Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
2021 South Korean television series
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Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (Korean: 갯마을 차차차) is a 2021 South Korean romantic comedy television series starring Shin Min-a, Kim Seon-ho and Lee Sang-yi. It is a remake of 2004 South Korean film Mr. Handy, Mr. Hong.[6] It aired on tvN from August 28 to October 17, 2021, every Saturday and Sunday at 21:00 (KST).[7][8] It is also available for streaming on Netflix.[9]
| Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha | |
|---|---|
Promotional poster | |
| Hangul | 갯마을 차차차 |
| Lit. | Seaside Village Chachacha |
| RR | Gaenmaeul chachacha |
| MR | Kaenmaŭl ch'ach'ach'a |
| Genre | |
| Based on | Mr. Handy, Mr. Hong by Kang Seok-beom and Shin Jung-goo |
| Developed by |
|
| Written by | Shin Ha-eun[2][3] |
| Directed by | Yoo Je-won Kwon Yong-il |
| Starring | |
| Composer | Lim Ha-young |
| Country of origin | South Korea |
| Original language | Korean |
| No. of episodes | 16[4] |
| Production | |
| Executive producer | Jo Moon-ju |
| Producers |
|
| Cinematography | Park Jung-hoon |
| Editors |
|
| Running time | 60 minutes[5] |
| Production companies |
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| Original release | |
| Network | tvN |
| Release | August 28 – October 17, 2021 |
The series became one of the highest-rated dramas in Korean cable television history,[10][11] and ranked first place in its timeslot for its entire run with the last episode achieving a 12.665% nationwide rating.[12] It also became one of Netflix's most-watched non-English television shows.[13][14]
Premise
Yoon Hye-jin, an accomplished dentist from Seoul, goes to the idyllic seaside village of Gongjin on her late mother's birthday after her life goes awry. She spontaneously decides to open up a dental clinic, and gets to know jack-of-all-trades Hong Du-sik, also known as Chief Hong. The romantic drama depicts the growing romance between the two, as well as the lives of other Gongjin's residents.
Cast
Main
- Shin Min-a as Yoon Hye-jin, a perfectionist and pragmatic dentist who ends up moving from Seoul[15] to Gongjin after her life goes awry.[1]
- Kim Seon-ho as Hong Du-sik, Gongjin's handyman who is known as Chief Hong around the village. He is unemployed officially, but is always busy giving a helping hand to everyone. He is good at everything and appears to assist whatever random tasks his neighbors need help with.[1][8]
- Song Min-jae as child Hong Du-sik
- An Seong-won as young teenage Hong Du-sik
- Moon Seong-hyun as teenage Hong Du-sik
- Lee Sang-yi as Ji Seong-hyun, a star variety show production director who is workaholic and has a bright personality.[17]
Supporting
People around Hye-jin
- Gong Min-jeung as Pyo Mi-seon, Hye-jin's best friend who is a dental hygienist.[18][19]
- Seo Sang-won as Yoon Tae-hwa, Hye-jin's father.[20]
- Woo Mi-hwa as Lee Myung-shin, Hye-jin's stepmother.[21]
People around Seong-hyun
- Park Ye-young as Wang Ji-won, a veteran writer who has been working with Seong-hyun for seven years.[20]
- Lee Suk-hyeong as Kim Do-ha, an assistant director who struggles to find a work-life balance in his busy filming schedule because of his workaholic senior, Seong-hyun.[22]
- Seong Tae as June, main rapper of idol group DOS.[20]
- Baek Seung as In-woo, sub-vocalist of DOS.[23]
People in Gongjin
- Kim Young-ok as Kim Gam-ri, leader of the grandmothers in Gongjin.[18][19]
- Lee Yong-yi as Lee Mat-yi, the second of the three grandmothers.[18]
- Shin Shin-ae as Park Sook-ja, the youngest of the three grandmothers.[18]
- Jo Han-chul as Oh Cheon-jae, the owner of Gongjin's live café and pub. He is a former singer with stage name Oh Yoon, who disappeared after releasing a hit song in the 1990s.[24][25]
- Lee Bong-ryun as Yeo Hwa-jung, Young-guk's ex-wife who was born and raised in Gongjin. She is the building owner of Hye-jin's dental clinic and house.[26]
- In Gyo-jin as Jang Young-guk, Hwa-jung's ex-husband. He is the youngest district head who used to be a seventh grade civil servant.[27]
- Hong Ji-hee as Yoo Cho-Hui, a teacher at Cheongjin Elementary School who returns to the coastal town after fifteen years. At that time she had been a tenant in Hwa-jung's house and they had become friends until Cho-Hui needed to suddenly move away.[28]
- Cha Chung-hwa as Jo Nam-sook, president of Prosperous Gongjin Department Store and owner of a Chinese restaurant near Hye-jin's dental clinic.[18][19]
- Yoon Seok-hyun as Choi Geum-chul, Eun-chul's brother and Du-sik's friend who is the owner of a hardware store.[20]
- Kim Ju-yeon as Ham Yun-kyung, Geum-chul's wife who owns a convenience store.[20]
- Kang Hyung-seok as Choi Eun-chul, Geum-chul's brother and a police officer who is a sincere person and works hard on everything he does.[29][19]
- Kim Sung-bum as Ban Yong-hun, Gongjin's community center manager.[20]
- Kim Min-seo as Oh Ju-ri, Cheon-jae's daughter.[20]
- Ki Eun-yoo as Jang Yi-jun, Young-guk and Hwa-jung's son.[20]
- Go Do-yeon as Choi Bo-ra, Geum-chul and Yun-kyung's daughter.[20]
Special appearances
- Lee Jung-eun as Hye-jin's patient[30][31]
- Bae Hae-sun as the head doctor at Hye-jin's former dental clinic[31]
- Lee Jin-hee as Hye-jin's mother[32]
- Lee Ho-jae as Du-sik's grandfather
- Lee Si-hoon as Myung-hak, a patient at Hye-jin's dental clinic.[33]
- Kim Jin-yeop as Lee Kang-wook, Hye-jin's ex-boyfriend and Seong-hyeon's high school classmate (Episode 5th and 9th).
- Kim Dae-gon as rottiserie chicken seller.
- Kim Ji-hyun as Seon-ah, Seong-hyun's cousin and Jung-woo's wife.[34][35]
- Oh Eui-shik as Park Jung-woo, Du-sik's friend whom he met during college days.[36]
- Lee Do-yeop as Gam-ri's son[37]
- Shim Jin-hwa as a customer at Nam-sook's restaurant.[38]
- Jo Young-seo as main dancer of DOS.[39][40][41]
- Kim Do-kyun as lead dancer of DOS.[39][42]
Episodes
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha's episode titles were written in official wallpaper of each episode in the drama official website.[43]
| No. | Title | Original release date | South Korea viewers (millions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "The moment I met you everywhere" Transliteration: "Dangsin-ui Moseubeul, Eodiseona Mannan Sungan" (Korean: 당신의 모습을, 어디서나 만난 순간) | August 28, 2021 | 1.670 | |
|
Yoon Hye-jin, a successful and pragmatic dentist from Seoul, experiences a career setback after a conflict with her boss. On her late mother's birthday, she visits the seaside village of Gongjin, a place from her childhood memories. There, she encounters Hong Du-sik, a jack-of-all-trades known to the villagers as "Chief Hong." Though officially unemployed, he assists with almost every chore in the village. Their first meeting involves Hye-jin's lost high-heeled shoe. Unforeseen circumstances lead to Hye-jin being stranded in Gongjin overnight, during which she interacts with some of the villagers. The next day, she impulsively decides to move to Gongjin and open a dental clinic. | ||||
| 2 | "The moment your sincerity took a step forward" Transliteration: "Dangsin-ui Jinsimi, Hanbaljjak Naagan Sungan" (Korean: 당신의 진심이, 한발짝 나아간 순간) | August 29, 2021 | 1.624 | |
|
Yoon Hye-jin decides to open her own dental clinic in Gongjin. She reluctantly attends a party to promote her clinic, where she struggles to fit in. Her discomfort escalates when Oh Cheon-jae shamelessly promotes his past as a 1990s singer. Upset, she confides in her best friend, Pyo Mi-seon, over the phone, unaware that a live microphone is broadcasting their entire conversation to the village. Pyo Mi-seon comes to Hye-jin's aid, moving to Gongjin to assist at the clinic. Upon learning of the situation, Mi-seon advises Hye-jin to consider leaving Gongjin due to her negative impression on the villagers. As a result of her unfavorable reputation, Hye-jin's clinic fails to attract any patients. However, Hong Du-sik steps in, becoming a helpful presence and guiding Hye-jin to better fit into the community. | ||||
| 3 | "The moment your heart smiled at me" Transliteration: "Dangsin-ui Maeumi, Naege Misojieun Sungan" (Korean: 당신의 마음이, 내게 미소지은 순간) | September 4, 2021 | 2.126 | |
|
To find a perfect outfit for a college classmate's wedding, Yoon Hye-jin goes on an online shopping spree. Hong Du-sik appears at her door as a delivery man and criticizes her excessive number of packages. As she is about to leave for Seoul for the wedding, Du-sik unexpectedly shows up again with three grandmothers who also need a ride. Reluctantly, Hye-jin begins the long journey to Seoul with the uninvited passengers. On the return trip to Gongjin, only Du-sik accompanies her. During the drive, they argue about which lifestyle is superior: Gongjin's or Seoul's. | ||||
| 4 | "The moment your temperature melted my heart" Transliteration: "Dangsin-ui Ondoga, Naui Maeumeul Nogin Sungan" (Korean: 당신의 온도가, 나의 마음을 녹인 순간) | September 5, 2021 | 2.232 | |
|
Hye-jin has grown accustomed to Du-sik's presence, so when he goes missing for a day, she feels his absence. Du-sik is spending the day enjoying his hobby, surfing. However, upon hearing that a problematic patient is causing a disturbance at Hye-jin's clinic, Du-sik rushes over and confronts the patient. Both of them end up in the local police station but are eventually released. Meanwhile, a familiar face from Hye-jin's past, Ji Seong-hyun, a famous variety show producer, arrives in Gongjin. At the same time, Chang Yeong-guk receives news that his first love has returned to town. | ||||
| 5 | "The moment your feelings floated on the waves" Transliteration: "Dangsin-ui Gamjeongi, Padoe Tteooreun Sungan" (Korean: 당신의 감정이, 파도에 떠오른 순간) | September 11, 2021 | 2.490 | |
|
Gossip spreads like wildfire in Gongjin when Hye-jin is seen leaving Du-sik's house in the morning. Hye-jin tries to recall the events of the previous night while navigating the villagers' relentless curiosity. The budding attraction between Hye-jin and Du-sik becomes more apparent to everyone, including themselves. Ji Seong-hyeon (also called PD Ji), Hye-jin's senior in college, visits Gongjin to produce a TV program. | ||||
| 6 | "The moment your gaze goes beyond friendship" Transliteration: "Dangsin-ui Siseoni, Ujeongeul Neomeoseon Sungan" (Korean: 당신의 시선이, 우정을 넘어선 순간) | September 12, 2021 | 2.593 | |
|
After recalling her kiss with Du-sik, Hye-jin resolves to stop getting involved with him. Meanwhile, Gongjin residents participate in a singing competition for prize money. With Hye-jin and Du-sik's help, Oh Ju-ri performs a song by her favorite group, DOS, and secures second place. Upon learning that Ju-ri needs money to fix her snaggletooth, Hye-jin informs her the treatment won't cost the full amount. | ||||
| 7 | "The moment your loneliness leaned on me" Transliteration: "Dangsin-ui Oeroumi, Naege Gidaeon Sungan" (Korean: 당신의 외로움이, 나에게 기대온 순간) | September 18, 2021 | 2.321 | |
|
Seong-hyeon identifies Gam-ri's house as an ideal shooting location and persuades her to allow its use. He also asks Du-sik to collaborate with him. Meanwhile, Yeong-guk harbors feelings for Cho-hui. Seong-hyeon later asks Du-sik about Hye-jin's relationship status, and Du-sik replies that she isn't dating anyone. | ||||
| 8 | "The moment your existence erases the darkness" Transliteration: "Dangsin-ui Jonjaega, Eodumeul Jiuneun Sungan" (Korean: 당신의 존재가, 어둠을 지우는 순간) | September 19, 2021 | 2.106 | |
|
Cho-hui becomes the target of a kidnapper, but Hwa-jung intervenes and thwarts the plan. In a surprising turn, Hye-jin uncovers a concerning situation: some of her patients are declining the final step of their dental restorations. It turns out Nam-sook had been recommending them to an illegal dental technician who offers lower prices. This revelation leads to a clash between Hye-jin and Nam-sook. Hye-jin, Seong-hyeon, and Du-sik join forces on a mission to recover Nam-sook's stolen money from a daring robbery. Their combined efforts lead to the successful apprehension of the culprit. Amidst their triumph, however, Hye-jin becomes aware of Du-sik's health condition, raising her concerns for his well-being. | ||||
| 9 | "Your seat, the moment you draw your daily life" Transliteration: "Dangsin-ui Jariga, Ilsangeul Geurineun Sungan" (Korean: 당신의 자리가, 일상을 그리는 순간) | September 25, 2021 | 2.397 | |
|
When Hye-jin's parents visit Gongjin, Du-sik steps in to pretend to be her boyfriend and make a good impression. Seong-hyun also tries to charm Hye-jin's father, adding to the romantic tension. The visit ultimately leads to honest conversations and a deeper understanding between Hye-jin and Du-sik. Meanwhile, Pyo Mi-seon bravely confesses her feelings to Choi Eun-cheol, only to be rejected. Similarly, Cho-hui turns down Yeong-guk's advances. | ||||
| 10 | "The moment your love reaches 'us'" Transliteration: "Dangsin-ui Sarangi, 'Uri'e Dodalhan Sungan" (Korean: 당신의 사랑이, '우리'에 도달한 순간) | September 26, 2021 | 2.978 | |
|
After bravely rescuing Hye-jin from a home invasion and apprehending a pervert, Du-sik sustains injuries. Hye-jin spends the night at Du-sik's house, where he opens up, sharing personal stories and memories of his late grandfather. A few days later, they celebrate Du-sik's grandfather'sdeath anniversary, honoring his memory together. Meanwhile, Seong-hyeon gathers the courage to confess his feelings to Hye-jin. In a separate turn of events, Hye-jin and Mi-seon embark on a weekend shopping spree in Seoul. Despite the bustling city, Hye-jin's thoughts continuously drift back to Du-sik. Overwhelmed by her feelings, she rushes back to Gongjin, bares her heart to Du-sik, and they share a passionate kiss. | ||||
| 11 | "The moment when your excitement becomes my happiness" Transliteration: "Dangsin-ui Seollemi, Naui Haengbogi Doeneun Sungan" (Korean: 당신의 설렘이, 나의 행복이 되는 순간) | October 2, 2021 | 2.438 | |
|
Hye-jin and Du-sik finally make their relationship official, but attempts to keep it a secret from the ever-observant villagers of Gongjin prove to be challenging and often humorous. Their sweet new romance blossoms amidst the picturesque seaside setting. Meanwhile, Seong-hyeon, nursing a broken heart, falls ill and finds solace in the care of Wang Ji-won. | ||||
| 12 | "The moment your wish dreams of 'together'" Transliteration: "Dangsin-ui Barami, 'Hamkke'reul Kkumkkuneun Sungan" (Korean: 당신의 바람이, '함께'를 꿈꾸는 순간) | October 3, 2021 | 2.776 | |
|
Hye-jin creates a long bucket list of activities she wants to experience with Du-sik, enjoying their new coupledom. Meanwhile, Mi-seon and Choi Eun-cheol, the kind police officer, finally come to a clearer understanding of their feelings for each other. As for Yeong-guk, he eventually uncovers the underlying reasons that led to his divorce, gaining a deeper understanding of the situation. | ||||
| 13 | "Your Today is the Moment You Wish for Tomorrow" Transliteration: "Dangsin-ui Oneuri, Naeireul Baraneun Sungan" (Korean: 당신의 오늘이, 내일을 바라는 순간) | October 9, 2021 | 2.459 | |
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The residents of Gongjin gather to celebrate Du-sik's birthday, creating a joyful atmosphere. Seong-hyeon is left bewildered by Ji-won's sudden resignation, causing confusion and uncertainty. Meanwhile, a typhoon wreaks havoc, blocking all roads and forcing Ham Yun-gyeong to give birth at Hye-jin's home, adding unexpected excitement to the situation. Ultimately, Hye-jin becomes increasingly frustrated by Du-sik's unwillingness to open up about his past. | ||||
| 14 | "The moment your promise bring up courage" Transliteration: "Dangsin-ui Yaksogi, Yonggireul Kkeureonaen Sungan" (Korean: 당신의 약속이, 용기를 끌어낸 순간) | October 10, 2021 | 3.013 | |
|
Hye-jin feels despair over the emotional distance growing between her and Du-sik, who struggles to reveal his deepest secrets. Meanwhile, Hye-jin learns from Hwa-jeong about Du-sik's past return to Gongjin. As a result, Hye-jin and Du-sik decide to take some time apart to reflect on their situation. In the meantime, Yu Cho-hui encourages Yeong-guk to bravely express his true feelings, leading to Yeong-guk and Hwa-jung rekindling their love. As Seong-hyeon and his team conclude their filming project, a farewell party is held by Seong-hyeon's crew. It is during this event that Du-sik's past is unexpectedly revealed to everyone in attendance. | ||||
| 15 | "The moment your sadness greets spring" Transliteration: "Dangsin-ui Seulpeumi, Bomeul Majihan Sungan" (Korean: 당신의 슬픔이, 봄을 맞이한 순간) | October 16, 2021 | 2.652 | |
|
Du-sik's past is finally unveiled, leaving everyone shocked and perplexed. He had worked at a management company in Seoul, where his bad financial advice led a security guard to lose all his assets. Hye-jin finds herself in a state of confusion, while Seong-hyeon, upon hearing Do-ha's account, is equally taken aback by the intricate web of relationships. Du-sik once again finds himself trapped in the shadows of his haunting past. With his secrets exposed, Du-sik faces the daunting task of forging a path forward, away from the tragedies that have plagued him. Hye-jin becomes a pillar of support, aiding him in overcoming his guilt and remorse. Despite a tempting job offer in Seoul, Hye-jin declines it, choosing instead to remain in Gongjin and continue her journey alongside Du-sik. | ||||
| 16 | "The moment our lives dance with everyone" Transliteration: "Uriui Insaengi, Moduwa Chumchuneun Sungan" (Korean: 우리의 인생이, 모두와 춤추는 순간) | October 17, 2021 | 3.237 | |
|
The villagers bid a final farewell to one of their beloved members, prompting reflections on life and loss. Du-sik begins to heal from his past traumas with Hye-jin's unwavering support. Both Hye-jin and Du-sik plan special, unforgettable events for each other, signifying their commitment. The series concludes with the characters finding their own versions of happiness and looking forward to their futures together in Gongjin. | ||||
Production
Development
The series, written by Shin Ha-eun, was her comeback after co-writing the 2019 drama The Crowned Clown. It was first announced on December 21, 2020, under the working title of Hong Ban-jang (홍반장). The series is a drama remake of the 2004 movie Mr. Handy, Mr. Hong starring Kim Joo-hyeok and Uhm Jung-hwa and written by Kang Seok-beom and Shin Jung-goo.[44]
Casting
Casting was first announced on December 21, 2020, with Kim Seon-ho and Shin Min-a being offered the lead roles.[44] On April 2, 2021, it was officially announced that Yoo Je-won will be directing the drama literally translated as Seaside Village Cha-Cha-Cha (갯마을 차차차). In the same time, Kim Seon-ho and Shin Min-a were confirmed as main leads,[45] also Lee Sang-yi was being offered the role.[46] The drama marked Director Yoo Je-won second collaboration with Shin Min-a after both worked on Tomorrow with You (2017).
Filming
The first script reading for the cast members took place on April 21, 2021. Filming was initially scheduled to commence on May 8 and primarily took place in Pohang.[47][48] According to the production team, at the "Lighthouse Song Festival" scene in the sixth episode was the most significant and challenging to film. It required a substantial amount of time due to the large number of participants, unpredictable weather during the rainy season, and the need to follow strict COVID-19 quarantine guidelines.[49] The drama was planned to wrapped up filming on October 6, 2021.[50]
Music
The series features several on-screen song covers performed by the characters. Music director Lim Ha-young selected all the songs, with additional input from writer Shin Ha-eun, director Yoo Je-won, and the cast and crew. Similar to the character Hong Du-sik in the original film,[51] Kim Seon-ho sang and played guitar in the drama. In the series, Du-sik covered "Old Love" from Lee Moon-sae, different song from the original film.[52] Other characters also performed at the "Lighthouse Song Festival" in Gongjin Village. The festival's opening stage featured Gongjin's resident celebrity, Oh Yeon, performing his only hit song, "Exercising in the Moonlight." To create a realistic atmosphere, Jo Han-chul performed the song live while playing the guitar. Composed by Lim in the 1990s, the song was specifically chosen to achieve an authentic nineties sound and was a fitting choice for Oh Yeon's character, as it was ranked second in the 1993 K-pop Top 10 Gayo.[53][54]
| Episode | Title | Original singer | Performed by | Album | Note | Ref. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | Korean | ||||||
| Ep. 4 | Old Love | 옛사랑 | Lee Moon-sae | Hong Du-sik | N/a | Cafe performance | [52] |
| Ep. 6 | Exercise at the Moonlit Night | 달밤에 체조 | Oh Yoon | Oh Yoon (Oh Chun-jae) | Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha OST Album | Performance at Lighthouse Song Festivals | [55] |
| Don't Give Up | 포기하지마 | Sung Jin-woo | Choi Geum-chul | N/a | [56] | ||
| Tears | 눈물 | Soo Chan-hwee | Jo Nam-sook | N/a | [53] | ||
| Let's live with a smile | 웃으며 살자 | Shin Shin-ae | Lee Mat-yi and Park Sook-ja | N/a | |||
| My Starry Love | 별빛 같은 나의 사랑아 | Lim Young-woong | Kim Gam-ri | N/a | |||
| I will hug you tight | 꼭 안아줄래요 | Jang Yu-na and Lee Eu-nu | Choi Bo-ra | N/a | [57] | ||
| Just a Feeling | DOS | Oh Ju-ri | N/a | [58] | |||
| DOS | Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha OST Album | [59] | |||||
| Ep. 14 | Love is forgotten by love | 사랑이 다른 사랑으로 잊혀지네 | Hareem | Ji Seong-hyun | N/a | Gongjin party to celebrate Ji Seong-hyun PD Variety Show. | [60] |
Choreography
The drama features a fictional idol group named DOS, known for their hit song "Just a Feeling." The song's choreography was created by Jo Young-seo and Kim Do-gyun, choreographers from the group Dance of Soul (DOS). Jo and Kim were already known for their choreography on the television show Mr. Trot.[61] According to Jo, the idol group was originally named "Choice," but writer Shin Ha-eun changed it to DOS.[41][42] Jo and Kim's on-screen appearance as members of the group was a spontaneous decision that came about after they created the choreography.[39] To perfectly portray the group, Seong Tae, Baek Seung, Jo Young-seo, Kim Do-gyun, and another member of their dance team practiced for a month. The dance was performed at the "Lighthouse Song Festival." In the scene, Hye-jin and Du-sik are initially seen as backup dancers for Oh Ju-ri before the idol group DOS makes a surprise appearance.[61]
Media
Original soundtrack
The Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha soundtrack album, written by music director Lim Ha-young, comprises 11 songs (including singles) and 32 score pieces from the series. The album features vocal performances from artists such as Car, the Garden, Kassy, Cheeze, Choi Yu-ree, Kim Jae-hwan, Sandeul, Seungmin (Stray Kids), and Lee Sang-yi. In total, the compilation includes 43 tracks. In addition to the 8 previously released OST songs, the album includes "Just a Feeling" by the fictional idol group 'DOS' in the drama, which was highly requested by viewers. It also features two songs by "Oh Yoon," performed by actor Jo Han-chul as the superstar of 'Gongjin' in the drama, titled "Exercise at the Moonlit Night" and "End and Beginning." The album aims to fully capture the emotions of Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha and evoke the lingering feelings from the drama.[62]
| Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha | |
|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by Various Artists | |
| Released | October 18, 2021[63] |
| Genre | Soundtrack |
| Language |
|
| Label | Stone Music Entertainment |
| No. | Title | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Romantic Sunday" (로맨틱 선데이) | Car, the Garden | 3:50 |
| 2. | "One Sunny Day" (어느 햇살 좋은 날) | Kassy | 3:56 |
| 3. | "My Romance" | Cheeze | 2:53 |
| 4. | "Wish" (바람) | Choi Yu-ree | 3:57 |
| 5. | "Be the Light" (빛이 되어줘) | Kim Jae-hwan | 3:54 |
| 6. | "The Image of You (Remains in My Memory)" (내 기억 속에 남아있는 그대 모습은) | Sandeul | 3:09 |
| 7. | "Here Always" | Seungmin (Stray Kids) | 4:14 |
| 8. | "I Hope You're Happy" (행복했으면 좋겠어) | Lee Sang-yi | 3:17 |
| 9. | "Just a Feeling" | DOS | 3:13 |
| 10. | "Exercise at the Moonlit Night" (달밤에 체조) | Oh Yoon | 3:25 |
| 11. | "The Beginning of the End" (끝과 시작) | Oh Yoon | 4:00 |
| Total length: | 39:48 | ||
| No. | Title | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Title of Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" (갯마을 차차차 타이틀) | Yoo Jong-hyun | 2:17 |
| 2. | "Start" (스타트) | Lim Ha-young | 1:43 |
| 3. | "I Am Mr. Hong" (나는야 홍반장) | Shin Min-yong | 1:59 |
| 4. | "This Is Not Right" (이건 아니잖아) | Yoo Jong-hyun | 2:13 |
| 5. | "Star Above the Sea" (바다에 뜬 별) | Im Seung-bum | 2:26 |
| 6. | "My Hometown" (내 고향 갯마을) | Yoo Jong-hyun | 2:21 |
| 7. | "Dimple Couple" (보조개 커플) | Byun Dong-wook | 1:52 |
| 8. | "Biggest Mistake" (역대급 실수) | Kim Ji-young | 2:40 |
| 9. | "It Wasn't Meant to Be" (이게 아닌데) | Kim Wan-jung | 1:44 |
| 10. | "When I Think of You" (그대가 생각날 때) | Byun Dong-wook | 2:25 |
| 11. | "Charmer" (애교스트) | Shin Min-yong | 2:00 |
| 12. | "Where People Live" (사람이 사는 곳) | Yoo Jong-hyun | 2:08 |
| 13. | "Connection" (인연) | Jin Myeong-yong | 3:29 |
| 14. | "You're Beside Me" (곁에 있는 너) | Kim Ji-young | 3:21 |
| 15. | "Old Bicycle" (낡은 자전거) | Byun Dong-wook | 1:53 |
| 16. | "Sunset of the City" (도시의 노을) | Lim Ji-won | 1:16 |
| 17. | "The Waltz of Gongjin" (공진왈츠) | Jin Myeong-yong | 2:49 |
| 18. | "Run!" (달려!) | Shin Min-yong | 1:34 |
| 19. | "The Romance of Mi-sun and Eun-chul" (미선과 은철의 멜로) | Byun Dong-wook | 1:49 |
| 20. | "Woojjoojjoo" (우쭈쭈) | Yoo Jong-hyun | 2:15 |
| 21. | "Different Direction Than Expected" (예상과 다른 방향) | Byun Dong-wook | 1:40 |
| 22. | "Cheer Up, Ji PD!" (힘내! 지피디) | Kim Wan-jung | 1:47 |
| 23. | "The Appearance of Cho-hee" (초희의 등장) | Byun Dong-wook | 1:34 |
| 24. | "Running Away" (줄행랑) | Kim Ji-young | 2:13 |
| 25. | "Pretty Woman" (프리티우먼) | Yoo Jong-hyun | 1:32 |
| 26. | "Buried Wounds" (묻어둔 상처) | Kim Wan-jung | 3:14 |
| 27. | "The Voice Inside of Me" (마음의 소리) | Shin Min-yong | 2:12 |
| 28. | "The Romance of Hwa-jung and Young-guk" (화정 영국의 로맨스) | Lim Ha-young | 1:28 |
| 29. | "Tiny Wish" (소소한 바램) | Lim Ha-young | 2:01 |
| 30. | "Plop" (퐁당) | Kim Ji-young | 3:30 |
| 31. | "Family" (가족) | Lim Ha-young | 1:38 |
| 32. | "Farewell, Grandma Gam-li" (안녕 감리씨) | Jin Myeong-yong | 3:02 |
| Total length: | 75:04 | ||
On July 18, 2022, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha soundtrack album also released in LP version.[66] It was ranked 9 in the Circle Chart Retail Album Chart on July 19, 2022, with 891 copies sold.[67]
| Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha | |
|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by Various Artists | |
| Released | July 18, 2022 |
| Genre | Soundtrack |
| Language |
|
| Label | Stone Music Entertainment |
| No. | Title | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Title of Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" (갯마을 차차차 타이틀) | Yoo Jong-hyun | 2:17 |
| 2. | "Romantic Sunday" (로맨틱 선데이) | Car, the Garden | 3:50 |
| 3. | "One Sunny Day" (어느 햇살 좋은 날) | Kassy | 3:56 |
| 4. | "My Romance" | Cheeze | 2:53 |
| 5. | "Wish" (바람) | Choi Yu-ree | 3:57 |
| 6. | "Be the Light" (빛이 되어줘) | Kim Jae-hwan | 3:54 |
| Total length: | 20:47 | ||
| No. | Title | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7. | "The Image of You (Remains in My Memory)" (내 기억 속에 남아있는 그대 모습은) | Sandeul | 3:09 |
| 8. | "Here Always" | Seungmin (Stray Kids) | 4:14 |
| 9. | "I Hope You're Happy" (행복했으면 좋겠어) | Lee Sang-yi | 3:17 |
| 10. | "Just a Feeling" | DOS | 3:13 |
| 11. | "Exercise at the Moonlit Night" (달밤에 체조) | Oh Yoon | 3:25 |
| 12. | "The Beginning of the End" (끝과 시작) | Oh Yoon | 4:00 |
| Total length: | 21:18 | ||
Part 1
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Romantic Sunday" (로맨틱 선데이) | Jung Myung-hoon (Ciel) | Lim Ha-young | Car, the Garden | 3:50 |
| 2. | "Romantic Sunday" (Inst.) | Lim Ha-young | 3:50 | ||
| Total length: | 7:40 | ||||
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Wish" (바람) | Choi Yu-ree | Choi Yu-ree | Choi Yu-ree | 3:57 |
| 2. | "Wish" (Inst.) | Choi Yu-ree | 3:57 | ||
| Total length: | 7:54 | ||||
Part 5
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Be the Light" (빛이 되어줘) |
| Jeong Gu-hyeon | Kim Jae-hwan | 3:54 |
| 2. | "Be the Light" (Inst.) | Jeong Gu-hyeon | 3:54 | ||
| Total length: | 7:58 | ||||
Part 6
Part 7
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Here Always" |
| Jeong Gu-hyeon | Seungmin (Stray Kids) | 4:15 |
| 2. | "Here Always" (Inst.) | Jeong Gu-hyeon | 4:15 | ||
| Total length: | 8:30 | ||||
Part 8
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "I Hope You're Happy" (행복했으면 좋겠어) | Hen | Hen | Lee Sang-yi | 3:18 |
| 2. | "I Hope You're Happy" (Inst.) | Hen | 3:18 | ||
| Total length: | 6:36 | ||||
Chart performance
| Title | Year | Peak | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [76] | |||
| "Romantic Sunday" (Car, the Garden) | 2021 | 97 | Part 1 |
| "One Sunny Day" (Kassy) | 107 | Part 2 | |
| "My Romance" (Cheeze) | 154 | Part 3 | |
| "Wish" Choi Yu-ree | 97 | Part 4 | |
| "Be the Light" (Kim Jae-hwan) | 91 | Part 5 | |
| "The Image of You (Remains in My Memory)" (Sandeul) | 45 | Part 6 | |
| "Here Always" (Seungmin (Stray Kids)) | 125 | Part 7 | |
| "I Hope You're Happy" (Lee Sang-yi) | 112 | Part 8 |
Tie-in publishing
The original script of the series was published in two books, with each book covering eight episodes. The official release date was initially scheduled for early November 2021.[77][78]
| Year | Title | Author | Publisher | Published date | ISBN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | Korean | |||||
| 2021 | Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha Vol 1: Shin Ha-Eun Scriptbook | 갯마을 차차차 1: 신하은 대본집 신하은 | Shin Ha-eun | Booklog Company Co., Ltd | November 8, 2021 | 979-1-1680-3004-6 |
| Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha Vol 2: Shin Ha-Eun Scriptbook | 갯마을 차차차 2: 신하은 대본집 신하은 | 979-1-1680-3005-3 | ||||
On November 30, 2021, the scheduled publication of the Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha Photo Essay was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.[79] However, on October 17, 2022, it was finally confirmed that the photo essay would be published. The photo essay was released as a package of two books, with each book covering eight episodes. The publication of the photo essay took place in February 2023.[80]
| Year | Title | Author | Publisher | Published Date | ISBN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | Korean | |||||
| 2023 | Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha Photo Essay | 갯마을 차차차 포토에세이 | Studio Dragon | Booklog Company Co., Ltd | February 14, 2023 | 979-1-1680-3043-5 |
Reception
Viewership
Television broadcast
| Season | Episode number | Average | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | |||
| 1 | 1.670 | 1.624 | 2.126 | 2.232 | 2.490 | 2.593 | 2.321 | 2.106 | 2.397 | 2.978 | 2.438 | 2.776 | 2.459 | 3.013 | 2.652 | 3.237 | 2.444 | |
| Ep. | Original broadcast date | Average audience share (Nielsen Korea)[81][82][83] | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | Seoul | ||
| 1 | August 28, 2021 | 6.821% (1st) | 6.821% (1st) |
| 2 | August 29, 2021 | 6.666% (1st) | 6.687% (1st) |
| 3 | September 4, 2021 | 8.733% (1st) | 9.002% (1st) |
| 4 | September 5, 2021 | 8.742% (1st) | 9.319% (1st) |
| 5 | September 11, 2021 | 9.996% (1st) | 10.940% (1st) |
| 6 | September 12, 2021 | 10.270% (1st) | 11.038% (1st) |
| 7 | September 18, 2021 | 9.102% (1st) | 9.328% (1st) |
| 8 | September 19, 2021 | 8.145% (1st) | 8.472% (1st) |
| 9 | September 25, 2021 | 9.067% (1st) | 9.948% (1st) |
| 10 | September 26, 2021 | 11.397% (1st) | 12.432% (1st) |
| 11 | October 2, 2021 | 9.299% (1st) | 9.935% (1st) |
| 12 | October 3, 2021 | 10.723% (1st) | 11.649% (1st) |
| 13 | October 9, 2021 | 9.171% (1st) | 9.396% (1st) |
| 14 | October 10, 2021 | 11.643% (1st) | 12.477% (1st) |
| 15 | October 16, 2021 | 10.347% (1st) | 10.535% (1st) |
| 16 | October 17, 2021 | 12.665% (1st) | 13.322% (1st) |
| Average | 9.549% | 10.081% | |
Streaming television
Following its release on Netflix, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha became one of the platform's most-watched non-English television shows. According to FlixPatrol, a website providing global rankings for shows on Netflix, the series placed number 8 on its global chart. It remained on Netflix's most-watched non-English popular television show list for 16 weeks in global top ten rankings, and reached the top 10 charts in more than 20 countries.[13][14][84] It also remained on Netflix's Top 10 Chart for television shows for more than two months from its last episode.[85][86]
| Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha Netflix Viewership | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week | Date | Rank[a] | Hours | Ref. |
| 1 | August 30 to September 5 | 7 | 9,630,000 | [87] |
| 2 | September 6 to 12 | 5 | 14,870,000 | |
| 3 | September 13 to 19 | 4 | 18,580,000 | |
| 4 | September 20 to 26 | 2 | 23,360,000 | |
| 5 | September 27 to October 3 | 3 | 28,330,000 | |
| 6 | October 4 to 10 | 3 | 32,890,000 | |
| 7 | October 11 to 17 | 4 | 37,740,000 | |
| 8 | October 18 to 24 | 5 | 31,840,000 | |
| 9 | October 25 to 31 | 5 | 18,290,000 | |
| 10 | Novovember 1 to 7 | 3 | 16,010,000 | |
| 11 | Novovember 8 to 14 | 3 | 13,820,000 | |
| 12 | November 15 to 21 | 6 | 13,150,000 | |
| Total hours | 258,510,000 | |||
Data Analysis and Survey
During its run, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha achieved notable rankings and generated significant buzz. In the Content Power Index (CPI),[b] powered by RACOI, the drama entered the Top 10, ranking 6th in the 4th week of August (August 23–29).[89] It continued to perform strongly, reaching 3rd place in the drama category and 4th overall in the first and second weeks of September. By the third week of September, it climbed to 2nd in drama and 3rd overall. For four consecutive weeks, from the 4th week of September to the 2nd week of October 2021, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha secured the 1st rankin the drama category. In the overall category, it placed 2nd in the 4th and 5th weeks of September, dipped slightly to 4thin the 1st week of October, and then returned to 2nd in the 2nd week of October.[90][91]
According to the Good Data Corporation, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha consistently charted in the Top 10 of the TV Topicality Ranking in the drama division from the 3rd week of August to the 2nd week of October 2021. It ranked 8th in the 3rd week of August, 3rd in the 4th week of August, and the 1st and 2nd weeks of September, then climbed to 2nd place in the 3rd week of September. The drama eventually secured the top spot in drama popularity in the 4th week of September and 1st week of October. The main leads, Kim Seon-ho and Shin Min-a, consistently ranked high during this period; Kim Seon-ho took 1st place and Shin Min-a ranked 2nd for consecutive weeks from the 3rd week of August to the 4th week of September. In the 5th week of September, Kim Seon-ho ranked 2nd and Shin Min-a 3rd. In the 1st and 2nd weeks of October 2021, Kim Seon-ho regained the top spot, while Shin Min-a ranked 5th in the 1st week and returned to 3rd place in the 2nd week.[92]
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha also made its mark by entering the Top 20 "FUNdex,"[c] ranking 17th with a score of 83.13 out of 355 Korean dramas aired from 2018 to 2021. "FUNdex" predicts content's fun factor and box office potential by integrating six data points: household viewers, 20-49 age group viewers, topicality, performer topicality, clip views, and media attention. This ranking utilized data from Good Data Corporation and public data from RACOI.[94]
On April 18, 2022, the results of The 2021 Big Data Utilization Hallyu Market Research were announced. This report, published by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and The Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE), focused on public interest in the Korean Wave. It analyzed the current status of the Korean Wave by collecting and analyzing real-time global online reactions. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, along with its leads, Kim Seon-ho and Shin Min-a, were among the most searched and prominent keywords related to K-drama in the report.[95][96]
The drama's popularity directly impacted the brand reputation of its main leads. According to big data analysis by The Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute, in September 2021, Kim Seon-ho topped the drama actor brand reputation ranking, while Shin Min-a secured the third position. The analysis considered factors such as brand participation, media volume, traffic volume, and communication volume, measuring and indexing them with a brand reputation algorithm. Compared to the drama actor brand data in August 2021, their brand reputation collectively increased by 21.00%.[97][98]
In a year-end poll conducted by Gallup in South Korea, Kim Seon-ho was named Gallup Korea's Television Actor of the Year, and Shin Min-a ranked second, further affirming their widespread recognition.[99][100]
Critical reception
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha was met with largely positive reviews. Jan Lee of The Straits Times gave the series 4 out of 5 stars, praising its "idyllic setting, charming leads, and colorful supporting characters."[101] Pierce Conran in the South China Morning Post gave it 3 out of 5 stars, noting that the show "kept things simple." He added that while it occasionally indulged in "hokey dramatics," it never risked alienating its dedicated audience.[102] S. Poorvaja of The Hindu noted it as a worthy representation of "slice-of-life goodness and wholesome romance of the best kind."[103]
Some critics offered mixed assessments. Joel Keller of Decider highlighted the "seashore scenery and the chemistry between the show's leads" but criticized the slow pacing.[104] Similarly, Bang Yeon-joo of PD Journal critiqued the reliance on traditional gender stereotypes, specifically citing the recurring "damsel in distress" trope where Du-sik would repeatedly rescue Hye-jin.[105] However, she also acknowledged the show's commercial success, which she attributed to its ability to create a calming and enjoyable atmosphere by developing not just the central romance, but also the heartfelt stories of the town's charming residents.[106]
Pop culture critic Jung Deok-hyeon described the show's reliance on clichés as a weakness, identifying a scene with a house trespasser as contrived and an outdated plot device to bring the leads closer.[107] Despite these criticisms, Jung Deok-hyeon described the series as a "Soft Healing Drama,"[108] attributing its positive reception to the compelling fantasy of Gongjin Village, which provided a stark contrast to intense dramas like Squid Game.[107] This sentiment was echoed by Professor Mo Jong-rin of Yonsei University, who called the series "refreshing." Mo suggested that the community in Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha serves as a positive alternative to the harsh realities depicted in Squid Game, he added, "I apologize to fans of Squid Game, but I honestly hope that foreigners remember Korea not as a sharp-edged country that criticizes reality in a provocative manner, but as a warm country that presents a community-based alternative to societal issues."[109]
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha was included in various critics' top-drama lists. Variety ranked the series sixth on its list of "The Best International TV Shows of 2021," noting its lighthearted nature and simplicity offered a "refreshing escape amidst the pandemic's gloom."[110] NME placed the series eighth on its list of "The Best Kdrama of 2021," praising its straightforward approach to dilemmas and its comforting, "warm embrace" feel.[111] The series was also included in a list of "Best K-drama TV shows on Netflix" by The Scotsman.[112] Chad de Guzman from Time included the drama in his list of "The 8 best Korean dramas on Netflix," remarking, "'Best' doesn't always have to mean 'intense and thought-provoking'. Sometimes it can simply mean easy, enjoyable viewing."[113]
Impact
Commercial
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha's success contributed to strong financial results for its production companies. Studio Dragon reported a 27.7% increase in sales to ₩64.9 billion in Q3 2021. Sales proportion also rose to 55.9%, up 8.1% from the previous year. GTist achieved a full profit in 2021 with a net profit of ₩2.1 billion. CJ ENM, the parent company of GTist, Studio Dragon, and tvN, recorded consolidated sales of ₩857.5 billion and an operating profit of ₩87.8 billion in Q3 2021. It also saw a 7.4% rise in sales and a 23.6% increase in operating profit in Q3 2021, with the growth attributed to successful dramas including Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.[114][115]
The drama also sparked a "Gaetcha Craze," where products featured in the drama having a surge in demand. The wine Yoon Hye-jin gifted Hong Du-sik in episode 5,[116] as well as Hye-jin's bag, both temporarily sold out.[117][118] Interest in Hye-jin's fashion, including her clothing, jewelry, and shoes, experienced a notable rise. Her style was praised for its charming combination of sophistication and unique charm.[119] Two books featured in the show experienced a rise in popularity. After Chief Hong recite Kim Haeng-sook's poem, "The Gate Keeper," her poetry book, "Portrait of Echo," garnered renewed attention and enter best seller list seven years after its release.[120] The book peaked at second place on Kyobo Bookstore's poetry bestseller list for the by the second week of October and entered third place on Yes24's Korean poetry bestseller list. The Korean translation of Henry David Thoreau's Walden, read by Chief Hong in episode 2, also climbed to 11th on Yes24's essay bestseller list by the second week of October. Yes24 reported a sales growth of 3,257% for "Portrait of Echo" and 369% for Walden the weeks following their exposure in the drama.[121]
The limited first editions of the unedited scriptbooks for Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha 1 and 2, which included autographs and messages from writer Shin Ha-eun and actors Shin Min-a and Kim Seon-ho, quickly topped bestseller lists. According to Yes24, over 9,000 copies were pre-ordered on the publication day alone, with buyers primarily being women in their 20s and 30s.[78][122] The scriptbooks also reached number one on Aladin's bestseller list on October 16, 2021, with an official from the company noting that it is rare for a drama script to achieve such a high ranking.[123]
Tourism
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha's significantly boosted tourism in its filming locations.[124] The drama's setting in Pohang became a popular part of tourism itineraries, reportedly revitalizing the local commercial district and economy.[125] The series also contributed to tourism in Yangju, where the Chang Ucchin Museum of Art, was featured in episode 12.[126] Following the episode, officials noted a rise in inquiries about the museum, with viewers drawn to its unique white architecture and natural surroundings.[127]
On November 24, 2021, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha content became available via the LG U+ XR platform U+DIVe. Studio Dragon partnered with the Korea Tourism Organization and LG U+ to present virtual reality (VR) content using the drama's intellectual property. This project aimed to promote Korea's beautiful tourist destinations through drama content. All content was filmed in VR, capturing the unique emotions of various spots in 3D 180-degree high-definition video for an enhanced immersive experience. Lee Sang-yi reprised his role as Ji PD, becoming a virtual guide for Gongjin VR tour.[128]
Accolades
Awards and nominations
| Award ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asia Television Award | 2022 | Best Drama Series | Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha | Nominated | [129] |
| APAN Star Awards | 2022 | Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries | Shin Min-a | Won | [130] |
| Popularity Star Award, Actress | Nominated | [131] | |||
| Asian Academy Creative Awards | 2022 | National Winner (Korea) – Best Direction (Fiction) | Yoo Je-won | Won | [132] |
| Kim Soo-hyun Drama Art Hall (Cheongju Cultural Industry Promotion Foundation) |
2021 | Serial Drama Category – Good Drama of the Year[d] | Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha | Won | [134] |
| Korea Communications Commission Broadcasting Awards | 2022 | Hallyu Excellence Award | Won | [135] | |
| Mnet Asian Music Awards | 2021 | Best OST | Choi Yu-ree — "Wish" | Nominated | [136] |
| Seoul International Drama Awards | 2022 | Outstanding Korean Actor | Kim Seon-ho | Won | [137] |
| 14th Korean Content Awards[e] | 2022 | Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation | Shin Ha-eun | Won | [138] |
Listicles
| Publisher | Year | Listicle | Placement | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joy News 24[f] | 2021 | 2021 Best Drama | 2nd | [139] |
| NME | The 10 best Korean dramas of 2021 | 8th | [111] | |
| Variety | The Best International TV Shows of 2021 | 6th | [110] | |
| KOFICE[g] | 2022 | 2022 Global Hallyu Trend (Korean drama category) | 5th[h] | [140][141] |
| GQ India | 2023 | 10 best Korean Dramas on Netflix to start with if you're a first-time viewer | 1st | [142] |
| Time | The 8 Best Korean Dramas on Netflix Right Now | Top 8 | [113] | |
| Collider | 2024 | The Best Romantic Shows on Netflix Right Now | Top 20 | [143] |
| Entertainment Weekly | 2025 | The 21 best Korean shows on Netflix to watch now | Top 21 | [144] |
See also
Notes
- Global non-English series
- CPI Index is an index that identifies the behavior of viewers for 29 channels including terrestrial, general programming, and cable TV dramas, entertainment, music, and infotainment programs during prime time. Through the Broadcasting Contents Value Information Analysis System (RACOI) of the Korea Communications Commission, program-related viewer data (number of video views, posts, and comments) is collected on a weekly basis and converted into standard scores based on 200 points to calculate the average.[88]
- FUNdex is abbreviation from fun index, the online public opinion analysis published by agency Makenew (메이크뉴), research project of Good Data Corporation. It calculates the score of drama fun for the first time in Korea. The study included 355 dramas broadcast on terrestrial, general and cable channels from 2018 to 2021, but daily dramas and short dramas were excluded from the survey.[93]
- The drama's network tvN, director Yoo Je-won, writer Shin Ha-eun and main actors (Shin Min-a, Kim Seon-ho, Lee Sang-yi, Gong Min-jeung and Kim Young-ok) were also recognized in the award certificate.[133]
- Honors are given at the Korean Content Awards (대한민국 콘텐츠 대상) arranged by the Korea Creative Content Agency and hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The 2022 Korea Content Awards Ceremony , which started in 2009 and celebrated its 14th this year, aims to inspire pride in the content industry and develop the Korean cultural content industry by discovering and awarding contributors and excellent content that have contributed to the development of the content industry in 2022. It is a place to promote. The winners (works) of honor, which are recommended through the website of the Korea Creative Content Agency (www.kocca.kr) and announced through careful examination by experts and three-step verification, play a leading role in shining the Korean content industry in the world.
- Joy News 24, an entertainment economic magazine, conducted a survey from October 12 to 19 2021, about dramas, movies, actors, singers, and entertainment programs that shone in 2021 in celebration of its 17th anniversary. About 200 people in the industry participated in the survey, including executives at entertainment companies and broadcasting companies, producers of film and broadcast content, and reporters from the entertainment department. The results of the survey are presented by category.
- Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE) is a subsidiary agency under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism which was established in 2003. The agency is aiming to promote Korean culture globally and connect the country to the world through cultural exchanges.
- Shared position with Descendants of the Sun