Mondays are usually considered dreadful. But not today. After watching the last episode of Hometown Cha-cha-cha, I think I’m more than ready to face this week’s set of workloads. Hopefully.
A number of friends have been giving great feedback about Hometown Cha-cha-cha. But just like the main character, Yoon Hye-Jin, patience is my worst attribute. So, instead of joining the bandwagon, I fed myself with the brutal killings of Squid Game and Rurouni Kenshin movie series.
Hometown Cha-cha-cha Summary (Promise, No Spoilers)
Hometown Cha-cha-cha is such a breather after watching all the action, thrill, and dark drama of Squid Game, DP Soldier, and Rurouni Kenshin. It is one of those Kdrama series that requires no dark plot twists and annoying villains. It gives the homey vibes of ‘Reply 1988’, pleasant characters of ‘When the Camellia Blooms’, and wonderful journey of self-discovery towards healing and acceptance like ‘It’s Okay to Not be Okay’.
A remake of the 2004 movie, ‘Mr. Hong’, Hometown Cha-cha-cha features the story of the dentist Yoon Hye-Jin (Shin Min-A) who moved to the seaside village of Gongjin where she meets the literal jack of all trades, Hong Du-Sik (Kim Sun-Ho). The 16-episode series follows a very simple plot – one that we never thought we need in these daunting times of uncertainty.
It’s so easy to love Hometown Cha-cha-cha. Who wouldn’t like the main leads, right? Ah, dimple couple. But aside from them, what added to the charm of the series are the colorful characters of the supporting actors – all of whom have their own stories to learn from.
The idyllic setting of Gojin also reminds us how beautiful life can be if we learn to slow down and be contented with what we have. While there’s nothing wrong with dreaming big and pursuing great plans, Hometown Cha-cha-cha, particularly Chief Hong reminds us that life is not always about chasing greatness. Sometimes, joyfully doing all those mundane things can already bring joy if we choose to.
Lesson Learned from Hometown Cha-cha-cha
The very reason why Hometown Cha-cha-cha is so calming and ‘healing’ to watch is because of the simple truths highlighted in the series. These are not new lessons to learn, instead, these are simple reminders of how we have complicated our lives.
1. Life isn’t fair for all of us. Some spend their whole lives on unpaved roads, while some run at full speed only to reach the edge of a cliff.
2. Don’t forget to take days off whenever you feel like it.
3. We’re not having a party because you won a prize. What we’re celebrating is the fact that you worked hard. To me, that’s more important than the prize itself.
4. Look at the things that happen to you from a different angle. Perhaps, life has something else in store for you.
5. What may be easy for one person can be something difficult for another.
6. Many fear the procedure but you have to learn to bravely dig it out rather than keep your pain hidden.
7. Your body may recover after resting but your heart doesn’t.
8. Look around yourself closely and you’ll realize that you’re surrounded by many precious things.
9. Sometimes, you won’t realize your own feelings until you’ve seen it from a distance.
10. The sea won’t always be gentle. We will be met with wind and waves. And even typhoons will come our way. But who cares if the wind blows a bit when we’re in the same boat?
I hope we get more of these kinds of drama. Hopefully, the local industry can produce something as feel-good as this – something that will at least provide us with comfort, especially in these difficult times.
Now, what to watch next? Any recommendations? Share your Netflix finds!
Dakilanglaagan 