‘Hometown Cha-cha-cha’ vs. ‘Mr. Hong’: This is How Shin Min Ah and Kim Seon Ho’s K-Drama Differs From the 2004 Film
Most drama remakes don't capture the emotions and essential factors of the original movie, which results in low ratings and negative public feedback.
But with tvN's "Hometown Cha-cha-cha" starring Shin Min Ah and Kim Seon Ho, which is a remake of the classic 2004 film "Mr. Hong," nothing is impossible.
Gongjin's Picturesque Sceneries
The new romantic comedy series "Hometown Cha-cha-cha" has stolen the hearts of many with its appealing genre and amazing cast ensemble, which is also the reason why the classic original film "Mr. Hong" is still relevant today.
Apart from that, the tvN drama also captured the beauty of the breathtaking view of the seaside village of Gongjin, which "Mr. Hong" fans loved it so much.
The place, scenery, and atmosphere of Gongjin set the mood and emotions of the characters, thus being considered as a work of art.
Kim Joo Hyuk and Uhm Jung Hwa, as well as their 2021 counterparts Shin Min Ah and Kim Seon Ho led the drama with a fresh and heart-fluttering romance.
Hye Jin and Chief Hong 2004 vs. Hye Jin and Chief Hong 2021
Like time, characters develop and experience growth. Some progress and become better, others stay the same.
In the classic film, Uhm Jung Hwa's Yoon Hye Jin was flirtatiously cute and has a unique sense of style. Opposite Kim Joo Hyuk's Hong Doo Sik who was a simple, easy-going man who harmonized well with Gongjin's villagers.
The film that aired 17 years ago was centered in the unfolding romance between the two characters, who perfectly expressed their quarrelsome and complicated yet dreamy side.
However, the Hye Jin and Doo Sik 17 years later, portrayed by Shin Min Ah and Kim Seon Ho, are different.
Hye Jin, a pragmatic dentist, does not only have baggage, but she also has principles and beliefs she believes in. She has this certain boldness, despite being misunderstood most of the time, that makes her strong both emotionally and mentally.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 'Hometown Cha-cha-cha' Fashion: Check Out Shin Min Ah's 'Laundry' Outfit That Costs Almost 20K USD
Opposite Doo Sik, who is charmingly sweet, has a mystery that is yet to be revealed. Like the 2004 Doo Sik, he is a skillful man who gets along with his neighbors. But what differs them is that the modern Doo Sik has a soft heart that is imprisoned by a tragic past.
Dentist Hye Jin, Chief Village Doo Sik, and Gongjin Residents' Stories
Truth be told, it is challenging to remake a film into a television series with more than ten episodes. It may make or break the story's existing plot and its original feel.
In other words, it's easier to compress the drama's core than unpacking what is already compressed.
However, the 2004 film "Mr. Hong" had elements that don't fit the contemporary genre, so tvN found a way to do a modern take about the film with 2021 "Hometown Cha-cha-cha".
Unlike the classic film, Shin Min Ah and Kim Seon Ho's drama consists of multiple episodes that contain one scene, which leaves its viewers a takeaway message to live by in their lives. Sometimes, it becomes a central episode that drives the storyline around.
Despite its difference in the process, the ending stays the same, most times.
In the film, Uhm Jung Hwa was sent to the police station for reckless driving, and burst into tears. On the other hand, Shin Min Ah beats up a sexual predator which had her detained, she then cries her heart out of worry about her friend who has been harassed.
READ MORE: 'Hometown Cha-cha-cha' Starring Shin Min Ah and Kim Seon Ho Dishes Out 3 Memorable Moments in the First Part of the Drama
Although the scene seen on the screen, the two dramas had different processes with the same outcome.
Time, which is an essential part of storytelling, is one of the most critical factors that had an effect on the process of dramatizing the classic.
On the other hand, the ninth and tenth episodes of "Hometown Cha-cha-cha" are set to air on Saturday and Sunday, September 25 and 26, on tvN.
It is also available for worldwide streaming on Netflix.
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Written by Elijah Mully.
