Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is a heartwarming romantic K-drama that takes place in the picturesque seaside village of Gongjin. The story revolves around Yoon Hye Jin (played by Shin Min Ah), a perfectionist dentist from the city who moves to this quiet town to start a new life. Despite her polished and organized lifestyle, Hye Jin finds herself clashing with the laid-back yet charming handyman, Hong Doo Shik (portrayed by Kim Seon Ho), who is known as Chief Hong by the villagers for being a jack of all trades. As Hye Jin adjusts to the slower pace of life, she and Doo Shik develop a deep, undeniable connection. Doo Shik's mysterious past and Hye Jin's emotional walls set the stage for a heartfelt exploration of healing, personal growth, and community. Their journey is filled with humorous and touching moments, making their romance both relatable and deeply captivating. The K-drama also highlights the unique and quirky residents of Gongjin, including Ji Sung Hyun (Lee Sang Yi), a famous TV producer who brings tension into the love triangle. These characters bring color and life to the village, showcasing the importance of friendship, support, and belonging. With stunning visuals, a gripping plot, and stellar performances from Shin Min Ah and Kim Seon Ho, "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" has become one of the most beloved K-dramas. Fans are drawn in by its feel-good story, character chemistry, and the underlying themes of love and community, making it a must-watch series.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 갯마을 차차차 (Gaetmaeul Cha-Cha-Cha)
🌎 Also Known As: Seaside Village Cha-Cha-Cha, Fishing Village Cha-Cha-Cha
🎭 Genres: Romance, Comedy, Drama
🏷 Tags: Small Town, Healing Drama, Opposites Attract, Dentist, Handyman, Love Triangle, Heartwarming
✍ Screenwriters: Shin Ha Eun
🎬 Directors: Yoo Je Won
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: August 28, 2021 – October 17, 2021
📅 Airing Days: Saturday, Sunday
📺 Original Network: tvN, Netflix
⏰ Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ (Teens 15 or older)

Best Scenes

Hong Doo Shik‘s confession to Yoon Hye Jin on the beach, which deeply moved fans with its raw emotion and sincerity.
The umbrella scene where Doo Shik protects Hye Jin from the rain, sparking romantic tension and creating an iconic K-drama moment.
The emotional moment when Hye Jin breaks down after a tough day, and Doo Shik comforts her, showing vulnerability and closeness.
The village festival scene where the characters bond, dance, and enjoy fireworks, highlighting the joy and community spirit of Gongjin.
Doo Shik’s heartfelt speech during Gam Ri’s funeral, a poignant moment that underscores the show’s themes of love, loss, and healing.

Filming Locations

The charming coastal village of Gongjin, filmed in Pohang, offers stunning views of the sea and quaint small-town life.
The scenic Sabang Memorial Park, featured in many key scenes, showcases beautiful walking trails and serene ocean views.
Cheongha Market is a real location where many of the bustling town scenes were shot, giving viewers a taste of local life.
The picturesque Wolpo Beach, where many romantic and introspective scenes were filmed, adds to the show’s peaceful and idyllic feel.
The iconic Cheongha Lighthouse, seen in several scenes, has become a tourist hotspot for fans looking to experience the drama’s magic in real life.

Visual Design and Costumes

Yoon Hye Jin’s chic, city-girl wardrobe contrasts sharply with the laid-back, comfortable style of Hong Doo Shik, symbolizing their different worlds.
The production used soft, natural lighting to enhance the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the seaside village.
The vibrant, pastel colors of the village houses and local businesses reflect the uplifting and heartwarming tone of the series.
The costume design for the supporting characters adds to their distinct personalities, from Oh Chun Jae’s casual musician look to Gam Ri’s traditional outfits.
The attention to detail in the interior design of locations like Live Cafe & Pub and Hye Jin’s clinic adds authenticity and depth to the characters’ lives.

Themes and Messages

The importance of community and the bonds that hold people together is a central theme, as seen in how the villagers rally around each other during tough times.
Healing from past traumas is another key message, as Doo Shik learns to face his past and open his heart to love and happiness.
The drama beautifully portrays how love can bloom in unexpected places and between very different people, making the romance feel authentic and relatable.
The idea that you don’t need to be perfect to be loved is consistently reinforced through Hye Jin and Doo Shik’s evolving relationship.
Family, both by blood and by choice, plays a significant role in the series, with strong depictions of multigenerational relationships and support systems.

Interesting Facts

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is a remake of the 2004 South Korean film “Mr. Handy, Mr. Hong,” with a fresh modern twist.
The show quickly became one of the highest-rated K-dramas of 2021, gaining immense popularity both domestically and internationally.
Kim Seon Ho and Shin Min Ah‘s undeniable chemistry in the series led to many rumors of off-screen romance, which captivated fans.
The drama’s seaside village set in Pohang became a major tourist attraction after the show aired, with fans flocking to visit iconic filming spots.
The cast and crew held a special appreciation event for local residents of Pohang as a thank you for their cooperation during filming.

Awards

Metro Best K-Drama Awards 2021:

Best Drama – People’s Choice Award
Best Actor – Kim Seon Ho (People’s Choice Award)
Best Actress – Shin Min Ah (People’s Choice Award)
Best Couple – Kim Seon Ho and Shin Min Ah (People’s Choice Award)
Best Kiss – Kim Seon Ho and Shin Min Ah (People’s Choice Award)
Best Song – “Romantic Sunday” by Car, The Garden
Breakthrough Star of the Year – Kim Seon Ho (Jury’s Choice Award)
Best Supporting Actress – Kim Young-ok (Jury’s Choice Award)

Additionally, the series received recognition for its Original Soundtrack (OST), which became one of the most memorable aspects of the drama. Despite a notable snub at the Baeksang Arts Awards, “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” continues to be beloved by fans globally

Real-Life Loves on Set

As of now, there has been no confirmed real-life romance between the lead actors of Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, Kim Seon Ho and Shin Min Ah. While the chemistry between their characters Hong Doo Shik and Yoon Hye Jin was praised for being incredibly authentic and heartwarming, leading to rumors of a possible off-screen relationship, both actors have not publicly confirmed any romantic involvement.

The romance speculation was largely fueled by their on-screen interactions, which were so natural and engaging that fans hoped their connection was real. However, both actors remain professional in keeping their personal lives private, and no official reports suggest a real-life romance developed during or after filming the drama.

This dynamic is common in the K-drama world, where strong on-screen chemistry often leads to rumors, even if it doesn’t reflect real-life relationships.