era being the main plot point was really beneficial that's why it's called never ending summer because it's mainly about the time when their love sprouted and they look back on fondly
I also like the way the side romance was written. Alot of c dramas I've watched struggle to give the 2nd couple a proper romance but that wasn't the case in this one, Gu meng and Jian fan's romance wasn't just there for the sake of a second romance, it added alot to the main romance and was still able to hold its own
All in all this is one of the vest c dramas ive watched in a while it was fun, exciting and heartwarming. Its a 10/10 i would definitely recommend it.
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the more i watched, the more i felt their chemistry.
it’s entertaining, even though it’s pretty cliché, predictable, and maybe a little slow at times. but as the story goes on, their chemistry becomes so adorable. omg, i seriously wish it had 16 episodes because i want to see even more of their interactions. the way they slowly realize they have feelings for each other is so innocent and heartwarming.Was this review helpful to you?
What tf is this even?
I seriously cant comprehend FL is literally running after ML and is getting into a relationshipt with him just so she can start cheating like a maniac.... how many dudes did she have a fling with in the first 3 eps I watched? 3 or maybe even 4?What tf is her problem
I read a spoiler and ML is getting together with another woman in the end? THATS GOOD!!!!! but I wont watch that far
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i wish it had 16 episodes because i enjoyed every single one.
it’s such an engaging drama. it’s not the kind of k-drama that makes you laugh because of sweet romantic moments or gives you butterflies. instead, it keeps you thinking—not just because of the plot, but also because of the corporate language and workplace dynamics. even so, it’s still enjoyable and easy to follow.every actor portrayed their role incredibly well. well written and well directed! i highly recommend it. good job, rebon rookie team!
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A pleasant escape
Things I loved1 The premise. So refreshing and I loved the colors, the dreamlike atmosphere and the whole concept. It was quite original and interesting even though I believe it could have been much much better.
2 The FL. I loved how beautiful and at the same time normal the FL was. This is the first time I watch a drama with her and although I can imagine many other actresses play the part and be probably better at it, she also embraced the role. I find her beautiful, no doubt about it, but I also think this role was made for her in a way. Do I think she nailed each part? No, definitely no. But she gave me quite few feelings and that's enough.
3 The ML. First drama with him as well, and I'm stunned about how younger he looks. He was also good, but I can imagine other actors play the part as well. That's my issue with this drama. The actors did a good job, and the roles fitted them but I also felt like something was missing and other actors could have given better performances. I also loved the ML with red hair. Gorgeous.
4 I liked quite a few of the boyfriends. They were interesting characters and the way it evolved about each of them it wasn't half bad. Again I imagined a few different scenarios and outcomes but they did a decent job.
5 Some of the FL outfits. Not all of them but some were gorgeous.
Things I disliked
1 The character development could have been better. I never saw the full potential of the couple. It's a shame because there were infinite ways for the premise to evolve.
2 The female writer. She got on my nerves more than once and at the end of the day I wanted her to to disappear from my screen. I started hate her.
3 The little time the ML appeared in the first episodes. That was quite disappointing.
4 The lack of chemistry. I have to say that this was my biggest peeve. I didn't feel the chemistry between the leads. Each one gave a decent performance but together there was no spark. They didn't move me. There were no true romantic moments.
5 The FL previous relationship. Something was lacking there. I didn't feel much and that is a problem when you want the viewer to connect with the protagonist. Was it a FL acting problem or a direction one? I can't say, but probably a bit of both.
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Brilliant in every way
The first episode really lays the foundation for what appears to be a great drama series. During the first couple hours I found a few sub plots that become quite annoying to the main story, but by the time you get to the end of episode 3, everything rights itself and the real entertainment begins to unfold!Jun Young is absolutely fantastic playing a person in his twenties, but also giving that appearance and attitude of someone in their seventies. He walks a fine line giving us both personalities ... and what a great job he does at it.
The rest of the cast truly jell together to make perfect chemistry, producing some good protagonists and some extremely evil antagonists ... you really come to despise some of these characters and you count the episodes down as you know that retribution is on the horizon for some of them.
As I watched each of the final episodes leading up to the finale, I kept waiting for something to happen to ruin the entire drama, but it never does. The writing is flawless, matching the performances of the actors, giving you everything you want to happen. The last episode wraps everything up in a nice bow, with drama, suspense and even a bit of humor, especially the last few minutes.
A truly great and enjoyable series from start to finish!!!
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It's worth watching! One of my favourites!
I watched it a few years ago, which is why I recommend it to new viewers—it’s definitely worth watching. Casting was very well, the story teaches us that the true beauty is in inside. My favourite actor is Cha Eun Woo. The music from the drama called OST still melting my heart. I watched many dramas with his casting, for example: A good day to be a dog, Wonderful world, Gangnam beauty, etc. In the dramas he's looking cold first but he has a warm heart. If you're a fan of ASTRO you will love. ❤❤❤Was this review helpful to you?
This will go down in history
I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't THIS.It's been a good while since a bl show made me feel so many emotions all at once and I really underestimated this one.
Acting was 11/10 - I always knew Fourth and Gemini had a lot of potential but never got the chance to express it but now? They showed everyone how it's done.
I've always appreciated acting with eyes only and they absolutely nailed it in Ticket to heaven. I was watching with my jaw dropped.
So many feelings and thousands of words told by one look. Masterpiece.
The unusual lighting was something I loved about it as well. The unusual warm
colors really fit the storyline and everything around it. It was beautiful.
I'm very happy about the final episode not just because of the way it ended but because of how properly it was actually made unlike a lot of other shows. An hour and a half was just perfect amount of time to capture everything important and make you understand the message of the whole show. I'm beyond grateful and amazed by the way they chose to say goodbye to this work of art.
Even though I am an atheist, the message was beautiful just like everything about this show. I hope to see more things like this in the future.
Again, FLAWLESS and I highly recommend to absolutely everyone
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This review may contain spoilers
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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