Hometown Cha Cha Cha

Presentation

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Analysis

Synopsis

Yoon Hye Jin works in Seoul as a dentist, but she quits her job after an argument with her boss. On her mother’s birthday, she goes to a small seaside village called Gongjin. There, she meets Hong Du Shik. Everyone in the village knows him and he seems to be constantly busy working. Hye Jin decides to open her own dental clinic in Gongjin.

My Opinion (No Spoiler)

Hometown Cha Cha Cha is the perfect epitome of what a feel-good drama should be like. It depicts serious and tough events in characters’ lives, while introducing these moments with a certain subtlety and resolving them with a heartwarming embrace. I really loved! The love stories (because there are several), the solid community and the peaceful and serene seaside village are all elements that made me feel completely immersed in the drama. I really wanted to be a part of this big family!

Also, I think screenwriter Shin Ha Eun designed a beautiful story, and simply wrote a brilliant script! Well done!

If you are looking for some romance, laughter and warmth, this drama is definitely a must-watch!

Analysis (Spoiler Alert)

Characters: Yoon Hye Jin (Shin Min Ah) is typically the kind of character that embodies the saying: “Dont judge a book by its cover”. Although she seems quite biased, full of prejudice and cold on her first arrival in Gongjin – putting herself in a difficult position with the other members of the village – she happens to be very sweet, kindhearted and generous. She often puts others’ needs before her own, trying to provide comfort to the rest of the village, when need be. Hence her job as a dentist!

On top of that cute and selfless side of her, Yoon Hye Jin is also a force to be reckoned with. She doesn’t let others (boss, colleagues, or anyone), walk on her, she is strong-headed and determined. Indeed, the moment she decides on something, she simply goes all in; rapidly and with no turning back! I truly loved that brave and adventurous side of her personality. When she loves and/or trusts someone, she is willing to move mountains, even if it means she could be vulnerable and the one suffering. She doesn’t let go of others because of rumors or prejudice, especially when she learns Hong Du Shik’s (Kim Seon Ho) difficult past.

In a nutshell, I would say that Yoon Hye Jin is a sun, a constant ray of light, who brings happiness and love to her family and friends. She is loyal and faithful too, supportive and clearly lovable.

Hong Du Shik is quite the reverse from Yoon Hye Jin. Even though he also puts on a smile on his face and acts as a constant helper to his community, he has actually a lot to hide. By the end of the drama, we really get to understand all the struggles Du Shik has gone through, as well as the impact these various terrible events had on his personality and daily life. Though he was off a promising life – he graduated from Seoul National University despite his poor upbringing and landed a stable job – Du Shik suffered a grave incident. As a fund manager, he recommended an investment to the guard of the building in which he was working. The guard didn’t really listened to him and went all in with his savings. This resulted in a great loss, as the fund he invested in suddenly collapsed. The guard lost everything and tried to commit suicide. Upon hearing this, Hong Du Shik rushed to him, accompanied by the one he considered his brother. Unfortunately for them, they got into a car accident that ended his brother’s life. Since then, Du Shik has never been the same. He ran away and decided to settle in his hometown: Gongjin.

So, despite his bright and smiling appearance, Du Shik bears a lot of scars and a heavy burden on his conscience. He feels guilty and responsible for everything that turned out wrong in his life. Therefore, he refuses to connect entirely with Hye Jin for fear of losing her too. In spite of that, Hong Du Shik overcomes his own insecurities and fears, manages to move on and to find forgiveness from others and himself.

This character has a slow but constant transformation, that was only possible thanks to Hye Jin’s love and care.

Moreover, Hong Du Shik is quite the exceptional type. Being the genius that he is, he is literally able to do everything: from barista to construction, no job is a secret to him (hence the 50+ licenses he has)! This is quite an admirable trait, showing his resourcefulness, determination and adaptability to any type of situation.

Finally, Hye Jin and Du Shik share a lot of common traits: their devotion to others and will to help the community; their warmth and support; their selflessness and availability in case of trouble and of course, the fact that they both bear scars of the past (Hye Jin’s previous relationship which left her wounded / Du Shik’s backstories) they overcome together.

Ambiance: The sound of the waves, the smell of the ocean and fresh seafood and breathtaking landscapes, that is exactly what Gongjin feels like. It is for sure a healing place, where one comes to rest when life becomes too difficult. A good hiding place made up of strong personalities that beat as one when reunited.

To be honest, it really made me want to visit that Gongjin and to stay there for a while, to resource myself and just enjoy the peace.

Even if Gongjin welcomes unexpected people (variety show crew, idols…) and is the theater of unplanned events, the seaside village remains a quiet hidden gem, full of love, warmth and solidarity. Emotions that are well translated in the drama.

What are the themes tackled?

The web of characters: One of the main strengths of the drama is its capacity to brilliantly depict distinct characters at different stages of their lives and belonging to different family configurations. This variety actually helps identifying to one or several of them, and really works as relatable description of life and people.

Let’s dive into all that, but let me warn you, the web is really well-knitted and displayed, so it may be a bit long!

1. Family ties

Yoon Hye Jin, her father and stepmother: the reconstituted family

Let’s start with the main character, Yoon Hye Jin, who happens to have quite the difficult relationship with her parents. Indeed, her mother was sick and died when she was still very young. During her adolescence, her father found love again and remarried. However, Hye Jin had troubles accepting her stepmother, leading to tension between the two of them and between her father and she. This created a distance and coldness in the main trio. It is only when Hye Jin presents Du Shik to her family, that she matures and realizes that they all love each other and can make it work. Of course, the road to reconciliation is long, but all parties seem quite willing to forgive and move on.

Yoon Hye Jin’s situation as an only child whose parent remarried, and the conflicting relationships that follows, was an excellent, yet soft way to explore reconstituted families. I could see that Hye Jin, her father and stepmother all had respect for each other, but were rather clumsy in their attempts to reach out. This led naturally to awkwardness and misunderstandings. In the end, each of them was able to clearly explain their love and/or appreciation for the other, making it easier to connect.

Hong Du Shik and his grandfather: the fusional link

We don’t know much about Hong Du Shik’s relationship with his grandfather, only that he is the one who raised him after his parents’ death. Their bond was really solid, as Du Shik had a tough time overcoming his grandfather’s death. They were a strong duo that dissolved too soon. The death of Hong Du Shik’s grandfather is yet another cruel moment for the young man, who ends up an orphan in the early stages of his life. Still, he keeps very happy and blissful memories of him and couldn’t be more grateful.

Hong Du Shik and Kim Gam Ri: the lifesaver

If Du Shik and his grandfather’s relationship was intense and strong, that the main lead has with our favorite grandma Kim Gam Ri (Kim Young Ok) is definitely not too be forgotten. In a way, she is Du Shik’s lifesaver, the reason why he didn’t put an end to his life after the death of his friend. Upon his return to Gongjin, Gam Ri has been a constant support to Du Shik. She considered him as her own son and sheltered him the best she can. Thanks to that, Du Shik was capable of standing back on his feet.

Their relationship is close to that of a real family, though they are not blood-related. Kim Gam Ri is selflessness embodied, who brings joy through her food and small gestures. She is protective, but knows how to keep a distance, until the other comes to her. I really wish she was my grandma!

Ji Seong Hyeon and his cousin: the unconditional support

Ji Seong Hyeon (Lee Sang Yi), Hong Du Shik’s rival for Hye Jin’s heart, is probably the kindest of the drama. He never tries to force Hye Jin, openly confesses his feelings to her and respectfully accepts her rejection. He doesn’t feel resentment or spite, though he is not the chosen one. In all of his relationships, Seong Hyeon is mature and supportive (except maybe when it comes to love). After the death of his cousin-in-law, he tries his best to protect his cousin and her child; her late husband being none other than Du Shik’s brother/friend.

Seong Hyeon is perfectly aware that what happened was an accident and doesn’t blame Du Shik. On the contrary, he opens up to him, to the point that they become good friends. A nice bromance to witness!

Yeo Hwa Jeong, Jang Yi Joon and Chang Yeong Guk: the divorce

Yeo Hwa Jeong (Lee Bong Ryun) and Chang Yeong Guk (In Gyo Jin) are divorced at the beginning of the drama. Together, they have a child Jang Yi Joon (Ki Eun Yoo), who is probably the most educated 10-year-old I have ever seen. He is polite, tempered, modest and probably a genius. He seems to have accepted with a lot of maturity his parents’ separation, though the reason behind it is kept secret.

Indeed, according to everyone in the village and to Yeong Guk himself, Hwa Jeong suddenly decided one day to divorce him. Without further ado, she signed the paper and asked her husband to do the same. What he did, although he didn’t really know why. Since then, Hwa Yeong has remained silent. It is only 5 years later that the explanation is given. While Yeong Guk and his colleague were drinking, he confessed completely drunk that he had married Hwa Jeong because he pitied her. Indeed, her mother had passed away and she was alone. Because they had been friends for a long time, he married her to avoid leaving her alone. So, it was not out of love. Upon hearing that, Hwa Jeong got hurt and gave him his freedom back.

Only by the end of the drama are they able to understand that it is not the truth, Yeong Guk actually loved and still loves her. That being said, they manage to clear the misunderstanding and reconcile as a proper family.

I have to say that this family was really heartwarming. Not only was it an excellent depiction of how the lack of communication and preconceived ideas can ruin a marriage, but it also perfectly illustrated the impact a divorce can have on a child. Indeed, after hearing that his parents were getting back together, Yi Joon disappeared. When he is found, he is crying of happiness, as he had actually hoped for years that his parents would be a couple gain. It was a cute and accurate testimony from a child’s angle, which I found very well led. Also, it proved how unsaid things can affect you and your relationships.

Oh Chun Jae and Oh Ju Ri: the single parent with an only child

After seeing the configuration of divorced parents with an only child, the drama tackles the difficulty of being a single parent, currently raising an adolescent. Oh Chun Jae (Jo Han Chul) has indeed lost his wife, when Oh Ju Ri (Kim Min Seo) was very young. Mourning was tough but he held on for his daughter. Moreover, as there were only the two of them, Chun Jae became overprotective, which is not necessarily the best behavior when you are raising an adolescent. Therefore, they often fight and tease each other. Oh Chun Jae wants to protect his daughter, and would be willing to do just anything (even run after an idol with his daughter on his back), while Oh Ju Ri feels entrapped by this overwhelming attention and asks for space and privacy. Of course, their relationship is good and they know the love they have for each other, but the arguments just kept flowing. A very funny pair if you want my opinion!

Jo Nam Suk and her daughter: the loss of a child

This story is probably the saddest, as it depicts Jo Nam Suk’s (Cha Chung Hwa) loss of her daughter. She was around the same age as Yi Joon and Bo Ra, but passed due to her sickness. Nam Suk ended up alone and depressed. Thanks to the village community, she was able to stand back up and withstand the pain, but compensated by being overly nosy. Understanding that her behavior was the only way Nam Suk could live and feel better, the others let her be.

Ham Yun Gyeong, Choi Geum Cheol and Choi Bo Ra: the second pregnancy

Ham Yun Gyeong (Kim Ju Yeon) and Choi Geum Cheol (Yoon Seok Hyun) are the parents of the constantly happy Choi Bo Ra (Ko Do Yeon). On top of that, they are about to have their second child. This pregnancy actually allows for a better description of difficulties that can arise in a couple expecting: the woman is tired and needs help (especially by the end of the pregnancy), the husband may not always understand the physical and emotional changes which leads to conflicts. On top of that, Ham Yun Gyeong beautifully explains her struggle to her husband, saying that she is considered as a mother and a wife, but not as a woman anymore. She feels unseen and unheard by her husband and is fed up with that situation. Naturally, the situation clears up with the arrival of the baby; but her plea is that of many pregnant women who need a voice.

Yu Cho Hui and her mother: homosexuality and prejudice

Yu Cho Hui (Hong Ji Hee) is a secret and kind character. Although she is Yeong Guk’s first love, she shows no interest in him whatsoever. The reason is actually simple: Cho Hui prefers woman. Despite the fact that she assumes her preference, her family seems to have troubles accepting her sexual orientation. The small dialogue that we get to see between Cho Hui and her mother is proof enough that some taboos regarding homosexuality need to be addressed. Indeed, Cho Hui’s mother blames her and considers her love for women as a disease. She refuses to support her daughter and is even ashamed of seeing her falling in love with women. Yu Cho Hui’s behavior is admirable. She stands up for herself and her preference, not caring anymore about her mother’s outdated opinions.

She even confesses her past feelings to Hwa Jeong that she understands without prejudice or backlash. A beautiful friendship to witness!

2. Friendships

Yoon Hye Jin and Pyo Mi Seon: starcrossed friends

What a strong and beautiful friendship! Yoon Hye Jin and Pyo Mi Seon (Gong Min Jung) are the perfect demonstration of what we wish a friendship would look like: unconditional support, love and care, comfort and willingness to risk it all. This duo rocks and so do their respective relationships!

The grandmothers trio: friendship of a lifetime

You thought Hye Jin and Mi Seon were a great match, well wait for this amazing trio of grandmothers: Kim Gam Ri, Lee Mat Yi (Lee Yong Lee) and Park Soo Ja (Shin Shin Ae) are just fantastic. They have gone through many ups and downs together, knowing each other from head to toe. Despite their age difference, their bond is solid and has been through the challenges of time. Their teasing and laughter illuminate the village, and turn them into iconic members of Gongjin, without whom the village wouldn’t be complete.

These two types of friendships are based on the same love and support system, they are just taking place at different stages of life. We can even say that Hye Jin and Mi Seon’s close connection is to evolve as the elderly trio’s.

3. Romantic relationships

Hometown Cha Cha Cha not only depicted different kinds of families and friendships, but also succeeded in presenting three types of relationships, all distinct from another. Indeed, every relationship is unique!

Yoon Hye Jin and Hong Du Shik: from haters to cheesy lovers

In terms of romance, Yoon Hye Jin and Hong Du Shik probably fit most of the usual clichés in dramas: they go from hating each other (or at least not being on the same wavelength) to being head over heels for one another. Their relationship is also burdened by the weight of Du Shik’s past, taking a toll of their mutual trust and the arrival of rival Seong Hyeon, who turns out to be an amazing second lead.

Despite all that, the main couple resists and proves to be stronger than we think. To be honest, I was so glad not to see the usual split by the end of the drama, only to reunite in the last episode. This is partly due to Yoon Hye Jin’s personality, her determination and full trust in her partner. Without her being so strong-headed, the relationship may have succumbed to the rumors and past events.

Moreover, I believe that both were really cheesy and cute together. Yoon Hye Jin’s favorite cute being “Chief Hong”, as she runs towards him every time she sees him. The reverse is also true, as Hong Du Shik is constantly returning the warm embrace.

All in all, their relationship was really smooth, their learned to love and trust each other, as they each mature and heal from their wounds. Plus, they really complete each other, don’t you think?

Ji Seong Hyeon and Wang Ji Won: sparks in the office

What is so great about Ji Seong Hyeon and Wang Ji Won’s (Park Ye Young) relationship is that it is a lost cause in the first place, but it turns out perfectly in the end. From the get-go we, as viewers, are sure of two things: first, Ji Seong Hyeon is clearly in love with Yoon Hye Jin, his former classmate, to whom he unfortunately never confessed. Second, PD Ji Seong Hyeon and Writer Wang Ji Won are THE duo in the variety show industry, producing high-rated shows with very original ideas and content. They are obviously a match when it comes to work.

However, Ji Seong Hyeon is so focused on winning Hye Jin’s heart over, that he doesn’t even realize that Ji Won is longing for him. Interestingly, Seong Hyeon and Ji Won are in the same place, both stuck in one-sided / unrequited love, just not with the same people.

When Seong Hyeon finally mourns the fact that Yoon Hye Jin loves someone else, he remains completely dense. This leads to Ji Won not being able to withstand the situation anymore and wanting to leave him (a.k.a. working with someone else). This decision works actually pretty well, since it is a sort of wake-up call for Seong Hyeon, who is finally able to see the affection Ji Won has towards him. He realizes how great of a pair they are, and how well they know each other (spending time together at work and pulling all-nighters on show definitely helps create the spark!).

Although it was slow and almost over before it had even begun, their relationship blooms like a flower in winter. Compared to the overwhelming demonstration of love and affection showed by Hye Jin and Du Shik, Ji Won and Seong Hyeon are more shy and reserved. But it doesn’t mean that they don’t displace affection at all, on the contrary, they do so with daily small gestures, away from the public’s eyes.

Both pairs are thus totally different, but it definitely fits their own personalities: Hye Jin is communicative when it comes to emotions, while Ji Won is quiet and shy; same for Du Shik and Seong Hyeon, with the former being extroverted and the latter being discreet. An excellent balance portrayed on screen!

Choi Eun Cheol and Pyo Mi Seon: the push-and-pull relationship

Finally, the picture wouldn’t be complete without the funniest couple-to-be of the drama: Choi Eun Cheol (Kang Hyung Shik) and Pyo Mi Seon. For the latter, it is almost love at first sight. When she meets this handsome police officer, Mi Seon is completely head over heels. On top of that, she is also the type of person, who gives her all in a relationship and bravely pursues love, when she thinks it is worth it.

At the beginning of the drama, Mi Soon’s boyfriend leaves her. She then decides to find a good man, someone respectable and honest, loyal and kind. Fortunately for her, she finds all of these qualities in Eun Cheol.

However, Choi Eun Cheol is the embodiment of someone who is dense (like more dense than Seong Hyeon!). He has never dated, doesn’t know how to do it and is clueless when it comes to reading emotions. That’s why, he rejects Mi Seon at first. But she is convinced of her choice and keeps chasing him. Little by little, Eun Cheol opens up to her and falls for her, although he is quite clumsy when it comes to demonstrating it (almost showing the exact opposite of what he wants). See the chicken dialogue in the drama!

Together, they form a lovely couple, in which Mi Seon affirms her constant love and guides Eun Cheol, willing to learn and please his lover. On top of that, he is the one who won the lottery. Mi Seon didn’t know that at all, showing that she is with him for other reasons than money (in case you were doubting).

To be honest, their couple was so funny and cute at the same time. Unlike the cheesiness or shyness in the other couples, Mi Seon and Eun Cheol were probably the most innocent and genuine. Their misunderstandings led to some serious laughable scenes (e.g. the one with the gun) and they were a breath of fresh air amidst the drama of other couples (forming or already together).

In a nutshell, Hometown Cha Cha Cha introduces viewers to a great variety of characters either at the beginning, the middle or the end of their lives, as they go through ups and downs. All of them being linked by the fact that they live in the same small town. The drama also offers different perspectives (children, older people, women, mothers, adults, husbands,…) emphasizing its diversity and enabling each viewer to identify with one or several characters.

Buzzing city versus healing seaside village:

Apart from the web of characters, I also found the plot quite brilliant when it comes to using the settings to indirectly reflect emotions or events. There is a clear opposition between the city (Seoul) and the seaside village (Gongjin) that has its importance when related to the intrigue.

Seoul, the jungle: Although it seems as if Seoul is THE place to be, it is in fact showed as a buzzing city, a sort of jungle, where prejudice, pain and suffering reign. At the beginning of the drama for instance, Hye Jin quits her job because she has refused to make an old lady pay a higher price for dental care she didn’t need. She was reprimanded by her boss, which led to her strongly resigning. This incident is two-sided: first it shows the cruelty of the city and second, it indicates that Yoon Hye Jin’s kind personality doesn’t fit the city’s criteria, that is to say she can’t keep leaving in the capital.

Understanding the mismatch, she goes away to open her own dental clinic, in a village where good values exist and where hers will be respected.

Gongjin, the healing shelter: Compared to Seoul, full of prejudice, criticisms and selfishness, Gongjin appears as its exact opposite, especially for the main lead. The seaside village is a healing place, where Du Shik can heal from the wounds inflicted in the city (trauma, deaths of his brother) and start from scratch. There, he and Hye Jin find love and comfort in a community, they find freedom and serenity (the ocean helps), warmth and happiness. This is the place where they re-start their lives and move on. Even though it is hard at the beginning. Yoon Hye Jin is still very much influenced by the Seoulite prejudiced mindset, putting her at odds with the villagers. After spending time there, she is finally able to get rid of these ideas. Same goes for Du Shik, who arrives in Gongjin scarred and traumatized. Only with time is he able to enjoy life again.

Cycles: Hometown Cha Cha Cha is based on a series of cycles that structure the plot and allow for a sense of closure at the end. The circle is also a symbol of harmony, so no wonder we feel at peace when the final episode is up. We can identify 3 main cycles in the drama: the location cycle, life cycle and time cycle.

From Gongjin to Gongjin: Gongjin is naturally at the center of the drama, so it makes total sense that Hye Jin and Du Shik first meet there and meet again in that village, while projecting at the end a life together. As children, when Du Shik’s grandfather and Hye Jin’s mother were still alive, they both met on the beach. Their encounter was immortalized in a photograph, that reappears mid-drama.

At the end, they get married in Gongjin, surrounded by their loved ones. However, there is another encounter that is worth mentioning: that on the bridge, when Du Shik is about to commit suicide and Hye Jin calls 119. This moment is when Du Shik is at his lowest, he has gone through a lot and the city has wounded him forever. Yet, he manages to hold on to life thanks to two guardian angels: Hye Jin (whom he will meet again) and Gam Ri, the grandmother. Metaphorically, we could say that Gongjin (the village) indirectly rescued Du Shik through Gam Ri’s text and asked him to come back. As for Hye Jin, this is once again proof that her place is not in the city, among the fierce and ruthless people. She is too kind to remain in the jungle.

From life to death: This incident of the bridge can be linked to the second cycle that runs through the drama: the life cycle. Indeed, the intrigue comes and goes from people who die (either brutally like Du Shik’s brother or Hye Jin’s mother or peacefully like Gam Ri) to people who are born (physically like Yun Gyeong and Geum Cheol’s baby for instance; or metaphorically like Du Shik, who has an awakening on the bridge).

From past to present: Finally, these cycles wouldn’t be possible if the one from past to present didn’t exist. This time cycle is a way to connect all the characters in the web, display their evolution and transformation, but also to link events together.

Details and mysteries: To make it even more legit and relatable, the drama relies on a series of details, that structure it from beginning to end. The more mysteries viewers uncover, the closer to the blissful ending we get.

As mentioned previously, the drama is built on several cycle, so it is only normal that each detail provokes the encounter at the beginning and announces the great finale.

The metaphor of the shoe: Take Hye Jin’s sparkling shoes for example. When she loses her shoe in the sea, she is almost convinced it’s gone forever. Metaphorically, this shoe represent her past life in the city. Her loss in thus the announcement of a new life that is about to start.

Like Cinderella and her glass shoe, Hye Jin’s turns out to be unexpectedly found by her Prince Charming (and future husband) Hong Du Shik. His returning the shoe to her initiates their story and romance.

At the end of the drama, Hye Jin and Du Shik propose to each other on the beach. Stranded in the sand, stand two pair of shoes, one of Du Shik and one of Hye Jin, signing the beginning of their life together as a pair. As if this were not enough, Hong Du Shik’s shoe is also taken by the sea, which metaphorically represent the cleansing of his life, meaning that he is ready to start anew with his wife-to-be.

The metaphor is subtly present throughout the drama, but carefully interpreted it actually contains a lot of hidden messages.

The lovers’ boat: Hong Du Shik’s boat also holds a particular meaning. It was his grandfather’s, who named it after his lover (Hong Du Shik’s grandmother). After his grandfather’s death, Du Shik moved the boat up to an hill, only to find some peace of mind up there in case of troubles. It is a very special place to him, that also happens to be quite lonely. However, he decides to come up with Hye Jin several times and the last episode shows them taking wedding pictures in front of the boat.

The boat symbolizes lovers (the grandparents first and then Du Shik and Hye Jin), life as a pair; but it also represents Du Shik’s family, his grandfather to be precise. By bringing Hye Jin there, Du Shik demonstrates his will to have her as part of his family.

The boat is also quite metaphoric as it represents adventure and freedom. By taking their wedding pictures there, the main couple demonstrates their readiness to be free from the past and start afresh their new life together.

The 3 mysteries of Gongjin: Gongjin may be peaceful of the outside, but it is acutally like a big beehive, where everyone works in almost perfect harmony. Yet, sometimes its inhabitants can also have secrets, adding to the buzzing aspect of the village. The 3 mysteries of the drama work as a red thread that connects characters and lead the story towards its end. They tackle at the same time relationships and life struggles. The first one is the reason behind the divorce of Hwa Jeong and Yeong Guk, the second is Hong Du Shil’s whereabouts 5 years ago, when he went missing. The last one is about an inhabitant, who has won the lottery.

These three mysteries structure the plot and allow viewers to start investigating, picking up clues left here and there in the drama. It is a great way to grab our attention and make us enjoy humanity under all its forms.

Breaking stereotypes and discrimination: Last but not least, Hometown Cha Cha Cha deserves some praise for daring to confront and break stereotypes head-on, but always with subtlety and tact. It is the case for Cho Hui’s homosexuality, Yoon Hye Jin proposing first (without waiting for the man to do so), not having a stable and office job but still being happy, and the list goes on.

P.S.: Did you catch the “Squid Game” reference at the end of the drama, when Yi Joon and Bo Ra are playing with honeycomb?