Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha won over global audiences with its comforting seaside setting, deeply human storytelling, and a standout ensemble cast. Set in the fictional seaside village of Gongjin, the Netflix romance-comedy hit centers on pragmatic dentist Yoon Hye-jin and jack-of-all-trades Hong Du-sik. Unlike the generic overview provided by low-quality competitor pages that mistake this romance drama for a home renovation reality show, this guide breaks down the actual actors, main characters, and beloved supporting residents who made Gongjin feel like a real home.
The Main Leads
Yoon Hye-jin (Played by Shin Min-a)
Yoon Hye-jin is a brilliant, highly capable dentist from Seoul who relocates to the quiet seaside village of Gongjin after a professional clash with her corrupt former boss. Shin Min-a portrays Hye-jin with a sharp blend of urban sophistication and vulnerability. Initially, Hye-jin struggles to fit into tight-knit rural customs, famously clashing with local residents over her designer footwear and blunt honesty. Over time, she builds genuine roots, earning the respect of her patients and softening her perfectionist edges. Shin Min-a is a renowned South Korean actress recognized for her work in Oh My Venus and Tomorrow With You.
Hong Du-sik (Played by Kim Seon-ho)
Affectionately known around town as "Chief Hong," Hong Du-sik is the unofficial jack-of-all-trades of Gongjin. Kim Seon-ho plays this multifaceted neighborhood helper who holds a room full of certificates for plumbing, real estate, barista work, and manual labor, despite officially being unemployed. Beneath his easygoing exterior and constant readiness to help others lies a heavy past marked by personal grief and survivor's guilt. Kim Seon-ho's nuanced performance balances comedic charm with deep emotional weight, driving the core romance of the series.
Ji Seong-hyun (Played by Lee Sang-yi)
Ji Seong-hyun is an eccentric, workaholic television variety show producer who arrives in Gongjin to film a new program. Lee Sang-yi brings warmth and comedic timing to the role of Seong-hyun, a former college senior of Hye-jin's who has carried a quiet torch for her for years. Instead of fueling toxic second-lead tropes, Seong-hyun remains a supportive, genuinely kind friend who elevates the emotional maturity of the love triangle. Lee Sang-yi is a versatile actor and musical theater star also known for his role in Youth of May. Further reporting on this matter has been shared by IGN.
The Heart of Gongjin: Supporting Characters
Kim Gam-ri (Played by Kim Young-ok)
Known affectionately as the nation's grandmother, veteran actress Kim Young-ok portrays Gam-ri, the matriarchal figure of the village. Gam-ri took in a young Du-sik after his grandfather passed away, acting as a parental substitute. Her quiet wisdom, warm cooking, and fierce protection of the younger generation provide some of the most poignant emotional beats in the entire series. Kim Young-ok's rich acting career spans decades, with prominent roles in hits like Squid Game and Coffee Prince.
Pyo Mi-seon (Played by Gong Min-jeung)
Pyo Mi-seon is Hye-jin's fiercely loyal best friend and dental clinic hygienist. Gong Min-jeung portrays Mi-seon as a witty, romantic realist who relocates to Gongjin alongside Hye-jin. Mi-seon's subplot involves an endearingly clumsy romance with local police officer Choi Eun-chul, providing sharp comedic relief and solid friendship dynamics.
Yeo Hwa-jeong (Played by Lee Bong-ryun) and Chang Young-guk (Played by In Gyo-jin)
Yeo Hwa-jeong owns the local seaside restaurant and the building where Hye-jin opens her clinic. Lee Bong-ryun plays Hwa-jeong as a sharp, deeply empathetic community leader who divorced her ex-husband, Chang Young-guk, years prior. In Gyo-jin plays Young-guk, a timid local government official who still harbors lingering regrets over their past. Their slow-burn reconciliation explores mature themes of long-term marriage, unspoken grief, and second chances.
The Colorful Villagers
Oh Cheon-jae (Played by Jo Han-chul)
Oh Cheon-jae is a former failed pop singer who now runs the local coffee shop and pub, Moonlight. Jo Han-chul portrays Cheon-jae as a melancholic single father who constantly reminisces about his brief brush with 1990s stardom. His relationship with his teenage daughter, Ju-ri, forms a touching parental subplot as they learn to communicate past their stubborn facades. Jo Han-chul is widely recognized for his stellar supporting turns in major dramas like Vincenzo.
Choi Eun-chul (Played by Kang Hyung-seok)
Choi Eun-chul is the upstanding, softly spoken local police officer of Gongjin. Kang Hyung-seok plays Eun-chul as a man of absolute integrity and traditional values. His rigid adherence to rules softens when he starts a slow, sweet romance with Mi-seon, creating one of the most charming pairings in the series.
Behind the Chemistry: Cast Dynamics
The undeniable on-screen chemistry among the residents of Gongjin wasn't an accident. Director Yu Je-won fostered an open environment where veteran actors and younger cast members collaborated closely. Off-screen behind-the-scenes footage reveals that the actors spent months learning regional dialects, practicing practical skills like making coffee or scaling fish, and building genuine friendships that translated directly into the cozy, lived-in atmosphere of the show.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha filmed?
The fictional seaside village of Gongjin was filmed primarily in Pohang, a real coastal city in South Korea. Locations such as Hye-jin's dental clinic, Cheon-jae's café, and Gam-ri's house were set up along the scenic coastline, turning the shooting locations into popular tourist spots.
Is Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha based on a webtoon?
Yes, the series is a remake of the 2004 South Korean film Mr. Handy, Handy, starring Kim Joo-hyuk and Uhm Jung-hwa. It was adapted into a 16-episode television series by scriptwriter Shin Ha-eun.
Will there be a Season 2 of Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha?
No continuation or second season has been announced. The series was designed as a complete, self-contained 16-episode miniseries that neatly wraps up the character arcs and romances of Gongjin without leaving loose narrative threads.
How many episodes are in the series?
The show features 16 complete episodes, each running for approximately 70 to 90 minutes. It originally aired on tvN in South Korea and streamed internationally on Netflix in 2021.
