Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha

Yoon Hye-jin (Shin Min-a) is a brilliant and pragmatic dentist working in Seoul. After a workplace conflict that tarnishes her reputation and makes it difficult for her to find another job, she returns to Gongjin, a small coastal village linked to memories of her late mother. There she meets Hong Du-sik (Kim Seon-ho), nicknamed «Chef Hong,» a man who is officially unemployed but capable of doing almost any kind of work and always willing to help the locals.

Their personalities and lifestyles are complete opposites: Hye-jin is a city dweller, ambitious, and committed to her independence, while Du-sik leads a simple life deeply rooted in his community. When she decides to open her own dental practice in Gongjin, she gradually gets to know the villagers and grows closer to Du-sik.

Their relationship becomes more complicated with the arrival of Ji Seong-hyun (Lee Sang-yi), a television producer and Hye-jin's former college classmate, while Pyo Mi-seon (Gong Min-jung), his best friend, also moves to Gongjin. Behind Chef Hong’s apparent lightheartedness, however, lie wounds and a painful past that he refuses to confront. Through the romance of the main couple, as well as the stories of the residents of Gongjin, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha explores grief, loneliness, family, parenting, second chances, and personal healing.

Impact and Success

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha has established itself as one of the great Korean romantic comedies of 2021, with a remarkable increase in viewership. The series peaked at 12,665 % national audience in its final episode, an excellent result for a cable network like tvN. Its success was even greater internationally thanks to Netflix: during its run, the drama made it onto the Top 10 Netflix Series Worldwide, reaching 9th place worldwide in early October and the Top 10 in about 20 countries. Historical data from Netflix also shows that the series remained in its global ranking of non-English-language programs for several weeks, confirming its enduring popularity long after its television broadcast.

The drama was particularly well-received for the chemistry between Shin Min-a and Kim Seon-ho, its heartwarming atmosphere, and its take on the healing drama, in which the residents of Gongjin each have their own story rather than simply serving as a backdrop for the main couple. Its success has also transformed several filming locations in Pohang in terms of tourist attractions; the boat perched on the hill, in particular, has become a popular spot for Korean and foreign visitors.

In terms of awards, Shin Min-a won the Top Excellence Award at the 2022 APAN Star Awards, Yoo Je-won was named the Korean national winner for Best Drama Direction at the Asian Academy Creative Awards, and Kim Seon-ho won the Outstanding Korean Actor Award at the 2022 Seoul International Drama Awards.

With its maritime setting, its well-developed supporting characters, and its blend of romance, humor, and emotional healing, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha remains a A modern classic of the "slice of life" and Korean rom-com genres.