The thread is now open. Let the sunshine in.
Gifs from comeundone’s tumblr
Two things about this intro scene in Ep 4:
1. I like how she’s showing appreciation for him. She’s parading for him in the clothes that he brought to her house in countless postal packages, and wearing the shoes he rescued from the ocean.
My vote would have been on the blue dress (but with a smaller purse) for the wedding reception.
2. I like how he finally learned to give way to her, first with the big duffel bag, then the stepstool, and finally, the home delivery aluminum box. I particularly like how he swung that box behind his back with panache.
This is all symbolic, of course. She’s flirting with him, and he’s flirting back.
My Eps 3 & 4 are coming, I swear….
Let’s enjoy the show!
Thanks @pkml3!
I like that he greets her as he passes by. I understand that they meet every morning along the road, as she’s on her way to her clinic, therefore he’s also ‘parading’ in many different get-ups according to the odd job of the day. There would surely come a day when his morning job might take him in another direction or he’d take a day off. Of course she’d miss him at once. Even I would, were I to have seen the same stranger every morning. Come to think of it, I did have that experience before. It became awkward LOL.
I like this montage! The teal blue doors of the cafe as a backdrop of their everyday fashion show makes it more vivid and summery, up to par with the coastal romance.
Love the gifs @PM3 and you’re right, i believe, they were flirting 🙂 awww coz when he didn’t show up, she missed him. oh boy. just like @GB said. never had that experience. that would be awkward. what ever happened?? did romance blossom? haha
@janey, i agree, i liked this montage too and the cafe teal doors as backdrop… so appropo for a coastal romance 💚
I just love this drama. There are subtle moments of care and understanding that outshines the hometown-feeling of When the Camellia Blooms. I am so glad it’s getting coverage on your blog!
This is also so dangerous because I am a teacher and so busy this term, but I cannot miss out on Kim Seonho’s lead drama! Will definitely be commenting lots!
I honestly loved this shot! I also felt like her friendliness increases as time passes! First she barely acknowledged him, then she smiles, then she eyes him (as though now noticing him) and finally she waved back. And as we know when he doesn’t show up she misses him 😆
Looking forward to this week’s episodes!
Hi @HK_Lady and Everyone, nope… no way romance in that kind of awkward situation. Couldn’t help passing by the same corridor if I wanted to walk through the building, so to avoid seeing that stranger, I had to walk outside the building, I think. Let’s just say, saying a friendly ‘Hi!’ should suffice and mean nothing more, but it gets awkward when the stranger thinks ‘Hi!’ means something else.
@Esst3 Yes, Hye Jin warmed up over time in her responses. It was a good montage of passing-by greetings that showed the progress of a relationship that still ‘wasn’t’. 🙂
Saw teasers from the TVN IG. Can’t wait for tonight. Need this balm after the bummer that was HP Episode 11.
I love Hye Jin’s style! I especially like her in dresses and bright vivid colors.
This drama is my new happy pill! I love her clothes, his house, and the warm communal feel. Please, show, no serial killers and no Truck of Doom (or Nosebleed of Doom). Has anyone seen the movie this drama is based on? I am curious about Chief Hong’s Big Secret.
LOL @ the Startup references again… Math Olympiad Champion, genius, and self-driving cars. 😅😅😅
I knew their first date would be sweet! And OMG, Hye-jin kissed him that night. If she didn’t bring up the social status and hurt Dusik maybe he wouldn’t play dumb about the kiss. He is such a gentle man here and stopping Hye-jin from further embarrassing herself.
They are finally revealing bits and pieces about Dusik. I’m scared to know the back story. I hope it’s not too dark.
Hi @Diane!! LOL on Start up meta references of Dosan on Dusik. The plaid shirts, the wine tasting and those you mentioned above. We all know who is the real good boy, right? Hahaha!
I’m not finished with the ep yet so will comment more later. In general, I always abhor to see how drunk women are depicted in kdramas. Maybe it’s a cautionary tale for ladies to avoid drinking too much or a comedy relief but it leaves a bad taste in the mouth.
@Janey sorry for the spoiler. ✌🏼Ep5 is so nice. Getting better and better! ❤️
I do agree with your point how drunk women are portrayed in dramas. They should change that!
I love all the simple but deep #DusikQuotes
We also learned the backstory why Hye-jin loves to shop for nice dresses and shoes.
I can’t wait to find out what is the 3rd mystery.
Little Jang Yi-Jun seems to be an outstanding scholar in a similar way to Du-Sik in his youth. That is to say that he seems more similar to younger Du-Sik than to his own parents. He also has a high EQ judging on how he shushed Bo-Ra when she was about to spread gossip in the school room.
I was glad that Hye-Jin apologised to Du Sik about her comments about their respective social situations. But I couldn’t believe when Hye-Jin abruptly asked Du Sik to solve a bunch of problems to prove that he had an engineering degree. I felt that she was really testing his patience with that, but he went along with it. Then she criticised him for not living his life right. I guess he had the last word when he dragged her out to the beach in the rain and told her to loosen up. Somehow, I had the impression that they were picking up where they had left off many years prior; playing as children on the beach should.
Hi All, I’m enjoying this drama a lot. It doesn’t condescending to small towers and gives us characters who so far, are not stereotypes. The teen-age daughter who questioned whether the purse was a knock off suddenly changes her outlook for an autographed idol cd.I feel for Jang Yi -jun’s mom when her ex-husband first love arrives as her son’s home room teacher who sparks the interest of her ex. The whole gossip scene was a hoot. And our food snob made me think of all the people who turn up their noses to home cooking. There are a lot of small joys to this drama that keep me engaged as I also enjoy the main story. We know Du-sik is complicated and is not as he appears. The writers are wisely rationing out his story giving us a snippet of his therapy session. And we know that both protagonists have experienced the trauma of parental loss. These things are not handled lightly.
And(Iknow this isn’t grammatical)this drama comes at right time because HPL has been such a disappointment.
I laughed at a lot of scenes this episode. The gossipy neighbors, the imagined 5-year scenarios, the pharmacy scene… I think there are others, but I forget them now. I laugh easily while watching KDrama. 🙂
My one tiny complaint about HJ is that she only regrets her arrogant statement on social positions because she learned that DS has an engineering degree from Seoul National University. Granted, her beliefs may truly well be substantial considerations in real life. But, does that mean that if DS wasn’t a genuis who excelled in practically everything except fixing teeth, she would continue believing she was a better person than him?
But it’s a very small complaint. Im willing to brush it off, thinking it is part of her ongoing character growth. In time she will learn not to be so elitist/shallow/calculating.
Also, I don’t know what to feel about the love triangle. I kind of feel for the ex-wife and her insecurities about being older and less pretty. But then again, they’ve been divorced for 3 years. Her ex husband should not feel awkward about dating another woman if he so wished. Also the teacher/first love. I find it a little stifling for her to have to be always polite, if not deferential, to the ex-wife unnie. And the ex-husband seems to be have been a bumbling husband anyway (???) — not helping around the house, not appreciating the wife enough, so why would the ex-wife want him back? (In case my tone is not reflected well, these are sincere questions Im trying to process my thoughts with.)
I suspect it was the ex-wife who divorced her husband, reaching the last straw as regards her husband’s weaknesses/flaws, and she has regretted it since, disappointed that he did not even object to her decision to divorce. 🤷♀️
Also, I would be happy if the main couple will have no love triangle/square problems, and the love triangle would be limited to our divorced couple + teacher. That would be a breath of fresh air.
@pandamilktea, the reason for the divorce is one of the three mysteries, so I think it may be something serious. I feel for the wife. Even with the divorce her ex still seems to be using her when they are in contact over the garbage bags. The wife can’t compete with the pretty kind teacher. I don’t think wife is getting a makeover. Maybe she’ll be paired with the ex one hit singer. She’ll teach him how to make coffee(lol).
@pandamilktea, I think the main couple is due for some jealousy issues as well with the arrival of the new man. He seems to be someone HJ knew while she was still studying. Isn’t he the one who she bumped into after hearing her then BF dissing her?
I have the feeling that HJ is inexperienced with love and subconsciously very needy. Her reaction to DS touching her is so strong. I feel like her bad BF was the first and last person she dated. Mi-seon pointed out that HJ built a wall of personal requirements that would be almost impossible to fulfil: looks, height, weight, educational background, job… I agree with @pandamilktea that HJ learning of his former University degree seemed to make DS more acceptable, but she still seems like a snob. Once she was satisfied about his education, she immediately criticised him for not using it well by her standards.
So which of the 5 year theories is correct? I think it may be more than one and will include one of the more negative ones. He will have been drafted between University and the present, so it may be part of that experience. Gam-ri knows judging by her reaction, but she will never gossip about it. In the long run, I think we will need to see HJ accept him and support him at his lowest ebb to believe that they should be together.
Dear PackMule3, thank you for opening up this thread! This community is my go-to place after my long workdays. We are currently in Taipei and once the borders open, if anyone in this community visits, please let me know and I’d be happy to be a tour guide for an afternoon on the weekend! 🙂
After my disappointment with Hospital Playlist Season 2 (I stopped watching after episode 10, I will read our very own Dashman10’s fanfic instead, I don’t have the heart to watch SW grovel and Wintergarden….), Hometown Cha3 has been a welcome and refreshingly heartwarming drama.
@Jennifer, I hear you! Same occupation, working at a local school that is very demanding (long work hours, many classes, lots to do including admin, etc.) Am trying to stay positive no matter what.
A few comments/questions before tonight’s episode 6:
1. I wonder what the third mystery at Gongjin is?
2. Did anyone notice that Du-Shik was sleeping on floor and his bed was empty the night Hye-jin went to drink at his place? My guess is he let Hye-jin sleep on the bed when she was drunk, but she rolled off the bed and onto the floor. When he was awakened by his nightmare, instead of reaching for his pills, he gazed at Hye-jin, pulled his arm away, gave her his pillow and was able to fall back asleep without his meds.
3. It looks like he was cooking breakfast for the two of them but she slipped away? He had fresh tofu he was planning to add to his hangover soup but opted to have breakfast with her instead.
4. Du-shik looked hurt when she gave him the “social position” talk. Love how he is not a show-off and didn’t tell her that he graduated from Seoul National University.
5. The “date-but-not-a-date” meal was hilarious. Hye-Jin didn’t believe him and had to have him “prove” it by solving three complex math problems. Notice how her expression changes during that conversation, she is in awe of him and then curious why he didn’t choose a more “useful” career. When he mentioned the things in life that are more important than money, prestige and material possessions it got a little awkward when he mentioned the word “love.”
She was flustered and couldn’t solve the math question he gave her (just like when she tried to teach him about wine when he seemed to know more than her but didn’t show off about it…) and that last scene by the beach was breathtakingly gorgeous. I want that umbrella too! There’s a lady on Instagram (I think her IG handle is Kdramafashion) that posts about what people wear and the accessories they use in Kdrama, I love Hye-Jin’s outfits especially her shoes and it’s fun to know what brands they are, although most are out of my budget.
Oh the visuals! The kiss! Remember when Hye-jin first asked him if anything happened that night and he said a lot? Then after her talk about social position and after he understand her values and where she was coming from, he changed it to “nothing.” I think Du-shik doesn’t want to be romantically involved with HJ perhaps because he doesn’t think she will stay and is being a gentleman by pretending the kiss never happened, convincing himself she kissed him when she was drunk and didn’t mean it.
I agree with you Fern, I don’t think Hye-jin ever had a boyfriend after her experience in university. Yes, he was the once she bumped into after her BF criticized her for her looks. I think that is why she cares so much about money and is so into name brands. She might have been poor growing up, maybe her mom didn’t have money for treatment. I also agree that Gam-ri might be the only one who knows where Du-shik was during the five years he was away.
6. The dance at the school was so cute! Du-shik couldn’t take his eyes off her and was so sensitive when Hye-Jin touched him. He’s such a cute dancer, am really loving the dimple couple!
7. The new teacher seems considerate. She ignores the village chief’s request to have a meal alone and invites both him and his ex-wife to have a meal together, and she also texts the landlord lady to ask how she is feeling.
8. I wonder if Du-shik has PTSD from being unable to help someone close to him as he/she was dying, maybe feeling guilt? I hope he isn’t a murderer…
9. On the Reddit forum, someone listed more than 20 tropes that are common in Kdrama. This drama has a lot of them and it’s fun how they have reversed some of them. I haven’t watched Start-up but a lot of people mentioned the references to it and other dramas. I did catch the CLOY reference when the villagers thought Du-shik might have been a spy who paraglided to North Korea.:)
10. There a new girl that Du-Shik talks to in the previews. I wonder who she is? She looks like a city girl. His past girlfriend?
Think DS and HJ will realize they have fallend for each other when they start feeling jealous. The SML seems like such a nice person…loving the bromance between him and Du-Shik!
Smiling as I wait for tonight’s episode…
Sorry for the typos, will try to proofread before I clck “post comment” next time. 🙂
“click” I mean
I am trying to not use a mouse when I use the computer, but so far it hasn’t been too successful. ^_^
Hi Everyone, Just want to present a concept. It’s called sandbagging. It is when a very smart person pretends to be stupid around a snob. I think Du-sik did this around HJ and other city folk, especially those who did not know how smart he is or his connection to Seoul University.
The townfolk who know, accept and love him are all on on the joke and use HJ,’s reaction to him to play into her snobbery. Her friend,/, assistant becomes the bearer of the news about Du-sik’s academic achievements because the townsfolk invite her to their chat to get the message out. I suspect they know what HJ’s reaction will be
Snicker, snicker.
So much more fun for HJ’s embarrassment. Sandbagging is useful when dealing with snobs and cheats and can be a good thing when relating to people you like who might be less knowledgeable but who you don’t want to scare away. I think we’ll see more of this in this drama
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Hi Hatlady, No problemo. I use a phone or tablet and my fat fingers have produced doozies making some of my posts incoherent. This group is very understanding and tolerant of these things. You make great comments that add to the fun. Glad you’re here.
Thanks @Old American Lady for being so kind and understanding! 🙂 I am so thankful for this group.
Sorry to assume you are American based on your screen name, but it might interest you that we remembering September 11 here in Taiwan too. I taught my 70+ elementary kids at school about it and the events surrounding it, including what is happening in Afghanistan, and concluded by praying for healing, forgiveness and peace. We had school on Saturday, September 11 because of our upcoming Moon Festival holiday.
We got back to back cute dance numbers from our main couple. Loving them so much! I can’t imagine how they shot the scene they were probably trying so hard not to burst out laughing.
I have a feeling the love triangle will be executed well. I’m liking the dynamics of the three.
I’m sooo looking forward to the day both will realize they met as kids and teenagers.
Did you guys notice the pic in the book? Could it be Dusik with a wife and kid (the 5 yr time that he was missing). The guy is wearing a black suit. Maybe they died in an accident or something in Seoul. Same reason why Dusik did not take in Bora’s hedgehog. He said something about not taking in any living thing.
P.S. The fortune plant, the “pretty” fireworks (but referring to Hye-jin), even the falling backwards and Sung Hyun catching him — I feel like it’s another reference to Start Up and the writer is reversing or using it here (in a good and funny way). Haha!
@Hatlady, @Fern, and @Old American Lady, I loved your comments!
I grew up wearing hand-me-downs, so I can relate to Hye Jin.
I think both HJ and DS have to deal with their pasts. I suspect they will discover they have more in common.
My theory for the divorce of fish restaurant lady (forgot her name) is probably related to miscarriage or secondary infertility. If there were a third party involved, the village people would know. I think it was a private event that caused the rift between them. I guess we will see…
Looking forward to watching Episode 6.
Hi @Hatlady, Thank you for remembering. I am an American and a native New Yorker. I actually saw the second plane hit the tower from across the harbor. It is a day that I will always remember because it was also just so beautiful.it all became very surreal and then horrifying.
On a happier note, I am thrilled to learn that you come from Taiwan. You had some Olympic medalists this year. I grew up near Chinatown in NY and had some classmates from Taiwan and others who went to places like Cuba, Peru and Argentina when their families escaped the mainland. I hope you stay independent. The big guys in China have been Saber rattling and your country is always a potential target. You are inmy prayers.
Regarding Hometown Cha Cha Cha-I am loving it. I saw episodes 5 and 6 and thought it continued tobe such a sweet drama. I hate to say that it’s warm and fuzzy, but it is. 8 got a big kick out of our snuggle tooth teen, her dad and her body image. Her character was so true to life and the child actress was so natural. I’m glad she chose not to get braces because her idol thought she was cute and remembered her because of her snaggle tooth. I hope she gets her prize money back from HJ.
Hi @Snow F.ower, I wore hand-me-downs and home sewn c.othing as well as dark skirts and white blouses through high school. For college, I had all the wrong c.othes my freshman year and was very self -conscious. I too could relate to HJ’s predicament. When I started working I bought c.othes that I couldn’t afford in order to keep up to unreasonable standards. The good thing is that it didn’t last long. Debt was more horrifying. That’s why in a few short sequences we get HJ ‘s reasons for her expensive clothes, but especially shoe habit. It was so relatable. We are taught to fit in, but that is not the wise choice. I think this drama also says a lot about conformity.
@Diane, I thought the photo might be of his parents and him as a baby, but yes, it could be him and his own family as well. Gosh.
I liked that Cheon-Jae said to Du-Sik that he should find someone to take care of him – that he spends too much time taking care of other people’s problems. It seemed to me that HJ can’t fit that bill yet because Du-Sik is still too busy taking care of her, although she has shown change this episode. What HJ’s father said to her about the flowers shocked her when Du-Sik came into her line of sight.
I also like that Cheon-Jae and Ju-ri helped each other home.
I don’t think that the new woman – the one in jeans and a checked shirt – is a girlfriend. Du-Sik seems more like a local tour-guide with her, showing her the sights.
@Jennifer, I didn’t watch When the Camellia Blooms, but I did read Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha was filmed in the same location: Pohang in North Gyeongsang. Did the town look the same in WtCB as it does in HC3?
There’s a lot to unpack in these two episodes, because I believe we were given a lot of hints in these two episodes. I need to review them, and read the comments above, but off the top of my head:
Seeing the unusual and beautifully-done interior of Hong’s house, I have no doubt that he’s got money. His collections of books, vintage cameras, and vinyl albums alone must’ve cost a lot. The beam between his living room and kitchen looks like it was custom carved from driftwood. Amazing!
My theory is that the bloody hand that grabs Hong’s shoulder in his nightmare is his own: him coming face-to-face with something in himself he dreads and despises.
When the townspeople speculate what Hong was doing during his five years following university, it sounds like they are speaking hyperbole, and the imagined scenes we’re shown seem a bit comic, yet I’m thinking there might be some truth to the rumors they’ve heard. Those five years after Hong attended Seoul National University must’ve included his military service. We have yet to learn in which branch he served, but with his high level of education and advanced martial arts skills, his having worked in intelligence is a possibility. He may have been in a situation during his military service when he killed someone. As for his having been secluded in a mental asylum, it is very possible Hong had a mental breakdown at some point because of buried grief over his parents’ and grandfather’s deaths, etc. Hong may have done some mountain climbing as part of his mental health recovery.
I find it hard to wait a week between episodes of this drama. That’s a good sign Show is doing its job well.
Dear Welmaris,
I agree with you ! I have a theory !
The ML is a spy ! Or rather was a spy battling a bad PTSD as of right now. His therapist knows his actual identity. A – la Dr Watson. This angle would be much more interesting that just good old kdrama brand of trauma. More realistic too. It is possible he killed/did not save intentionally in the line of duty – a la SJK in space sweepers. And that’s what doesn’t let him sleep. The spy theory fits battered hands perfectly along with his strength and stamina (he surfed a good bit before running across the village barefeet to FL. Ain’t no love enough for that unless you train your muscles) his prowess at a variety of different skills, a very guarded personal history as opposed to how friendly he is with everyone in the village annnnd reluctance to get involved with anything alive.
Additions to support spy theory :stuck_out_tongue:
1) Thinking of gunshots when looking at fireworks
2) He gets really emotional when he sees other parents get worried over their children’s injuries. Maybe realises has no one who cares if he gets hurt ?
3) he talks about customs of other countries often. Calling in laws by name in the west, touching of cheeks as a way to greet in France, knows how to actually make good coffee… He can’t have learnt that in a tiny seaside town of Korea (a tea drinker nation).
4) He is really well read. Tolstoy ? He has a full bookshelf. Surely not your neighborhood village bozo. I think Hye Jin notices that there is a lot that doesn’t meet the eye. Those discrepancies unsettle her. That’s why she defends herself by trying to keep distance, being borderline rude, not being pally. Because she isn’t a bozo either !
5) Koreans are BIG on suitability. He can’t be jobless and aimless without reason. The actor playing ML is very popular and people were miffed at startup for the injustice done to him. Here, if he’s demonstrated saving the country whilst having those dimples then well. None more remains to be said :stuck_out_tongue:
6) He keeps “crossing lines”??? Did he cross over to NK for spying ?
7) Expensive house interior as Welmaris mentioned. Spies are paid handsomely !
Emojis are being displayed in text !
I’m with you on your theory, @Arihsi! 😊 I also think he has PTSD — maybe someone he was responsible for died on his watch. (Could it be that person’s bloodied arm that recurs in DS’s nightmares?) Hence he now refuses to take care of and be responsible for living things.
@Fern, on the dude with the camera / guy at the club, oh yeah, I forgot about him! Yeah, we may be getting a Second Lead pining after our Female Lead, after all.
@Arihsi, that could also tie into why his relationship with HJ is so much of a push and pull on his side, too. Du Sik may be afraid of HJ’s reaction to his past if they get close; she has shown herself to be judgmental. Yet, he wants to get close to her. He feels steadier around her based on his recovery from his nightmare when she was present. He may still feel that he is damaged or has too much baggage to bring to a relationship. Yet, he knows he can call on her when Ju-ri sprained her ankle. Back and forth.
Now we know he has seen her nametag when she ran away from home as a teenager. He has an excellent memory, so has probably made the connection – I’m not as sure about her.
Another one of my curiosity gentle readers is related to hands. Bear with me.
So at approx 50:47 time stamp ep 5 right before the beach scene, he extends his hand to her (for his fees) 😜. At that moment the camera zooms right up to his hand emphatically. I bet those are not his actual hands. They look battered, bruised and in need of attention. They don’t match with his face either (in tone). Even my lesser mortal hands that have no care (not even moisturizer and continuous sanitization/washing) don’t look like that.
Korean actors take a LOT of care of hands/skin as we know. Take HB of CLOY. He’s army guy of NK with smooth hands. Large but smooth, soft and warm hands are a hallmark of ML of kdrama. But here ML has bruised and battered hands. Maybe they want to show he does hard manual labour ? Well, I don’t think even my plumber has such bruises on his hands.
I think they support the Army/spy hard days theory too ! 🙊
@Fern, I totally forgot that the show airs two episodes a week! Reading your comment about Ju-ri’s sprained ankle, etc. made me realize I hadn’t seen Sunday’s episode!😅
As to the contest, little Bora is sooo sweet. And she and Ijun continue to be so adorable. And I thought Grandma Gam-ri sounded lovely, too. I thought she should’ve placed second! 😁 And I don’t know, but personally, the secondhand embarrassment over Ju-ri’s act was real! I was really wincing while watching the dance number. 🤣🙈
@pandamilktea, yes. It was pretty bad.🤦♀️ This time Du-Sik was even worse than HJ, but considering that it was totally unrehearsed, they did all right. I’m glad that they both supported Ju-ri.
@Arihsi I actually noticed the hand. Even my mom and sister who is a big KSH fan got turned off and we were all surprised bec of the ugly palm. Now when I think about it yeah he is too fair to have dark battered hands. But given all the manual labor he does in the town it makes sense. The spy theory is interesting. In kdrama land anything is possible. Hehe!
Great theory @arishi!! I think it’s very possible. He is kinda McGyver of the town anyway as Mr Fix-it. The “hand” Start Up reference- this time it’s really hard-working hands. I think KSH also had a body double in the surfing sequence (much darker person than him).
Looks like we will have a double triangle for the main couple and the side couple (who divorced). DS already likes HJ or else he would not have tolerated the multiple math questions. I would have answered only 1 to prove a point and will stop there but he humored her by answering more test questions even though she was super rude in doing this. She was judged before (her ex bf) and she is now worse (albeit doing it more openly?).
As for DS, he is definitely opinionated but it’s interesting that He wasn’t listening to the new guy and assumed he was mukbang vlogger. Another Start Up meta on getting lost without GPS (map) conversation at the observatory when the new guy said he found Gongjin because he was lost (and he likes getting lost from time to time).
I also like the snaggle tooth and body image topic here. HJ relating to what Juri is going through (father-daughter relationship challenges) is also good although HJ still has that “image” conscious mentality that I hope she gets rid off soon and convincingly. Because here we are with a new guy in the picture who is accomplished ( to her standards) and even famous. I’m going to be disappointed if there will be one-upmanship (on accomplishments and success) between new guy and Chief Hong to settle her choice.
hello everyone ◡̈
I’m so glad parkmule3 is covering Hometown Cha Cha Cha. With the disappointment from HP2, HCCC has been the healing needed to grief the loss of what-could-have-been of HP2.
weekend nights have been so much more fun the last few weeks. really enjoying the drama. found myself laughing out loud at some scenes. besides the 2 leads, It’s heartening to see the drama also telling the stories of the other town folks. wonder what is the 3rd mystery…
I was agreeing with some who guessed that the photo of the lady holding a child could be DS’s mom. as cafe owner mentioned DS grew up well without parents. but he also asked DS to have someone to lean on. which I’m also leaning to another opinion that the lady was DS’ wife and child. his past is intriguing and am eager to find out more in the coming weeks. weekends come soon!
Welcome to the blog, @Coffee&Tea.
I’m behind but I have my Ep 3 write-up ready. Just need to add screenshots (it’s always the screenshots!) when I get home tonight.
Loving this drama to bits! Just the right amount of fluff and tenderness. (I hope Du Sick’s secret ain’t too dark to turn around the drama’s mood.)
When Du Sik remarked that he thought he was going to die (falling off the ledge), it was quite telling that it had to be Hye Jin and Seong Hyun in front of him, smiling at each other. Gives a different layer to DS “dying.”
SH’s arrival would def make DS confront his true feelings toward HJ.
I also like how HJ who is usually upfront speaking her mind, hesitated when she asked DS about the kiss. And DS who usually uses tact and sensitivity when dealing w/ people can be forthcoming towards HJ about the kiss.
Can’t wait for the weekend! After the bummer and “husband” hunting trolling and analysis that was HP Season 2, just wanted a a straightforward love story. Yes I don’t doubt that DS & HJ will end up together. Though I hope that SH would be a compelling second lead. One that will make the DS-HJ journey to love, healing and self-discovery, worth it he watch. 🤗
I’m loving this show!! Warm and sweet, and the friendly (and gossipy) village atmosphere. Maybe it’s just me, but Dushik seems more and more handsome as the show goes on. I feel like his clothing has changed a bit too?
However, the shop owner lady who loves to gossip and can’t sing is getting on my nerves. I like all the other villagers so far.
@pandamilktea I agree! Grandma Gamri should have placed second!
The styling of Hye jin and Miseon is great! I love their accessories and clothing.
Not a fan of love triangles, but looking forward to new episodes!
Annyeong, appreciate everyone’s input here 🙂
i was laughing… coz the gossipers are so adept in hiding altho bad at faking and rather obvious … but they even had a forum. some serious gossiping business here haha. hilarious.
i was “awww-ing”… gotta love the rain/beach scene. ahhhh i was tempted to take a screen shot.
i was “oh boy-ing” – HJ initiated the first kiss… and DS closed his eyes. did anything else happen after?? things that make you go hmmmm.
the talent competition had many surprises… i think that DS’s involvement with other people’s drama is rubbing off on HJ. that dance number really surprised me. no matter how awful it was. and they won? LOL the grandma and bora singing were too sweet. i-jun bestie was so awestruck. love it.
yes now it makes sense why HJ turned miss fashionista and why she has not dated since college? so sad. and not only have they met in childhood, they also met during their teens. daebak! i love it. HJ really maintained her connection to gongjin beach since her childhood days. not realizing those moments also brought her to DS. wow.
the 5 year theories of the townsfolk and here at BOD are really good. why didn’t they show the guy? just the lady and child? is it because he is the guy in the picture? waaaaah a bloody hand seemed to imply that there’s death and may represent his hand? did the woman and child die? is it his family? has he been married before? waaaaaah. i don’t want to think that.
anyhoo, i’m glad HJ apologized to DS in the end… but here comes the 2nd ML? ay yay. why did DS keep butting in when the guy was gonna tell him what his job was? it’s so unlike him to assume, noh? so unlike DS. weird. i wanted to hear it. it can’t be mukbang LOL. omg. this will backfire for sure. ahhh DS. why?
i was amused and continued to be intrigued by this show 🙂 woot woot.
@pandamilktea, you wrote about the love triangle between the two exes and the school teacher, “…the teacher/first love. I find it a little stifling for her to have to be always polite, if not deferential, to the ex-wife unnie.” When Hwa Jeong visited her son’s school for the dental presentation, she did mutter under her breath that the homeroom teacher was still nice to a fault. It seems to be a character trait Yu Cho Hui has had for a long time.
I believe HJ is being depicted so far as judgmental and calculating because of the the binary opposition @Packmule3 has written about in other threads. HJ is generally a good person, but these unlikable traits contrast with Hong because he comes across as such an easy going, likeable person. But we have seen that everything is not what it seems on the surface, such as HJ’s negative reaction to Grannie GamRi’s resistance to properly treating her tooth pain. HJ was frustrated with GR because of GR wasn’t valuing herself enough. HJ’s prickly exterior protects her soft spots, just like the hedgehog. Hong, on the other hand, has a happy-go-lucky exterior that masks a darkness in his center of which we’ve only had hints. We have seen that he is quick to judge HJ and scold her. There also is a limit to his patience with the townspeople’s requests. He did tell Jo Nam Sook, in so many words, to make her lazy brother get out of bed and fulfill his obligations as her employee; he also told Choi Geum Cheol to man up and learn how to fix things himself, being that he’s the proprietor of a hardware store.
There are more secrets than stated in this town and HJ and Chief Hong are no exceptions.These two by don’t of their strong personalities are covering a huge amount if hurt. The townspeople also cover up their distress with a variety of coping mechanisms. Chief Hong can’t fix them but can fix material things. Be is aong way from fixing himself. I think thete will be lots of discoveries and coincidences omg the way. And ‘ll also be charmed by the denizens of the village and their stories. I’m glad they’re not cliched.
I’m reviewing eps. 5 & 6 in preparation for the next episode to be released tomorrow, and I noticed something I’d previously missed. When ex-husband looks at a photo of himself with his (future) ex-wife and his first love, all three of them are wearing bracelets on their left wrists. On his and wifey’s, matching blue stones are visible. Only the chain is visible on the 1st love’s arm because of its position, but back at the school he noticed she was wearing a bracelet with a blue stone. Interesting…they all three seemed to be friends in the past.
@Welmaris, ohhhh. Good catch! I missed the bracelets in the picture, so I always suspected that the First Love still likes the Ex-Husband because she still wears his gift. (Only that, she will be nice to “unnie” because, 1. she’s pleasant and kind like that, and 2. the Ex-Wife will always be the woman the Ex-Husband once married.
But if it’s a kind of bracelet that all 3 of them have, hmm… That does introduce new possibilities to their storyline. A close friendship among them 3? Does the First Love still like the Ex-Husband, or does she just treasure their old friendship (hence, inviting both the Exes to a meal). Hmm…!
I think that the Teacher lady genuinely likes the ex-husband as a friend, but he is smitten and not perceptive. To me, she seems uncomfortable when he approaches her, and she’s trying to keep the atmosphere neutral. I think she does not want to be alone with him on a date; that is why she offers to meet with all of them. She is polite to the wife because she is trying to maintain a good impression and their past friendship. I think she is trying every way she can to negotiate the situation to remain both a friend and a responsible professional. (She would also be aware, as HJ wasn’t, of the public interest in others’ business.) She has to teach their child after all, and it would become very awkward if she were to date when she can perceive that the wife still has feelings. The 3 bracelets (thank you, @Welmaris) confirm the idea that they were a friendship group in the past.
@Fern I agree with you…. and think that you’re spot on with regards to the teacher-friend. I do not perceive any vibes of romantic interest in her; just a careful friendliness. The word is that she is Yeong Guk’s first love but not that there was anything mutual between them.
She knows the guy’s predisposition to dote on her romantically, and it looks like she does not want to encourage him nor give rise to wrong/false ideas of their relationship. She’s truly in a difficult position.
As for her relationship with Hwa Jeong (the ex-wife), it’s even more fraught because they both know (and everyone in town seems to know) that it was Cho Hui, not Hwa Jeong, who was Yeong Guk’s first love. The history behind how she may never have returned his affection and left town, so that he ended up marrying Hwa Jeong, will make a little side story of interest. Hwa Jeong will always consider herself is the one chosen second, not first, and will never be able to be free of some degree of negativity towards Cho Hui.
No matter what Cho Hui does or does not do, will be interpreted in the light of how she is in a ‘love triangle’ of sorts with the ex-ses.
@Growing Beautifully, I agree. I’ve been in situations like that in the past and it’s really difficult to keep things in balance. Once, when I couldn’t avoid proximity, I had to lie and say that I was in a long-distance relationship. Another time, I just avoided the people involved as much as I could. Sometimes when a person has an attraction to another it’s like a horse grabbing the bit in its teeth – there’s no persuading them easily. The ex-husband seems a bit like that.
@Fern and @GB, you know I never saw it from that perspective!! 🤯 I just assumed that when they said Cho Hui was Yeong Guk’s first love, it meant they were boyfriend and girlfriend in the past! Then I made all my other inferences from that conclusion. But you guys have a great point. Interesting!!! It’s so good to see a whole new angle to look at the story from. 🤯😊
@pandamilktea Glad to have contributed a new angle! Enjoy the show!!
After watching Episode 7, I get the impression that the teacher values her friendship with unnie more than with oppa. Teacher is still grateful for how unnie took care of her 15 years ago. And it was mentioned that back then, unnie was a tomboy. Would Show dare present a lesbian crush?
@Welmaris, I wondered the same. But it could also be that Cho Hui considered unnie to be her best friend. Yeon Guk is consistently portrayed as weak and foolish, so much so that he seems unattractive. That was one shower scene I didn’t need to see. 🙈 I think it’s unlikely that the show will make it very obvious, but I could be wrong.
As to who won the lottery, I think it could be Gam-ri as well. Hye-jin found her purse at the dental office and must have opened it to confirm the identification. If she happened to see a large bank balance on a receipt, it wouldn’t have seemed much different to something she might see in Seoul and she keeps her clients’ information private. I think the lottery winner must not have spent any money or not have make any huge or augmented purchases locally, otherwise it wouldn’t be a secret. It would be like Gam-ri to keep the money and not use it for herself but have it saved for her family or for an emergency.
Oops, my comment should go on the episode 7 thread. Apologies for any spoilers!
I love this whole thread. Not everything is obvious in this drama. First impressions don’t stick. Our characters all have lots of secrets. Our teacher, unnie relationship could be romantic. And first loves may be unrequited.
I hate to see that Gam-ri’s family have no time for her. It would be like her to save a lottery win for her family of ingrates while sacrificing her own needs like her teeth. However, she did get her heavy laundry done. I have become a big fan of the Korean foot stomping laundry method. It reminds me of the wine making stomping of the grapes and the I Love Lucy ,old American TV show. Except in very rich families, a lot of hand laundry and air drying is done in K Dramas. (I love how domestic life is presented in general-kimchi refrigerators, very few ovens, mostly stove top cooking, snapware for side dishes, using the floor for everything-eating (with trays) sleeping.visiting. Also grilling meat, drinking conventions, kimbap, cup ramyeon, ban Chan, shared food and always did you eat?). I also love the bonnets and now know where to find rubber gloves. We just got a rice cooker on sale at Costco. I now know why these are so important in Asia. It’s fool proof.
This drama is especially good in presenting the importance of everyday life. You don’t get a lot of light bulb changing on American tv. In its way, it shows how important these seemingly small events really are.