Netflix buffs dying for a romantic fix akin to Virgin River have struck gold with an equally swoon-worthy series that’s been creating quite the buzz.
Called Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, this show’s major twist is its South Korean roots, setting it miles apart from the all-American backdrop of Virgin River.
Echoing the beloved formula, we see the journey of a young medical professional finding love in the quaint confines of a small hamlet.
The drama unwinds as Seoul-based dentist Yoon Hye-jin (played by Shin Min-a) seeks refuge in the charming coastal village of Gongjin after her life turns upside down.
Here she meets Hong Du-sik (Kim Seon-ho) the town’s jack-of-all-trades adored by locals for his problem-solving prowess, reports the Mirror US.
This K-drama also revolves around finding love in a small town
Devotees of Netflix’s six-season-long Virgin River may find the narrative eerily familiar, yet many are vocal in championing the K-drama as the superior pick.
A fan shared their revelation on Reddit, saying: “I think I have discovered the K-drama version of Virgin River,” continuing “It’s called Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha. It’s very cheesy and very similar.”
Cue a wave of agreement amongst fans who’ve binged on all 16 episodes, with one chiming in: “My opinion is Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is infinitely better than Virgin River. How far have you gotten?
“The early episodes definitely have a cheese factor, but the later episodes made me ugly cry in a way Virgin River has never come close to. Great acting, great emotional payoff.”
“K Dramas are so well done!” someone else chimed in, listing their favourites: “It’s Ok Not To Be OK, Crash Landing On You, Extraordinary Attorney Woo – they don’t rely on cheesy boring sex scenes and really get into character development.
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is available right now on Netflix
“Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is sooo much better,” read another enthusiastic comment. “Nonetheless, I enjoy Virgin River for what it is.”
Chipping in, someone added: “Awwww I loved Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, but it’s way more superior to V.R lol. That show made me laugh so much and cry like a baby. The acting also way better!”
“Not the same hahaha. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is much much better,” echoed another fan.
Wrapping up the comments, a final viewer insisted: “There’s no way you compared a masterpiece like Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha to VR… lol take that back right now.”
For those who’ve found a guilty pleasure in Virgin River despite its corny love plots and contrived conflicts, the irresistibly endearing K-drama Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha might just be the perfect pick-me-up as you wait for season seven.
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha and Virgin River are available to stream on Netflix.
