In this Hometown Cha Cha Cha full review, let me take you to a tranquil and beautiful seaside village, Gongjin. A village where love blossoms like pretty flowers, and friendship comes as a pleasant wind that heals every wound. Let’s explore this magical healing piece of land and also find the reason why this drama Hometown Cha Cha Cha has become a beloved global sensation. Let’s get introduced to this heartfelt storytelling, its relatable characters and others.
Plot Summary of Hometown Cha Cha Cha
In a small seaside village, Yoon Hye Jin, a beautiful and talented dentist comes, who used to live in Seoul. She especially came for her late mother’s birthday. She was facing the worst time of her life and decided to open a dental clinic in that small village.
Here in Gongjin, she meets a man who is kind of Jack of all trades, called Hong Du Sik. The villagers call him Chief Hong and also respect him as a village chief. He is a handsome young man. The realistic dentist Yoon Hye Jin becomes interested in the nonchalant guy Hong Du Sik. Even if they are totally different from each other they fall in love for real. This romantic drama shows a mature and pure love story which is like a healer for the audience. Not only the romance between these two grown-up people that heals but also the residents of the village Gongjin give a refreshment to the audience.
Character Development
In this part of Hometown Cha Cha Cha full review, let’s talk about the main characters and their development throughout this drama.
Yoon Hye-Jin (played by Shin Min Ah)
Yoon Hye Jin is a character who is so mature and realistic. She is a dentist by profession. The role of Hye-Jin is portrayed by the talented actress Shin Min Ah,who played this role very well. A city girl who finds it difficult to be connected to the villagers because of her judgemental nature.
But as the drama goes on we see a different nature of Yoon Hye Jin, who is trying her best to adapt to the villagers and the village. Yoon Hye Jin is a character who at first was a perfectionist and throughout the drama, she learned to let things go.
Hong Du-Sik (played by Kim Seon Ho)
Hong Du Sik is a lively person, who willingly lives in the small town, Gongjin. The wonderful character of Hong Du Sik is played by the veteran actor Kim Seon Ho. Du Sik is a man who is perfect in everything. He has skill in everything and is willing to help everyone with his skills. But even if he has a smile on his face every time, he has a wounded heart. He has a secret that is unknown to everyone. He falls in love with Yoon Hye Jin who is completely opposite of him.
Ji Seong Hyeon (played by Lee Sang Yi)
Ji Seong Hyeon is a calm and understanding character who is played by Lee Sang Yi. In this drama Hometown Cha Cha Cha Ji Seong Hyeon is the second lead character, who has a strong and positive feeling for Yoon Hye Jin. In the drama, he brings a feeling of warmth, humor and complexity to the story of the leads.
Supporting Characters: The Heart of Gongjin
There are some characters in this drama without whom this drama would not be complete, who are the supporting characters of this drama. Let’s see some of them:
Gam-Ri (Kim Young-Ok):
Gam Ri is an elderly woman from Gongjin. As she is the eldest one in that village she provides heartwarming advice to the villagers. She also teaches the youngsters of the village kindness and the way of life. Even if she lives alone, she is treated by the villagers like family.
Oh Chun-Jae (Jo Han-Chul):
Oh Chan Jae owns a Cafe in the small village. At a young age, he wanted to be a singer and he could not. He is a single father and has a daughter. His character is designed as a comic relief in drama but his sup plot is also heartwarming.
Pyo Mi-Seon (Gong Min-Jung)
Pyo Mi Seon is the bestfriend of Yoon Hye Jin. She is bubbly and straightforward. Mi Seon in this drama is designed as a confidante and emotional anchor of Yoon Hye Jin. She also has her own storyline which adds a charm to this drama.
Themes Explored in Hometown Cha Cha Cha
In Hometown Cha Cha Cha full review now we will talk about the themes of this drama. The main themes of the drama are love and healing, the importance of community and overcoming trauma.
Love is in the air of Gongjin, as we can see even two completely different people Yoon Hye Jin and Hong Du Sik fall in love here. In this pleasant setting, we see both of the lovers love so maturely. They learn how to love each other without any hesitation. The other characters who fall in love in this village are Pyo Mi Seon and Choi Eun Cheol, friends of Yoon Hye Jin and Du Sik.
Another theme that lies here in this drama is the importance of community. All the villagers live together like a friend. They come to help each other whenever they need to do so. They never hesitate to help each other. It seems like a very big family living in the same village. We see their bond highly in those episodes when the eldest of the village Gam Ri dies and her family members come late. All the villagers do her funeral ritual willingly until her real son comes.
One of the most significant themes of the drama is overcoming trauma. Love the way the characters open up their mental and emotional obstacles. Do Sik, who is the main lead of the drama lives in the village even though he graduated from a prestigious university. No one knows why he came back to the village. At the end of the drama, we get to know the secret of his leaving his city life. There are some other characters who dealt with some kind of trauma and fortunately, they all get over that.
Cinematography and Setting
Hometown Cha Cha Cha full review can not be full without mentioning the breathtaking cinematography and the pretty setting of Gongjin. Gongjin is one of the prettiest things you can ask for to heal you from head to toe. The seaside town was not only a backdrop but also was used as an integral character in the story.
The Setting As A Character:
Let’s try to explore how this setting was personified as a character itself.
- Gongjin is a fictional seaside village, that village was crafted masterly that makes the village so alive.
- The small houses give a cozy vibe, and even the cafe feels kind of aesthetic, the whole setting is so down to earth which gives one’s eyes warmth and provides simplicity.
- Also, the setting mirrors the main themes of the drama which are healing and community.
- Along with the cozy little village the sea is also used as a symbol in this drama. The sea also serves as a metaphor for each character’s emotional journey.
- The tranquil sea represents the calm and simple life of the villagers. As you often can see the main lead present by the shore, either falling in love or their confession for each other, the most beautiful moment of the couple, you can watch all it happening on the shore.
Cinematography: A Visual Treat
The cinematography of this drama is highly praiseworthy for the stunning shots, lightening mood and the focus on the detail.
- In this drama, you will frequently notice the use of sweeping aerial shots that capture the mesmerizing beauty of Gongjin, which is nothing but a treat to our eyes and our souls.
- The beauty of Gongjin is enhanced by the picturesque landscapes and the vastness of the sea which serves a strong sense of calm and serenity, pulling viewers into the town’s charm.
- The masterly use of color palette in the drama Hometown Cha Cha Cha is absolutely commendable. In Particular, the view of the sunset and the sunrise literally steals the show.
- The use of soft and natural lighting refreshes the audience’s minds and gives ease to their hearts.
OST and Soundtrack
Now in this part of Hometown Cha Cha Cha full review, let’s talk about the mesmerising soundtracks. This drama consists of a total of 8 OSTs that tell the untold story of Gongjin as well as the residence of Gongjin, especially the main leads. Let’s make a list of them, and then I will give you the names of the most popular one, fan favorite, best one and a masterpiece among the songs on the list.
List of OSTs:
- Romantic Sunday by Car, the Garde
- My Romance by CHEEZE
- One Sunny Day by Kassy
- Wish by Choi Yu Ree
- The Image of You by Sandeul
- Be the Light by Kim Jae Hwan
- Here Always by Seungmin (Stray Kids)
- I Hope You’re Happy by Lee Sang Yi
All the songs here are worth listening to and one can easily fall in love with its music and lyrics.
Fan Favorite: Romantic Sunday
The fans love the song Romantic Sunday by Car and the Garden, and I am one of them because to me it actually sets the mood of the drama. When you hear the song in the background you will be compelled to think like, yes I have chosen a perfect drama to watch. This song is so cheerful and it perfectly goes with the Gongjin vibe.
The Best One: Here Always
Seungmin’s magical voice was a push to the amazing lyrics of the song. Sometimes life doesn’t go as we wish. At that time we need someone’s assurance that we can stay strong because they are with us in every situation. This song is something like that. It deeply resonates with the emotional moments of the drama, especially through the character’s inner struggles and growth.
The Most Popular One: My Romance
My Romance by CHEEZE is the most popular OST on the list as this one became a massive hit for its sweet and dreamy vibe. This song can be labeled as a soft melody that accompanies the romantic and sweet chemistry between the main leads, Du Sik and Hye Jin.
The Masterpiece: The Image of You
The soulful performance of Sandeul and the beautiful lyrics of the song took it to another level, as this one is often considered a masterpiece. This song beautifully presents the themes of love, loss and longing of the lovers. This song is mostly celebrated because of its everlasting impression on the listeners and the audience.
At the end of my Hometown Cha Cha Cha full review, as a fan I can say this drama is not just a drama rather it is an experience. This drama makes us experience the beauty of community through a heartwarming tale of some relatable characters in a stunning location. The captivating soundtracks give a push to the theme of love, healing and beauty as well. The whole drama and the setting make us realize that life becomes most meaningful when you accept simplicity. It is true that the simplest things have the power to make someone the happiest. There are some things called kindness, love, connection, sacrifice and finding peace within ourselves that can make our life so loveable and meaningful.
There is one thing I can assure you, this drama is a warm hug for every stressed and tired soul. No matter if you are new to K-dramaland or you are an old fan this drama will be a treat to you which will leave you with a warm heart, full of love and admiration towards life. The best part is perhaps it will make you long for a visit to a pretty, little village by the sea. So don’t wait, it’s your time to watch Hometown Cha Cha Cha now.