K-drama junkies rejoice! Netflix will be premiering one of the most anticipated K-drama series of 2021, “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” (갯마을 차차차), this coming weekend. For those curious, the 16-episode rom-com stars Kim Seon Ho (the popular guy from “Start-Up”), Shin Min Ah (“Chief Of Staff”) and also Lee Sang Yi (“Youth Of May”), taking on the lead roles.
The story is set in a seaside village called Gongjin, and it details the sweet love story of a Seoul city girl named Yoon Hye Jin (played by Shin Min Ah) with Hong Du Sik (Kim Seon Ho), the neighbourhood’s representative Mr. Handyman who helps everyone around town. With the two King and Queen of romantic comedy together, we assure you that “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” is guaranteed to delight.
To get all of you fans pumped up ahead of the premier of the heart-fluttering series, we’ve listed down 8 fun facts that all of you need to know about the drama “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” taken from. Check them out:
1. The K-drama is a remake of the 2004 film “Mr. Hong”
The original movie was released in theatres back in March 2004, which starred the late actor Kim Joo Hyuk and also legendary actress-singer Uhm Jung Hwa. In detailing the difference that fans can expect from the series, director said, “I wanted to bring something new to our version of the story. So we decided to vote for a new title of the series instead of using the original title.”
2. The title was chosen as a result of a voting by the crew members
Speaking of the title, Director also revealed that the title of the series “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” was selected as a result of the vote by the crew members. “I really like the fact that this is the name that we set on. Because cha-cha-cha is a type of dance, so we need to do (the dance) with other people instead of doing it alone. So that’s why I guess the name is very befitting the overall chemistry in the story of the many characters in the series,” he was quoted as saying.
3. Kim Seon Ho & Shin Min Ah dish on their on-screen chemistry
Even prior to the premier of the drama, the two stars have been gaining significant buzz from fans for their amazing chemistry on the set! “It was really good,” the “My Girlfriend Is A Gumiho” actress remarked. “I know there were high expectations even before we started filming, but I didn’t feel a lot of pressure. I really enjoyed acting on set with Seon Ho. He’s a really kind and comfortable person to be around. I think our good chemistry and flexibility is portrayed through our acting.”
Seon Ho agreed with Min Ah’s point by saying, “I was talking about this with Sang Yi as well. Min Ah has good character and she’s really nice. She accepts playful words and actions we say or do. She’s a comfortable person to be around. It was so fun and we laughed a lot on the filming site.”
4. The duo earn the nickname “Sikhye Couple” by fans
In commenting about this, Seon Ho said, “I think the rhythm in which we deliver our lines is something that can be appealing to viewers. I think the relationship between the two characters will be very interesting.”
Min Ah chimed by saying, “(In the series) Hye Jin and Du Sik bicker a lot and they don’t like each other at first. At the same time, I think the audience will see that they are alike in some ways. I think that will be something that the audience can look forward to.”
(Side note: Sikhye refers to the traditional Korean rice punch. The nickname is also a combination from their individual names – HYE jin and Du SIK.)
5. Lee Sang Yi on working with Kim Seon Ho & Shin Min Ah
Although the spotlight has been mostly focused on the Sikhye couple, we certainly cannot just leave Lee Sang Yi out of the list! Best known for his roles in dramas like “Once Again”, “Youth of May”and as a member of the seasonal musical group MSG Wannabe, it’s definitely safe to say that the 29-year-old will give viewers a good case of second lead syndrome with his portrayal of a workaholic variety show producer with a gentle and easygoing personality.
In talking about the experience he had while working with the cast and crew on the drama, the actor revealed, “I always think that I should do projects where I can form long-lasting relationships, but I think this is the one I’ll make the most through.”
He continued, “While filming, I learned a lot from Kim Seon Ho and I’ve often thought, ‘(He’s a) senior (actor) who really is a senior.’ Whereas, Shin Min Ah is a great person with a big heart and open mind. She set out the foundation for me to have as much fun as I want. It was such an enjoyable set.”
6. The plethora of picturesque sceneries
From the calm beach to the lively village locations, an abundant amount of scenic views are set to amaze the viewers. Even the cast members themselves were raving about the sceneries and talked about how looking at the ocean brought them comfort and calm.
While it may be difficult to travel to such spectacular landscapes these days, fans can still able to enjoy the view vicariously through the series.
7. Interesting yet relatable characters
Viewers won’t have to worry about encountering evil villains and super geniuses, as “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” features several characters that are very true-to-life and relatable.
In the series, Yoon Hye Jin is a dentist who looks like she’s got it all together, but actually has an adorably clumsy side of herself. On the other hand, Hong Du Sik has so many certifications and is very talented in a diverse range of jobs, though he is technically unemployed.
Ji Seong Hyeon (played by Sang Yi) is a talented variety show producer who is passionate about his job and really loves food. On top of the leads, there are also many other quirky and appealing villagers and characters to love that are set to charm the viewers.
8. A drama with a healing message
Director Yu said, “The drama is not about big events, but rather the small stories in daily life with a message about healing and warmth. The funny and heartwarming stories about the characters’ lives will make the audience laugh and warm our hearts.”
In other words, the K-drama is the perfect weekend show to watch as we relax and unwind with our loved ones after a long, stressful week. All of the various elements combine together to create a nice feel-good effect.
Watch the trailer here:
Mark your calendars, peeps! “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” will be available on stream this coming Saturday (28th August).
Images courtesy of Netflix/tvN.
