It’s been about a week since“Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” aired its episode 16, but this K-drama is still topping the Netflix Philippines chart. We’re feeling a mix of emotions for the finale as well as the drama surrounding Kim Seon-ho. However, here are our thoughts about the last two episodes of this healing drama.
‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’ Episode 15: Hong Du-sik’s Story
Much has been said about Kim Seon-ho recently, but no one can deny his exceptional acting ability. And this is evident in the scene where he’s confronted by Kim Do-ha who’s blaming Hong Du-sik for his father’s attempted suicide. Without any speaking lines, his eyes convey intense remorse and self loathing that you would want to give him a pat in the back.
We now get to see Du-sik’s backstory through Kim Do-ha. Do-ha’s father Kim Gi-hoon met Du-sik when the latter was working as a fund manager. Through Du-sik’s help, he was able to make an investment. However, when worldwide stocks plummeted, Gi-hoon’s investment took the plunge. He attempted suicide and became a paraplegic ever since. The story continues as Du-sik finally opens up to Yoon Hye-jin about the death of his friend Park Jung-woo who was in a car accident with him. A guilt-ridden Du-sik attempted to kill himself but was saved by a message from Kim Gam-ri. He decided to go back to Gongjin and has been living a carefree life ever since.
Du-sik gets closure when he reunites with Park Jung-woo’s family. However, when it seems like things are finally picking up for Du-sik, Kim Gam-ri dies in her sleep. It’s a bittersweet ending for Gam-ri who has lived her life to the fullest. She goes on to remind us to appreciate the little things life has to offer.
“Look around yourself closely, and you’ll realize that you’re surrounded by many precious things. Everyday is full of so much excitement as if I’m going on a picnic the next day.”
Kim Gam-ri
‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’ Episode 16: A Funeral and A Wedding
We now get to the final episode which begins with Kim Gam-ri’s wake and funeral. Du-sik tries to keep his composure but finally breaks down when he reads a note from Gam-ri. Her final words echoes one of the main messages of this drama – the value of community:
“Du-sik, people should live among other people. Life may seem like a burden to you at times, but if you choose to be among others, just like you did for me, someone will carry you on their back.”
Kim Gam-ri
Each storyline is neatly wrapped up in “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” episode 16. Even Ji Seong-hyun gets his happy ending with writer Wang Ji-won. Hye-jin and Du-sik decide to get married and the whole town is excited. All’s well that ends well as we hear “Romantic Sunday” playing in the background.
Final Thoughts
Comments could be made against this series’ simplistic plot and sometimes over-the-top characterizations and depiction of a close-knit community. But from start to finish, “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” has become a comfort drama for many of us experiencing anxiety during this pandemic. With the stream of new dramas of different genres and complicated storylines, we’re reminded that simple can also be beautiful and satisfying.