Tonight on Netflix: The K-Drama Boosting South Korean Tourism!

After a pivotal change in her life, Yoon Hye-jin (Shin Min-a), a successful dentist from Seoul, travels to the idyllic seaside village of Gongjin to commemorate her late mother’s birthday. Once there, she impulsively decides to open a dental clinic. It is here that she meets Hong Du-sik (Kim Seon-ho), a charismatic and versatile handyman who is the cornerstone of the local community, affectionately known as Chief Hong.

Though officially unemployed, Du-sik is always busy, stepping forward whenever someone needs assistance. Despite being her complete opposite, Hye-jin soon finds herself intrigued by him…

A remake of the 2004 South Korean film Mr. Handy, Mr. Hong, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha captivates with its perfect blend of romance, humor, and emotion, all set in a picturesque location that has won critical acclaim and audience approval.

The series, which premiered on tvN in August 2021, became one of the highest-rated drama series in the history of Korean cable television and dominated its time slot throughout its broadcast. It quickly became one of the most-watched non-English shows on Netflix, reaching the 8th position in the global rankings and staying in the top 10 most popular non-English series on the platform for 16 consecutive weeks. It also remained in the top 10 in over 20 countries for more than two months after its final episode aired.

What makes Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha particularly captivating is its scenic backdrop and inviting atmosphere, providing an escape and relaxation. Beyond the charming setting, the richness of the story comes from its characters, especially the lead couple portrayed by Shin Min-a (Our Blues, Karma) and Kim Seon-ho (Start-Up, Life’s Fruits) on screen. Their relationship, both tender and playful, develops naturally, offering a sweet romance that touches the heart, driven by their genuine performances.

The balance between light-hearted moments and deeper scenes allows viewers to transition from laughter to tears smoothly. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha also highlights the importance of family, friendship, solidarity, offering thoughtful reflections on community and mutual support, as well as on the pursuit of happiness, even outside major urban centers.

All this has contributed to its massive success, placing it among the iconic series of the Korean Wave. Indeed, the 2021 Hallyu study (conducted by the Korean Ministry of Culture and KOFICE) revealed that the show, along with its stars Kim Seon-ho and Shin Min-a, were among the most searched K-drama keywords internationally.

Its popularity also boosted tourism in South Korea, and in November 2021, a virtual reality project was launched in collaboration with the Tourism Office and LG U+, featuring iconic locations from the drama in 3D, virtually guided by actor Lee Sang-yi (The Chase, My Demon) reprising his role as Ji Seong-hyun for the occasion.

• Looking for another K-Drama on Netflix? Here’s another romantic series with a beautiful seaside setting!

A few more numbers to finish off? A 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a score of 4.2 out of 5 on AlloCiné, ranked as the 6th best international series of 2021 by Variety, and the 8th best K-drama of 2021 by NME. The show also made it to the selections of the Scotsman and Time.

In short: a real gem, a story full of sweetness, humanity, charm, and authenticity, with a peaceful atmosphere and sincere characters. Not to be missed.

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, created by Shin Ha-eun, starring Shin Min-a, Kim Seon-ho, Lee Sang-yi…

1 season available on Netflix.

Check out the series trailer below: