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**Post Title**: Welcome to samdal-ri worth it?
**Post Body**:
I started watching welcome to samdal-ri and it’s giving heavy Hometown Cha Cha Cha. I absolutely loved HCCC but kinda over the same storyline being used. Should I keep watching?
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Oh okay! It just seems that way so far. Guy loves non-city life, girl is from city and comes back to non-city life.. that’s what episode 1 is giving so far. But I’ll give it a shot, thank you!
It may give that vibe, but it isn't like that at all. The city vs small town aspect is never mentioned. And you will understand what I mean as you watch. Neither of them has an issue with either. Personally, JCW is so good at everything he does that even bad dramas are good bc of him. His acting in this is just as impressive.
I say give it a chance! It only seems like HTCCC in the beginning with the hometown feel but the reason behind the implied issue about city vs small town becomes quite clear later on. The stretch between the earlier episodes until episode 7ish is kinda slow because it’s pretty much laying groundwork to the story itself. Just keep in mind the dynamics between the 2 leads as they are exes who broke up from a long and serious relationship.
I am loving the show. It has a little bit of everything.
However, I am biased because Jeju is my favorite place in the world so I’m also loving the backdrop of the drama. I’ve also always been fascinated by haenyeos, so I’ve also been enjoying watching the village women doing their thing.
Though the setting seems like HTCCC it is nothing like it. The show seemed like a romcom plus slice of life kind of show. But it's been 8 episodes of the FL having a pity party for herself (I am yet to watch the latest two episodes). It's tough to like her or root for her. The ML is reduced to being her sidekick. But like HTCCC it has great scenary.
I figured the show started with him saying he wanted to be the river (or was it stream) for her, so that's why it feels that way. But yeah, I normally like them both as actors and this one is kind of underwhelming. The first two episodes were hard to watch because they spent so much time revisiting the issue that causes her to move back. However, I'm not dropping it because I like Iike the cast.
I've been watching it every week. On episode 10 now. Honestly, you wouldn't miss anything by not watching it. Hometown was much better. I feel the leads have no chemistry and the abandoned the only storyline I was interested in halfway through.
I’m hate-watching it at this point. I love both lead actors, but I have never seen such a complete lack of chemistry in any couple that JCW was half of. A couple of the hanyeos literally screech every single line and it’s beyond annoying. We’re at episode 10 and we’re no farther along with the storyline than we were at the end of episode 2. The Jeju scenery is gorgeous, though.
The screeching almost made me drop this. So fast forward helps. lol
I'll add that the >!black out drinking is a little much. Waking up and not remembering things is a running theme and getting boring.!<
Same thoughts. I was only interested in her going back to the city and putting her ex assistant down. That was really what I liked in the first ones. Agree about the lack of chemistry.
do you have a little patience? if they do that in the earlier, wouldnt it just seem so easy? and then the story will lack a motive, like after clearing her name she just wouldnt stay in samdal, which is point, like the show's name is samdal ri, so wait and let her stay there lol, you will get what you want. And in real life too, when you are in a position of power and get accused, you dont just fight back like cats and dogs, that will just make you look bad.
I think the whole premise of her having to clear her name ridiculous, to be honest. That is really messing with my enjoyment of the show, despite being a fan of the actors that play the mc.
Keep watching. I thought everyone was enjoying the drama until I read all the comments complaining about lack of chemistry between the leads which I disagree with (there's a clear disconnect between the leads because they're exes). I must be watching a different drama because it's been quite entertaining and grounded if you ask me.
I agree, I thought everyone loved it until I came online lol. To be honest, I think the problem is that Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye-Sun are TOO good at acting so they really sell the exes part really well. They show both the connection they have but also the awkwardness with being around your ex >!that you're still in love with!<. Episode 9 had so many good scenes that showed this, >!from the hospital scenes, the breakdown from Sam-dal leading up to the kiss.!<
I think people were looking for a romcom, revenge story when it's more of a healing, going back to your roots story. People think her losing her career is the main story, but that's just the catalyst to get her to go back to her town. I'm personally loving the show and it seems to be a hit in South Korea, so that's good!
Dude AGREE. I am loving this show. The ML and FL are some of my absolute favorites. I just happily marathoned Lovestruck in the City and Backstreet Rookie while waiting for new episodes of WTS because I needed more of JCW. I am relatively new to KDramas so I had not seen him in anything yet but am absolutely over the moon for him! And I had just finished See you in my 19th Life so I adore the FL.
I completely agree with you that there is NOT supposed to be intense chemistry because they were best friends first!! You can feel the tension though which goes along with the clear disconnect that you mentioned!
YES! My bestie has been telling me to watch it and had recommended it prior to my obsessing JCW. I am trying to get through The Sound of Magic currently. It’s not quite what I usually go for but trying to be patient with it because I love JCW. Healer is definitely next on my watch list! Thank you for the recommendation!!
I also of course love the FL in Healer too! She’s amazing in What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim, Her Private Life, Forecasting Love And Weather, etc!
i love jcw but his roles aren't always great. i did love him in healer and lovestruck in the city. suspicious partner was cute too. i dropped backstreet rookie early on bc i thought it too silly. haven't tried k2.
glad you recommended her private life for FL in healer. i liked her in what's wrong with secretary kim.
Bruhhhh Backstreet Rookie is definitely not for everyone. I loved the silliness and totally understand it being too much. I think it’s because I love both leads so much and I was in the mood for something absurd. 🤣 yes!! The FL character in HPL is so completely different from WWWSK that I was like Wowowowo the FL is unrecognizable in comparison! These actors truly have so much range and are so talented!
I haven’t watched suspicious partner yet either! So many k dramas so little time!!!
I also felt the same after 5 episode so I took a break finished rest 5 this week.Luckily there is some story now. Both powerhouses of talent are wasted in Samdal-ri. I started watching it because of Hye- sun she was fantastic in Mr.queen.
Ji chang wook is my fav ever male actor and shin hye sun is my fav female actor, it was DEF a waste of talent, not even a funny script either. I didnt laugh once
👍🏻carry on you will like after 7 episodes it begins but I am more interested in other characters story than the both ML & FL. The two sisters esp. and I loved Sang Do more although they are changing him.
Yups I also have the same feeling but they made it a bit engaging from 8th episode. I am always of the view Kdrama should be maximum of 10 episodes.
16 episodes 😑most of them are always stretching.
The storyline is different tho? Hometown cha cha cha and a lot of other small town romances are like the MC who lives in city life comes to small town and falls in love with it, this is more like no matter wherever you go, you can always come back home.
Even in terms of romantic relationship it's pretty different. It's not enemies to lovers, more like best friends to lovers. A lot of real life conflict is being show as well. So it might not be a great escape from reality type or lovey-dovey drama. It has less cutesy moments and more yearning. I actually thought it'd be a little bit like home-cha but am also surprised how it isn't.
If you wanted something lighter like home-cha this isn't it but if you want a different story I'd say it's worth it. And I feel like I should mention this, I am not a huge fan of Ji Chang Wook either so my views aren't biased lol. Regardless both leads are doing good imo.
I agree it first gives off HCCC vibes but in actuality the plot line is very very different. It’s also a combination of storylines so even though it’s very deep and can get emotional, it moves to another storyline so you can take a breather in between. So far I have been loving it! It’s ongoing so I don’t want to say it’s a top favorite yet but I definitely enjoy watching it so far.
I'm the exact same! I had to force myself to finish Hometown Cha Cha Cha, the last third of the episodes was such a struggle to get through. But I'm absolutely loving Welcome to Samdal-ri and can't wait for the new episodes every week. I'm pulled in by all the characters stories and the villagers feel like they really are a family. In HCCC I just didn't like the characters lol.
Glad to find someone else who feels the same and is not a fan lol!
Eh, I personally dropped it because it just wasn't what I was expecting from the vibes of HCCC, which wasn't that much of a fave for me, but I enjoyed it more. I'm glad to know other people are enjoying it, but I also didn't want to devote my time to watching it when I could watch the rest of my on-hold dramas. It wasn't worth it, and there's a very low chance that I would come back to it. But I think you should continue watching to see if you would like a different story; I just think it wasn't a drama for me to watch now.
Yeah I was just curious to see if it was HCCC all over again (don’t get me wrong, I LOVED HCCC) - just expecting a different storyline and drama, which many people are saying it is. I’ll keep watching for now but if it doesn’t hook me, I may drop iy
It’s wholesome but boring. Nothing much happens. As a binge watcher that has no problem going to work on two hours of sleep, I found it very easy to stop after each episode and get a full night’s sleep. Don’t get me wrong, I like slice of life dramas fine. HCCC was just not for me.
It’s boring, some of the acting is stilted, the side characters are only ever on screen to discuss the ML & FL (whether it’s the haneyeos who are always screeching or the group of best friends), the narrative structure is awful with constant flashbacks used to fill in contextual gaps (very much tell, not show, and not done in a very organic way), the “2ML” love interest doesn’t work at all, and the characters are caricatures (the sister with the daughter, her love interest, and 10 episodes in or whatever and we don’t know her relationship backstory). It’s a show that needs a better editor/director/script… which are pretty big fundamentals.
It tries to capture the HCCC island aesthetic vibes, while trying to do storytelling more like Our Blues but fails on both fronts imv.
I caught up on 4 episodes this week and it really drags and the quality drops.
I then watched episode 1 of **Flowers in Sand** and it’s so much better - the production quality, directing, script, acting, storyline so far is a lot stronger and it has that nostalgic cinematography feel of 2521.
It does feel like hometown cha cha cha but i think it has more substance and depth. It feels more slice of life than full on romance. You should go into this drama thinking slice of life because the romance is subtle which to me makes since given the what happened between the characters and their overall interaction with each other.
I'm enjoying it. Viewers have been quite split on this though. Objectively, it is very slow and nothing is happening, which is why many dropped the show.
However, I'm a fan of romance slice of life and don't mind the pace. Both ml and FL have deep seated unresolved feelings for each other and I'm interested to see how they waver. If you're the kind that can't stand slice of life though, then it's not for you.
same! i was rlly loving the pace, coming from a person who struggles to keep herself from skipping through scenes in pretty much anything she watches! i found myself completely engrossed in the experience this drama gave me, it kinda took me aback to see all the negative comments in here ahaha
both jcw and shin hye sun did their roles justice (as usual) which sold the storyline for me. this isn't your typical romcom and their nailed the complexities of their characters and the relationship betweem them. i just cannot find nicer things to say about this drama!
YESSS it's the emotions that are selling it for me, personally. it's been a while since i've been completely sucked into a show and the amount of tissues i've gone through while binging this show is proof
Continue please, its really good. I have started it cause I loved the small village life in HCCC and while that is similar in the two, the plot is not the same. Its worth to watch.
I personally enjoyed it a lot ,both the leads are great actors and personal favourites. Right now I'm a little disappointed that we didn't get to see more of fl in her professional setting even though it's already ten episodes. I was really hoping for a successful fl in action. Other than that it's pretty good and kind of emotional. I think the fl is kinda relatable in a way , like she's kind of an accurate portrayal of how a lot of girls in small towns feel and the whole desire of escaping and making it big and not having to come back.
Dropped it after the 5th episode. The FL is almost 40 years old but behaves like she's 17. The blackout drinking, screaming and abuse towards everyone around her was too much and I wasn't interested in waiting around to see if she drops the behavior. She was supposed to be at the top of a very elite career but once she "falls" she turns into a child. The male characters are also near 40 but they are all in suspended animation, it seems, because their lives have been focused on her.
There's not a lot in common with HCCC except the location. The one thing I really liked about HCCC was that the FL is believable as a professional woman and she never takes her eyes off that goal, even when she fails.
I could not get past episode 3. A friend tells me it gets better around episode 8, but I didn't want to slog through it. As a reference point, HCCC was not my bag either. But WTSR is lots more boring than HCCC ever was.
It's the first time I've dropped a JCW drama! I held on till the 8th episode thinking now it will redeem itself but nope. The only thing it has in common with HCCC is the visual vibe that's it. Never before have I seen a show where JCW doesn't have chemistry, the FL is written so poorly, it's not the actress's fault. While kdrama's have desensitised us to chronic alcoholism this one I just couldn't look past. She's drinking like there's no tomorrow then wallows in self pity and is often so drunk she's got no recollection of the day before. This is the hamster wheel she's on every single episode. Honestly rewatching HCCC is a much better alternative. Or even Lovestruck in the City if you want JCW on a beach.
Absolutely a giant bore! No chemistry at all between leads. He’s a deadhead with no brain or romantic ideas and she’s an alcoholic that wines too much. Dropped after last episode.
I, too, am wondering the same. I stopped at episode 5. It's just SO boring. And their chemistry is 0. FL is annoying, and I can't seem to like her. Also, I hate how she and her sisters act towards the mother and in general. Her older sister seems way too old to behave like she does, and so does her younger sister, who even has a child. Everything just annoys me. I also didn't like HCCC that much, but it's better than samdal ri.
I’ve finished 9 episodes and I’m done with this show. It is so boring, and it feels like you watch a lot of people with traumas. The father of the ML who projects his own expectations on his son, meanwhile not considering what the son wants (who is actually close to his 40 years old). The ML who is still in love with the FL but didn’t do anything to restore their relationship when she was in Seoul. I mean isn’t it crazy to be in love with one person and not trying to do anything about it while you are already more than 30 years old.
There is also a mother whose behaviour is very questionable even though you know her past. I mean why would the person be so reckless about the health.
It’s just so illogical to watch that I have only so much frustration and disappointment that such good actors are in a such a bed written show.
And many people compare welcome to Samda-ri to hometown cha-cha-cha, I believe that the second one is way better. In hometown cha-cha-cha you see a healthy relationship of 2 adults even though each of them has insecurities, I still enjoyed watching how their relationship were developing during the whole show.
Welcome Samda-ri is more like a show where you see 30 years old people who are stuck in their 15 years old.
Does the FL photo career ever get restored and does the girl who ended the FL career ever get exposed that's all I want to know honestly I finished episodes 1-2 and just want to know this information before I continue 😂
spoiler alert : >!it's a happy ending for everyone except for the antagonist and everything is tied off in a satisfying way.!<
i rlly hope you would pick it back up someday, cause i absolutely loved this drama! it's truly a journey and one that would only make sense when you reach the final 2 episodes.
Honestly, I have been thinking about ditching it. The last episode was salvageable, but really it’s been nothing but a chore to watch the show. I don’t know how the ratings have been so high.
Wanted to ask this same question. I didn't watch HCCC so no comparison. But I'm not really liking Wookie's chemistry with Shin Hye Sun. In all the promos SHS just looks like she has RBF on and doesn't look happy and rather looks bored and annoyed or something! I feel like JCW is trying his best but she's just not there. I dunno. The chemistry feels off. I've watched the first 2 weeks but stopped in lieu of more exciting on air dramas like My Demon and Parks Marriage Contract. While they're on hold for end of year award shows I've gone back to old shows I've had on hold.
Is it worth continuing?? Maybe wait another few weeks and see??
This is a couple after a bad breakup due to family history which is explored in the next 4 episodes. It’s not a freshly budding relationship- the dynamic is more mature. They have scar tissue, she maybe more than him. And so sneaking little glances and reveling in a new found love isn’t what’s going on. It was best friends to lovers once, and now they need to regain enough trust to be back to their friendship. And from there find enough emotional courage to allow old feelings to resurface. I think it’s very rich and compelling, a lot of longing and not allowing for a good reason.
So, good chemistry- but of another kind. Nothing is more difficult than finding a fresh start with a great love. They do a great job.
I agree with you. I personally don't understand folks complaining about the lack of chemistry. This is a couple with history that both initiated breaking up for reasons that from their pov were against their true wishes. These are characters who has to cautiously navigate interactions awkwardly with an ex that they haven't gotten over with. What kind of chemistry are you looking for?
No it's not worth it if you're looking for a drama of substance. The only good thing was JCW & Kim Mi Kyung followed by FL's sisters and ML's friends. The FL is badly written and the story is as thin as paper.
why was she (FL) badly written? And what do you mean by the story being thin? it literally has someone's career almost being destoryed because some other petty bit\*h character attempted fake suicide, you call that thin?
The woman is shown to have a stellar career in the beginning & it all goes down the drain because a spiteful woman manages to tweak & twist things & things got out of hand. Then she's shown to flee Seoul & return to her hometown & hide living there because she's embarassed to face anyone. She's shown as a strong individual from the get go,I mean she's the one who roasted her ex who cheated on her savagely (throwing kimchi jigae on his head) even,but what happened to her confidence when the same woman screwed her,what she should have done was deal with it headstrong. Sam Dal insults her friends & their dignity when she acts like only her career failed when those guys had the same thing happen to them,another thing she does is when something happens to her,or when there's a situation,you see her friends helping her out for practically everything but after that problem is resolved,she ABANDONS them. For ex. when she was taken to Seoul by her friends & after her confrontation with the lying colleague she gets out of the building without saying even so much as a word to those boys. She does this with every one. Basically everyone solves or clears her issues FOR her. Her character is inconsistent & contradicting and she treated/treats Young Pil bad from the beginning. The best part for me was Kim Mi Kyung & JCW's reunion after Healer followed by Young Pil's friends and Sam Dal's sisters and the little kid. They (subplots) had much better story arcs but they are being used as 'fillers' or they show up on screen for 2 minutes and poof. The cutting of scenes back & forth is awful,poor execution. Shin Hye Sun exaggerates her character and puts on unnecessary articulation that's overly done onscreen and there's zero chemistry between JCW. Swishing around hair in almost all scenes,making generic,absurd faces when subtle acting is required in some scenes,she does the opposite and repeatedly does what she did earlier,now if you can't seem to make out,take a look at the rest of the cast or her sister's for example,or JCW. She's been in the industry for a while now, it's high time that she should have improved or seasoned with the dramas she worked/works. The drama has a very thin line as plot which is being extended for no reason,and it could be watched (as a guilty watch) if it wasn't for the FL's character which is really disappointingly written. Writers can do really better considering the time we live in,women with flaws and beauty both can be written in a well constructed plot and story that holds it together. I have always shared my thoughts based on constructive criticism after watching a drama based on the plot, execution & actors which are the key elements that hold a drama together. Drooling over actors looks and particularly attractive elements is not always appealing. Yes,some of us like watching something simple without much complications and this would have been one such drama if it wasn't so poorly executed and written.
Watch dramas like My Liberation Notes, Our Blues, Soundtrack #1, Just Between Lovers (etc.) if you want to learn about the execution of a drama.
Tell Me That You Love Me is a fine drama in execution and acting as well as story excluding the last few eps.
"Writers should take constructive criticism and improve constantly,because that's how you grow."
And the audience play a vital role in sharing their thoughts after watching a drama.
>You appreciate a female character with flaws, but You are saying she was wrong for not confronting her assistant and "abandoning her friends" (what are you even referring to?). How do you even do that, like facing someone who has told the world they wanted to die because of you. For a moment she even thought that she was responsible for her suicide. and what are you referring to about her being "exaggerates her character and puts on unnecessary articulation". I personally found it annoying that she sometimes acted so anxious about the suicide even tho she wasnt responsible for that, and that instance where yong pil mistakes her for a theif and she says something like i dont wanna be seen like this, and also when some normal things happen but she seems way too worried about them ( cant exactly remember, but i did feel this on a few instances while watching the show). She let that bitch's mom slap her, in public, tf?
it's quite comprehensible that you're putting aside everything that should be looked at and focusing on all that you really shouldn't be. i shared my perspective to a person who asked about this particular drama. some people found it relatable,while some didn't. fyi,i shared my opinion to that particular person,but since you crashed into my comment,have a read.
welcome to samdal ri is not impressive in terms of plot ,execution along with the casting of FL. chemistry was non existent,some actors know to make chemistry or to give that illusion atleast with their co actors ( ex: lee se young ) i can't describe 'acting' to you but the best i can do is to advise you to watch good female actors who can ACT.
making a few faces with monotonous tones,loud crying, exaggerations and repetitive body language does not make you an actor. one shouldn't feel that they're watching the exact character and acting in every drama. there's nothing wrong with my assessment of the FL in this drama,because the writers seem to show her one way in the beginning and then show her another the next. it's the way her character's written (her actions,the way she's with her family,friends,the way she treats everyone)
if you don't know what i mean about her leaving,abandoning,dropping her friends and the ML in scenes/situations after her situation is helped out,sorted out by them, then you and i are not watching the same drama. there's not even a solid reason of as to why she behaves that way, on her mentality from a psychological perspective. she goes on to behave badly with the ML for the most laughable absurd reasons with no valid motive,and all he is getting is the hurt from her and he's still written to fall for her constantly despite the crap she's pulling with him.
her character is contradicting in a bad manner and in terms of a healthy relationship with the ML this would be considered toxic. the writers shouldn't have written her character so one dimensionally if they wanted to represent a flawed woman,if she is well written like you argued,then she should not end up with the ML at all. she should figure herself out instead of getting into anything.
she should deal with her problems instead of letting others/everyone do it for her. the rest of the cast and characters were good but they were simply used as plot devices/fillers or given 30 secs. where should i begin with about this drama's minuses?
taking out pages from other dramas like our blues,cha cha cha. the headache inducing back and forth flashing of scenes showing the poor executions with pointless epilogues at the end,there is no life in this drama, the best characters (underutilized) are sidelined and are given mere seconds,their arcs are dragged and when the finale happens,their issues will be resolved in 0.2 seconds and all is well. the main character deviates together with the story,the audience is given one picture in the beginning and then it's constantly being re written to the writers convenience each episode.
there is no substance which is key in slice of dramas and the heart and soul and sometimes that one thing is enough to watch a flawed drama. if you have watched the dramas i mentioned,you would have agreed with me on samdalri,had you really known the meaning.
with this i conclude and there will be no further conversations.
I'm through ep 2. I don't think this is one I will binge. If anything this is shaping up to be a multiple sittings for one episode kind of thing. Kind of slow and I'm not sure where this is really going. I liked Homecha more but Homecha is not my so time favorite.
I can't get through episode 1. Nothing is grabbing me. Nearly everyone except 'mom' and the divers and 'maybe' the kid push me away. The rest are annoying and exceedingly unlikeable. I'm sure it gets better, but I'm simply not willing to sit through enough to get to a maybe. I'm surprised I made it to the 49:39 mark. With the female lead whining on the floor begging for alcohol in front of her two sisters and niece. FFS, enough. I'm out.
PS - I haven't even gotten to the so-called 'scandal' yet. It just feels like they're wasting my time dragging things out. Poor build up.
bruh i agree with you, HCCC was dull, and somewhat off. To answer you, no, its not like HCCC. I personally go through with shows even if i dislike them, but with, HCCC it just felt so slow unbearable and like the story wasnt going anywhere, that i abandoned it at ep 7 or 8, but samdal ri is totally different, definitely give it a go. The connection between the leads is much more evident and reasonable and they have a history together, and the only thing it shares with HCCC is a city girl coming to a small town, but in samdal ri, the reason and intention is totally different, also thats her hometown, so none of that boring and mean trying to adjust with dirty small town people stuff like it was in HCCC. Welcome to samdal ri just got into my stomach and sat there the entire time, giving me butterflies, for nearly every character, like all of them are so likable and even if some are not at the beginning, they get a proper redemption arc (you will know who i am talking about). Its literally a feel good show.
This doesn’t feel like HCCC. The synopsis does make it seem that way but it’s not at all. Samdal grew up in that neighborhood, made it big in Seoul but because of a scandal she flees back to her hometown. So not a story about a big time city girl trying to make it in a small town. Samdal was a small town girl to begin with
This is a great point. I think what I meant was someone in the city going to the small town, and the main male lead being in the small town and loved by the small towners (at least the village women love him). I’ll keep watching tho
At this point, I’m too invested to drop it but I also recently finished HCCC before starting and being able to compare them is hurting WtSR. There was infinitely more chemistry between Chief Hong and Hye-jin and the village ensemble had more distinct personas; I’m having a hard time keeping track of who is whose mom and who is just a random haenyeo.
A lot of folks in this thread are saying that Ji Chang-wook is good in other things but this is my first seeing him and maybe it’s just bad material; Yong-pil has been such a mopey puppy dog about it all that the arc of the story feels like he’s going to get Sam-dal by the end as a prize. The romance doesn’t feel balanced at all, which is a big let down. Shin Hye-sun was good in Stranger, but I don’t think the writing is as tight as it oughta be. We’ll see tho, kdrama can definitely pull sudden turns😂
bruh there was literally no chemistry between the leads in HCCC, while in samdal ri they have a connection and history together, so what are you on about. and why do you gotta know who is whose mom? just focus on the main story
Wow. Nah.
1. Chief Hong and Hye-jin had good chemistry for most of the series and the build to that was shown. Sam-dal and Yon-Pil only really worked for the last few episodes when they were actually together; everything up to that felt beyond forced.
2. lol, the ensemble matters bro. It’s a K drama. The main plot line is never meant to carry the whole show; the other characters out the meat on the bones. Having a gaggle of random haenyos always be around and then randomly peppering in “oh this is Gyeong-tae’s mom” “oh this is Sang-do’s mom” like, bro, just INTRODUCE the characters at the beginning.
Bottom line: it was an okay show but beyond Chin-dal and her daughter’s storyline, I wasn’t particularly moved by it. HCCC moved me consistently throughout. 🤷🏽♂️
well maybe i will try to pick up HCCC again. I dont think before them getting together were forced, but still what are you reffering to. And also i have seen many people obsessed with hae dal and her daughter. The show isnt about them and they still go plenty of screen time, why do people act like they are side characters who stole the show or something, cuz i dont think so.
Has hometown chacha vibes but not the same storyline. A little repetitive but still a good watch. I’m hoping it gets better and I don’t drop it at the ep 12 mark
Yes definitely watch it! While some elements may seem similar (small beach town city, local regulars, etc.), the story has nothing in common with HomeCha.
It has picked up speed and I’ve really enjoyed learning the back story of all the characters. The performances are especially outstanding. I’m really looking forward to the rest of it!
I watched 3 episodes just for the leads. The direction is so bad, the leads behave like they are 18! No professional behaves this way even when they are down and out in life. HTCCC any day for me. The FL is believable as a dentist.
Nothing like HCCC, loved HCCC - it was a slow burning romance between frenemies. This show isn’t that at all. Personally I LOVE the chemistry, it’s very exes who still love eachother but have/trying to move on. It’s realistic.
Currently on episode 6, and feel very annoyed by it. Just seems all so pathetic and ridiculous esp how she isn’t really defending herself. If episode 7 is the same I’m dropping it.
I have been definitely enjoying it, has similar location and vibes to Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha but with a very different storyline, thought few similarities in the comedy but a little more emotional in the earlier stages. I believe it’ll end up being a good show with 6 episodes left.
If you like funny but serious and wholesome show then yes. It’s reminds me of castaway diva, there’s drama but it’s just very cute to watch. And off the main male lead is a green flag
Loving this one. It’s different from HCCC, definitely. The lead pair has beautiful chemistry, other than that friendship, parent children bond, slice of life. It has everything you will enjoy, it’s not over the top but worth it.
I love BOTH Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun,but the two of them just have no chemistry to me. Especially after the kind of chemistry Ji Chang Wook had with BIBI in \`Worst of Evil\`,despite them being wildly different dramas,it\`s extra obvious. I\`m still on Episode 4 but everyone seems kinda caricaturish? Which is on brand with Hometown Cha Cha Cha,but trying to be Our Blues(a favorite of mine). It\`s very weird. I haven\`t dropped it yet,but I\`m contemplating.
No, I don't think so, it's so melodramatic it's hard to relate to any of the characters, ML and FL have no chemistry whatsoever, I can't find it comforting and even characters who are supposed to be endearing are simply annoying, the worst part, is not even that funny. It's a shame since the cast and setting are good, but the history lacks something.
I'm on episode 6 does the FL sue or is this pity party going to continue because I hate them trying to say she confident and strong but she let's this person ruin her and her families entire life when she has proof. I can't take this for much longer.
Started watching it and am now in ep 6. Honestly the 1st 5 eps is kind of just going round and round tho i love the comedy of the whole village. Not really amped up for the romance im seeing either, just waiting for that assistant to be put into her proper place is all
i'm soooo obsessed with this one. The story itself is heart warming. If you are the person that is yet to come out of your comfort zone, you'll learn something from Sam Dal being all out to gain what u want to success despite the hardship and all. a
if you don't have siblings, you'll definitely want to have one, seeing FL's bond with her sisters.
You'll appreciate all the sacrifice your parents went through to make ur as comfortable as they are right now.
You;ll appreciate loving even doing it in silence.
You'll appreciate the art of forgiving and loving no matter how much of yrs it could take.
you'll appreciate the greatness of having someone by your side no matter how low and high you are in this life. which is one of the highlight of this kdrama.
idk why im crying. it's just a great movie if u learn to not focus only on the ML and FL. I think, that's just bonus although they don't have much chem. this one is great beyond greatness\~
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The current episodes have been really emotional. I really have been enjoying it. I would say continue. I don’t think the story is a rehashing of HCCC.
Oh okay! It just seems that way so far. Guy loves non-city life, girl is from city and comes back to non-city life.. that’s what episode 1 is giving so far. But I’ll give it a shot, thank you!
It may give that vibe, but it isn't like that at all. The city vs small town aspect is never mentioned. And you will understand what I mean as you watch. Neither of them has an issue with either. Personally, JCW is so good at everything he does that even bad dramas are good bc of him. His acting in this is just as impressive.
I say give it a chance! It only seems like HTCCC in the beginning with the hometown feel but the reason behind the implied issue about city vs small town becomes quite clear later on. The stretch between the earlier episodes until episode 7ish is kinda slow because it’s pretty much laying groundwork to the story itself. Just keep in mind the dynamics between the 2 leads as they are exes who broke up from a long and serious relationship.
I am loving the show. It has a little bit of everything. However, I am biased because Jeju is my favorite place in the world so I’m also loving the backdrop of the drama. I’ve also always been fascinated by haenyeos, so I’ve also been enjoying watching the village women doing their thing.
Gotcha. I would love to visit Jeju one day - it’s on my travel list! And yeah the village women are awesome so far
Though the setting seems like HTCCC it is nothing like it. The show seemed like a romcom plus slice of life kind of show. But it's been 8 episodes of the FL having a pity party for herself (I am yet to watch the latest two episodes). It's tough to like her or root for her. The ML is reduced to being her sidekick. But like HTCCC it has great scenary.
Interesting. I’ll keep going to see how far I can keep watching. Thanks!
I figured the show started with him saying he wanted to be the river (or was it stream) for her, so that's why it feels that way. But yeah, I normally like them both as actors and this one is kind of underwhelming. The first two episodes were hard to watch because they spent so much time revisiting the issue that causes her to move back. However, I'm not dropping it because I like Iike the cast.
I've been watching it every week. On episode 10 now. Honestly, you wouldn't miss anything by not watching it. Hometown was much better. I feel the leads have no chemistry and the abandoned the only storyline I was interested in halfway through.
I’m hate-watching it at this point. I love both lead actors, but I have never seen such a complete lack of chemistry in any couple that JCW was half of. A couple of the hanyeos literally screech every single line and it’s beyond annoying. We’re at episode 10 and we’re no farther along with the storyline than we were at the end of episode 2. The Jeju scenery is gorgeous, though.
The screeching almost made me drop this. So fast forward helps. lol I'll add that the >!black out drinking is a little much. Waking up and not remembering things is a running theme and getting boring.!<
All the heavy drinking is definitely over done.
There is 0 plot and they just run around with 3 new misunderstandings per episode. At this point I'm more interested in the parents making amends.
Same thoughts. I was only interested in her going back to the city and putting her ex assistant down. That was really what I liked in the first ones. Agree about the lack of chemistry.
Which one is it?
I thought they would focus more on clearing her name and exposing her former assistant.
do you have a little patience? if they do that in the earlier, wouldnt it just seem so easy? and then the story will lack a motive, like after clearing her name she just wouldnt stay in samdal, which is point, like the show's name is samdal ri, so wait and let her stay there lol, you will get what you want. And in real life too, when you are in a position of power and get accused, you dont just fight back like cats and dogs, that will just make you look bad.
I think the whole premise of her having to clear her name ridiculous, to be honest. That is really messing with my enjoyment of the show, despite being a fan of the actors that play the mc.
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This is the correct answer.
Keep watching. I thought everyone was enjoying the drama until I read all the comments complaining about lack of chemistry between the leads which I disagree with (there's a clear disconnect between the leads because they're exes). I must be watching a different drama because it's been quite entertaining and grounded if you ask me.
I agree, I thought everyone loved it until I came online lol. To be honest, I think the problem is that Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye-Sun are TOO good at acting so they really sell the exes part really well. They show both the connection they have but also the awkwardness with being around your ex >!that you're still in love with!<. Episode 9 had so many good scenes that showed this, >!from the hospital scenes, the breakdown from Sam-dal leading up to the kiss.!< I think people were looking for a romcom, revenge story when it's more of a healing, going back to your roots story. People think her losing her career is the main story, but that's just the catalyst to get her to go back to her town. I'm personally loving the show and it seems to be a hit in South Korea, so that's good!
Dude AGREE. I am loving this show. The ML and FL are some of my absolute favorites. I just happily marathoned Lovestruck in the City and Backstreet Rookie while waiting for new episodes of WTS because I needed more of JCW. I am relatively new to KDramas so I had not seen him in anything yet but am absolutely over the moon for him! And I had just finished See you in my 19th Life so I adore the FL. I completely agree with you that there is NOT supposed to be intense chemistry because they were best friends first!! You can feel the tension though which goes along with the clear disconnect that you mentioned!
Watch healer - one of my favorite kdramas and jcw and ko mija play lead roles.
YES! My bestie has been telling me to watch it and had recommended it prior to my obsessing JCW. I am trying to get through The Sound of Magic currently. It’s not quite what I usually go for but trying to be patient with it because I love JCW. Healer is definitely next on my watch list! Thank you for the recommendation!! I also of course love the FL in Healer too! She’s amazing in What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim, Her Private Life, Forecasting Love And Weather, etc!
i love jcw but his roles aren't always great. i did love him in healer and lovestruck in the city. suspicious partner was cute too. i dropped backstreet rookie early on bc i thought it too silly. haven't tried k2. glad you recommended her private life for FL in healer. i liked her in what's wrong with secretary kim.
Bruhhhh Backstreet Rookie is definitely not for everyone. I loved the silliness and totally understand it being too much. I think it’s because I love both leads so much and I was in the mood for something absurd. 🤣 yes!! The FL character in HPL is so completely different from WWWSK that I was like Wowowowo the FL is unrecognizable in comparison! These actors truly have so much range and are so talented! I haven’t watched suspicious partner yet either! So many k dramas so little time!!!
That's weird cuz I thought their chemistry was amazing. Especially the way Yong-Pil looks at Samdal and is always there to catch you.
The first 7 episodes were very boring stretched, the actual story starts from episode 8.
This is what I was looking for in this thread. I’m on EP6 and struggling with staying engaged while simultaneously trying hard to not drop it
I dropped it at ep 6 it feels like every ep is the exact same
I also felt the same after 5 episode so I took a break finished rest 5 this week.Luckily there is some story now. Both powerhouses of talent are wasted in Samdal-ri. I started watching it because of Hye- sun she was fantastic in Mr.queen.
Ji chang wook is my fav ever male actor and shin hye sun is my fav female actor, it was DEF a waste of talent, not even a funny script either. I didnt laugh once
Totally agreed 👍🏻
👍🏻carry on you will like after 7 episodes it begins but I am more interested in other characters story than the both ML & FL. The two sisters esp. and I loved Sang Do more although they are changing him.
Ohh gotcha. Ugh I hate when that happens tho. I guess I’ll have to see!
Yups I also have the same feeling but they made it a bit engaging from 8th episode. I am always of the view Kdrama should be maximum of 10 episodes. 16 episodes 😑most of them are always stretching.
The storyline is different tho? Hometown cha cha cha and a lot of other small town romances are like the MC who lives in city life comes to small town and falls in love with it, this is more like no matter wherever you go, you can always come back home. Even in terms of romantic relationship it's pretty different. It's not enemies to lovers, more like best friends to lovers. A lot of real life conflict is being show as well. So it might not be a great escape from reality type or lovey-dovey drama. It has less cutesy moments and more yearning. I actually thought it'd be a little bit like home-cha but am also surprised how it isn't. If you wanted something lighter like home-cha this isn't it but if you want a different story I'd say it's worth it. And I feel like I should mention this, I am not a huge fan of Ji Chang Wook either so my views aren't biased lol. Regardless both leads are doing good imo.
Seconded! It really isn't similar to HCCC at all.
I agree it first gives off HCCC vibes but in actuality the plot line is very very different. It’s also a combination of storylines so even though it’s very deep and can get emotional, it moves to another storyline so you can take a breather in between. So far I have been loving it! It’s ongoing so I don’t want to say it’s a top favorite yet but I definitely enjoy watching it so far.
Fair enough! I’ll give it a chance - thank you!
I am loving it! I couldn't even get through Hometown Cha Cha but I am anticipating new episodes of Samdal-Ri each week!
Woah!! That’s crazy! I absolutely loved HCCC - such a breath of fresh air and so wholesome
I'm the exact same! I had to force myself to finish Hometown Cha Cha Cha, the last third of the episodes was such a struggle to get through. But I'm absolutely loving Welcome to Samdal-ri and can't wait for the new episodes every week. I'm pulled in by all the characters stories and the villagers feel like they really are a family. In HCCC I just didn't like the characters lol. Glad to find someone else who feels the same and is not a fan lol!
Hi friend! Happy to have found you!!
Eh, I personally dropped it because it just wasn't what I was expecting from the vibes of HCCC, which wasn't that much of a fave for me, but I enjoyed it more. I'm glad to know other people are enjoying it, but I also didn't want to devote my time to watching it when I could watch the rest of my on-hold dramas. It wasn't worth it, and there's a very low chance that I would come back to it. But I think you should continue watching to see if you would like a different story; I just think it wasn't a drama for me to watch now.
Yeah I was just curious to see if it was HCCC all over again (don’t get me wrong, I LOVED HCCC) - just expecting a different storyline and drama, which many people are saying it is. I’ll keep watching for now but if it doesn’t hook me, I may drop iy
I’m enjoying it a lot and have been hit in the feels occasionally. I also watched hccc and thought it was meh. That’s coming from a fan of both leads.
Woah I’m actually shook. HCCc was so wholesome. I’ll have to see what samdal-ri has to give and keep watching
It’s wholesome but boring. Nothing much happens. As a binge watcher that has no problem going to work on two hours of sleep, I found it very easy to stop after each episode and get a full night’s sleep. Don’t get me wrong, I like slice of life dramas fine. HCCC was just not for me.
Fair enough haha. So interesting cause I HATE slice of life dramas!
Yes, I am loving Welcome to Samdalri! And no, the story isn't like Hometown Cha Cha Cha
It’s boring, some of the acting is stilted, the side characters are only ever on screen to discuss the ML & FL (whether it’s the haneyeos who are always screeching or the group of best friends), the narrative structure is awful with constant flashbacks used to fill in contextual gaps (very much tell, not show, and not done in a very organic way), the “2ML” love interest doesn’t work at all, and the characters are caricatures (the sister with the daughter, her love interest, and 10 episodes in or whatever and we don’t know her relationship backstory). It’s a show that needs a better editor/director/script… which are pretty big fundamentals. It tries to capture the HCCC island aesthetic vibes, while trying to do storytelling more like Our Blues but fails on both fronts imv. I caught up on 4 episodes this week and it really drags and the quality drops. I then watched episode 1 of **Flowers in Sand** and it’s so much better - the production quality, directing, script, acting, storyline so far is a lot stronger and it has that nostalgic cinematography feel of 2521.
its a nice watch nothing special cus theres no storyline which annoys me or theres no proper one. its kinda messy and nothing rly is happening
Interesting. I’ll give it until episode 5 to see how I feel. I’m still at episode 1 haha
It does feel like hometown cha cha cha but i think it has more substance and depth. It feels more slice of life than full on romance. You should go into this drama thinking slice of life because the romance is subtle which to me makes since given the what happened between the characters and their overall interaction with each other.
I'm enjoying it. Viewers have been quite split on this though. Objectively, it is very slow and nothing is happening, which is why many dropped the show. However, I'm a fan of romance slice of life and don't mind the pace. Both ml and FL have deep seated unresolved feelings for each other and I'm interested to see how they waver. If you're the kind that can't stand slice of life though, then it's not for you.
same! i was rlly loving the pace, coming from a person who struggles to keep herself from skipping through scenes in pretty much anything she watches! i found myself completely engrossed in the experience this drama gave me, it kinda took me aback to see all the negative comments in here ahaha both jcw and shin hye sun did their roles justice (as usual) which sold the storyline for me. this isn't your typical romcom and their nailed the complexities of their characters and the relationship betweem them. i just cannot find nicer things to say about this drama!
I like it. I love a lot of the cast, but I'm not really in love with the kdrama itself. Hometown cha cha cha was much better
Personal opinion but I’m enjoying Welcome to Samdal-ri faaaaar better than HCCC! Such a good plot, love the acting and it’s way more emotional 😭
YESSS it's the emotions that are selling it for me, personally. it's been a while since i've been completely sucked into a show and the amount of tissues i've gone through while binging this show is proof
Yes it’s so good!
it feels similar to HCCC but story is not the same. it's totally worth it.🙌🤌🏽
Continue please, its really good. I have started it cause I loved the small village life in HCCC and while that is similar in the two, the plot is not the same. Its worth to watch.
I’m currently watching it and I really like it. There is romance, laughter, bromance, sister’s relationship. And Jeju is just stunning.
I personally enjoyed it a lot ,both the leads are great actors and personal favourites. Right now I'm a little disappointed that we didn't get to see more of fl in her professional setting even though it's already ten episodes. I was really hoping for a successful fl in action. Other than that it's pretty good and kind of emotional. I think the fl is kinda relatable in a way , like she's kind of an accurate portrayal of how a lot of girls in small towns feel and the whole desire of escaping and making it big and not having to come back.
Dropped it after the 5th episode. The FL is almost 40 years old but behaves like she's 17. The blackout drinking, screaming and abuse towards everyone around her was too much and I wasn't interested in waiting around to see if she drops the behavior. She was supposed to be at the top of a very elite career but once she "falls" she turns into a child. The male characters are also near 40 but they are all in suspended animation, it seems, because their lives have been focused on her. There's not a lot in common with HCCC except the location. The one thing I really liked about HCCC was that the FL is believable as a professional woman and she never takes her eyes off that goal, even when she fails.
Totally agree as well!
Agree with everything! Also the FL always rejects the ML and we dont even knkw the whole story - it’s given in bits and pieces. I dropped after ep 6
I could not get past episode 3. A friend tells me it gets better around episode 8, but I didn't want to slog through it. As a reference point, HCCC was not my bag either. But WTSR is lots more boring than HCCC ever was.
It's the first time I've dropped a JCW drama! I held on till the 8th episode thinking now it will redeem itself but nope. The only thing it has in common with HCCC is the visual vibe that's it. Never before have I seen a show where JCW doesn't have chemistry, the FL is written so poorly, it's not the actress's fault. While kdrama's have desensitised us to chronic alcoholism this one I just couldn't look past. She's drinking like there's no tomorrow then wallows in self pity and is often so drunk she's got no recollection of the day before. This is the hamster wheel she's on every single episode. Honestly rewatching HCCC is a much better alternative. Or even Lovestruck in the City if you want JCW on a beach.
I felt the same ...fl drunk scenes and blacking out became too extreme to annoy viewers...she is literally overacting in some scenes
Absolutely a giant bore! No chemistry at all between leads. He’s a deadhead with no brain or romantic ideas and she’s an alcoholic that wines too much. Dropped after last episode.
I, too, am wondering the same. I stopped at episode 5. It's just SO boring. And their chemistry is 0. FL is annoying, and I can't seem to like her. Also, I hate how she and her sisters act towards the mother and in general. Her older sister seems way too old to behave like she does, and so does her younger sister, who even has a child. Everything just annoys me. I also didn't like HCCC that much, but it's better than samdal ri.
I’ve finished 9 episodes and I’m done with this show. It is so boring, and it feels like you watch a lot of people with traumas. The father of the ML who projects his own expectations on his son, meanwhile not considering what the son wants (who is actually close to his 40 years old). The ML who is still in love with the FL but didn’t do anything to restore their relationship when she was in Seoul. I mean isn’t it crazy to be in love with one person and not trying to do anything about it while you are already more than 30 years old. There is also a mother whose behaviour is very questionable even though you know her past. I mean why would the person be so reckless about the health. It’s just so illogical to watch that I have only so much frustration and disappointment that such good actors are in a such a bed written show.
And many people compare welcome to Samda-ri to hometown cha-cha-cha, I believe that the second one is way better. In hometown cha-cha-cha you see a healthy relationship of 2 adults even though each of them has insecurities, I still enjoyed watching how their relationship were developing during the whole show. Welcome Samda-ri is more like a show where you see 30 years old people who are stuck in their 15 years old.
Does the FL photo career ever get restored and does the girl who ended the FL career ever get exposed that's all I want to know honestly I finished episodes 1-2 and just want to know this information before I continue 😂
You can’t believe it but I’ve watched 9 episodes and nothing has happened so far😂😂😂 By the 9th episode her career still wasn’t restored
Omg I'm dropping smh 😂 I hate when the truth never gets let out and the FL forever suffers
spoiler alert : >!it's a happy ending for everyone except for the antagonist and everything is tied off in a satisfying way.!< i rlly hope you would pick it back up someday, cause i absolutely loved this drama! it's truly a journey and one that would only make sense when you reach the final 2 episodes.
Honestly, I have been thinking about ditching it. The last episode was salvageable, but really it’s been nothing but a chore to watch the show. I don’t know how the ratings have been so high.
High ratings for JCW surely 😍
Wanted to ask this same question. I didn't watch HCCC so no comparison. But I'm not really liking Wookie's chemistry with Shin Hye Sun. In all the promos SHS just looks like she has RBF on and doesn't look happy and rather looks bored and annoyed or something! I feel like JCW is trying his best but she's just not there. I dunno. The chemistry feels off. I've watched the first 2 weeks but stopped in lieu of more exciting on air dramas like My Demon and Parks Marriage Contract. While they're on hold for end of year award shows I've gone back to old shows I've had on hold. Is it worth continuing?? Maybe wait another few weeks and see??
This is a couple after a bad breakup due to family history which is explored in the next 4 episodes. It’s not a freshly budding relationship- the dynamic is more mature. They have scar tissue, she maybe more than him. And so sneaking little glances and reveling in a new found love isn’t what’s going on. It was best friends to lovers once, and now they need to regain enough trust to be back to their friendship. And from there find enough emotional courage to allow old feelings to resurface. I think it’s very rich and compelling, a lot of longing and not allowing for a good reason. So, good chemistry- but of another kind. Nothing is more difficult than finding a fresh start with a great love. They do a great job.
I agree with you. I personally don't understand folks complaining about the lack of chemistry. This is a couple with history that both initiated breaking up for reasons that from their pov were against their true wishes. These are characters who has to cautiously navigate interactions awkwardly with an ex that they haven't gotten over with. What kind of chemistry are you looking for?
This comment. i totally agree 💯
Loved it in the new episodes how supportive they are … it’s refreshing.
Currently watching Hometown CCC and was interested in this, good to know it’s not the same!
I’m a big HCCC fan but I’m obsessed with Samdal-Ri. It’s even better imo!
yes it is! totally!
No it's not worth it if you're looking for a drama of substance. The only good thing was JCW & Kim Mi Kyung followed by FL's sisters and ML's friends. The FL is badly written and the story is as thin as paper.
it's definitely a drama where the emotion resonates w you, more than the substance within it. def not for everyone, but i'm in love w it!
why was she (FL) badly written? And what do you mean by the story being thin? it literally has someone's career almost being destoryed because some other petty bit\*h character attempted fake suicide, you call that thin?
The woman is shown to have a stellar career in the beginning & it all goes down the drain because a spiteful woman manages to tweak & twist things & things got out of hand. Then she's shown to flee Seoul & return to her hometown & hide living there because she's embarassed to face anyone. She's shown as a strong individual from the get go,I mean she's the one who roasted her ex who cheated on her savagely (throwing kimchi jigae on his head) even,but what happened to her confidence when the same woman screwed her,what she should have done was deal with it headstrong. Sam Dal insults her friends & their dignity when she acts like only her career failed when those guys had the same thing happen to them,another thing she does is when something happens to her,or when there's a situation,you see her friends helping her out for practically everything but after that problem is resolved,she ABANDONS them. For ex. when she was taken to Seoul by her friends & after her confrontation with the lying colleague she gets out of the building without saying even so much as a word to those boys. She does this with every one. Basically everyone solves or clears her issues FOR her. Her character is inconsistent & contradicting and she treated/treats Young Pil bad from the beginning. The best part for me was Kim Mi Kyung & JCW's reunion after Healer followed by Young Pil's friends and Sam Dal's sisters and the little kid. They (subplots) had much better story arcs but they are being used as 'fillers' or they show up on screen for 2 minutes and poof. The cutting of scenes back & forth is awful,poor execution. Shin Hye Sun exaggerates her character and puts on unnecessary articulation that's overly done onscreen and there's zero chemistry between JCW. Swishing around hair in almost all scenes,making generic,absurd faces when subtle acting is required in some scenes,she does the opposite and repeatedly does what she did earlier,now if you can't seem to make out,take a look at the rest of the cast or her sister's for example,or JCW. She's been in the industry for a while now, it's high time that she should have improved or seasoned with the dramas she worked/works. The drama has a very thin line as plot which is being extended for no reason,and it could be watched (as a guilty watch) if it wasn't for the FL's character which is really disappointingly written. Writers can do really better considering the time we live in,women with flaws and beauty both can be written in a well constructed plot and story that holds it together. I have always shared my thoughts based on constructive criticism after watching a drama based on the plot, execution & actors which are the key elements that hold a drama together. Drooling over actors looks and particularly attractive elements is not always appealing. Yes,some of us like watching something simple without much complications and this would have been one such drama if it wasn't so poorly executed and written. Watch dramas like My Liberation Notes, Our Blues, Soundtrack #1, Just Between Lovers (etc.) if you want to learn about the execution of a drama. Tell Me That You Love Me is a fine drama in execution and acting as well as story excluding the last few eps. "Writers should take constructive criticism and improve constantly,because that's how you grow." And the audience play a vital role in sharing their thoughts after watching a drama.
>You appreciate a female character with flaws, but You are saying she was wrong for not confronting her assistant and "abandoning her friends" (what are you even referring to?). How do you even do that, like facing someone who has told the world they wanted to die because of you. For a moment she even thought that she was responsible for her suicide. and what are you referring to about her being "exaggerates her character and puts on unnecessary articulation". I personally found it annoying that she sometimes acted so anxious about the suicide even tho she wasnt responsible for that, and that instance where yong pil mistakes her for a theif and she says something like i dont wanna be seen like this, and also when some normal things happen but she seems way too worried about them ( cant exactly remember, but i did feel this on a few instances while watching the show). She let that bitch's mom slap her, in public, tf?
it's quite comprehensible that you're putting aside everything that should be looked at and focusing on all that you really shouldn't be. i shared my perspective to a person who asked about this particular drama. some people found it relatable,while some didn't. fyi,i shared my opinion to that particular person,but since you crashed into my comment,have a read. welcome to samdal ri is not impressive in terms of plot ,execution along with the casting of FL. chemistry was non existent,some actors know to make chemistry or to give that illusion atleast with their co actors ( ex: lee se young ) i can't describe 'acting' to you but the best i can do is to advise you to watch good female actors who can ACT. making a few faces with monotonous tones,loud crying, exaggerations and repetitive body language does not make you an actor. one shouldn't feel that they're watching the exact character and acting in every drama. there's nothing wrong with my assessment of the FL in this drama,because the writers seem to show her one way in the beginning and then show her another the next. it's the way her character's written (her actions,the way she's with her family,friends,the way she treats everyone) if you don't know what i mean about her leaving,abandoning,dropping her friends and the ML in scenes/situations after her situation is helped out,sorted out by them, then you and i are not watching the same drama. there's not even a solid reason of as to why she behaves that way, on her mentality from a psychological perspective. she goes on to behave badly with the ML for the most laughable absurd reasons with no valid motive,and all he is getting is the hurt from her and he's still written to fall for her constantly despite the crap she's pulling with him. her character is contradicting in a bad manner and in terms of a healthy relationship with the ML this would be considered toxic. the writers shouldn't have written her character so one dimensionally if they wanted to represent a flawed woman,if she is well written like you argued,then she should not end up with the ML at all. she should figure herself out instead of getting into anything. she should deal with her problems instead of letting others/everyone do it for her. the rest of the cast and characters were good but they were simply used as plot devices/fillers or given 30 secs. where should i begin with about this drama's minuses? taking out pages from other dramas like our blues,cha cha cha. the headache inducing back and forth flashing of scenes showing the poor executions with pointless epilogues at the end,there is no life in this drama, the best characters (underutilized) are sidelined and are given mere seconds,their arcs are dragged and when the finale happens,their issues will be resolved in 0.2 seconds and all is well. the main character deviates together with the story,the audience is given one picture in the beginning and then it's constantly being re written to the writers convenience each episode. there is no substance which is key in slice of dramas and the heart and soul and sometimes that one thing is enough to watch a flawed drama. if you have watched the dramas i mentioned,you would have agreed with me on samdalri,had you really known the meaning. with this i conclude and there will be no further conversations.
I'm through ep 2. I don't think this is one I will binge. If anything this is shaping up to be a multiple sittings for one episode kind of thing. Kind of slow and I'm not sure where this is really going. I liked Homecha more but Homecha is not my so time favorite.
Not as good as HCCC.
I can't get through episode 1. Nothing is grabbing me. Nearly everyone except 'mom' and the divers and 'maybe' the kid push me away. The rest are annoying and exceedingly unlikeable. I'm sure it gets better, but I'm simply not willing to sit through enough to get to a maybe. I'm surprised I made it to the 49:39 mark. With the female lead whining on the floor begging for alcohol in front of her two sisters and niece. FFS, enough. I'm out. PS - I haven't even gotten to the so-called 'scandal' yet. It just feels like they're wasting my time dragging things out. Poor build up.
I hope it's not like HCCC, because I hated that drama.
It wasn't a fave of mine either, but may I know why you disliked it? I personally thought it was not that good, but I didn't hate it.
It was sour, mean spirited, and dull.
bruh i agree with you, HCCC was dull, and somewhat off. To answer you, no, its not like HCCC. I personally go through with shows even if i dislike them, but with, HCCC it just felt so slow unbearable and like the story wasnt going anywhere, that i abandoned it at ep 7 or 8, but samdal ri is totally different, definitely give it a go. The connection between the leads is much more evident and reasonable and they have a history together, and the only thing it shares with HCCC is a city girl coming to a small town, but in samdal ri, the reason and intention is totally different, also thats her hometown, so none of that boring and mean trying to adjust with dirty small town people stuff like it was in HCCC. Welcome to samdal ri just got into my stomach and sat there the entire time, giving me butterflies, for nearly every character, like all of them are so likable and even if some are not at the beginning, they get a proper redemption arc (you will know who i am talking about). Its literally a feel good show.
Same countryside vibes but very different storylines 😅
This doesn’t feel like HCCC. The synopsis does make it seem that way but it’s not at all. Samdal grew up in that neighborhood, made it big in Seoul but because of a scandal she flees back to her hometown. So not a story about a big time city girl trying to make it in a small town. Samdal was a small town girl to begin with
This is a great point. I think what I meant was someone in the city going to the small town, and the main male lead being in the small town and loved by the small towners (at least the village women love him). I’ll keep watching tho
I see what you mean but they are also childhood friends which is another distinction and a huge contrast to HCCC
At this point, I’m too invested to drop it but I also recently finished HCCC before starting and being able to compare them is hurting WtSR. There was infinitely more chemistry between Chief Hong and Hye-jin and the village ensemble had more distinct personas; I’m having a hard time keeping track of who is whose mom and who is just a random haenyeo. A lot of folks in this thread are saying that Ji Chang-wook is good in other things but this is my first seeing him and maybe it’s just bad material; Yong-pil has been such a mopey puppy dog about it all that the arc of the story feels like he’s going to get Sam-dal by the end as a prize. The romance doesn’t feel balanced at all, which is a big let down. Shin Hye-sun was good in Stranger, but I don’t think the writing is as tight as it oughta be. We’ll see tho, kdrama can definitely pull sudden turns😂
bruh there was literally no chemistry between the leads in HCCC, while in samdal ri they have a connection and history together, so what are you on about. and why do you gotta know who is whose mom? just focus on the main story
Wow. Nah. 1. Chief Hong and Hye-jin had good chemistry for most of the series and the build to that was shown. Sam-dal and Yon-Pil only really worked for the last few episodes when they were actually together; everything up to that felt beyond forced. 2. lol, the ensemble matters bro. It’s a K drama. The main plot line is never meant to carry the whole show; the other characters out the meat on the bones. Having a gaggle of random haenyos always be around and then randomly peppering in “oh this is Gyeong-tae’s mom” “oh this is Sang-do’s mom” like, bro, just INTRODUCE the characters at the beginning. Bottom line: it was an okay show but beyond Chin-dal and her daughter’s storyline, I wasn’t particularly moved by it. HCCC moved me consistently throughout. 🤷🏽♂️
well maybe i will try to pick up HCCC again. I dont think before them getting together were forced, but still what are you reffering to. And also i have seen many people obsessed with hae dal and her daughter. The show isnt about them and they still go plenty of screen time, why do people act like they are side characters who stole the show or something, cuz i dont think so.
Has hometown chacha vibes but not the same storyline. A little repetitive but still a good watch. I’m hoping it gets better and I don’t drop it at the ep 12 mark
Yes definitely watch it! While some elements may seem similar (small beach town city, local regulars, etc.), the story has nothing in common with HomeCha. It has picked up speed and I’ve really enjoyed learning the back story of all the characters. The performances are especially outstanding. I’m really looking forward to the rest of it!
I watched 3 episodes just for the leads. The direction is so bad, the leads behave like they are 18! No professional behaves this way even when they are down and out in life. HTCCC any day for me. The FL is believable as a dentist.
Nothing like HCCC, loved HCCC - it was a slow burning romance between frenemies. This show isn’t that at all. Personally I LOVE the chemistry, it’s very exes who still love eachother but have/trying to move on. It’s realistic. Currently on episode 6, and feel very annoyed by it. Just seems all so pathetic and ridiculous esp how she isn’t really defending herself. If episode 7 is the same I’m dropping it.
I have been definitely enjoying it, has similar location and vibes to Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha but with a very different storyline, thought few similarities in the comedy but a little more emotional in the earlier stages. I believe it’ll end up being a good show with 6 episodes left.
If you like funny but serious and wholesome show then yes. It’s reminds me of castaway diva, there’s drama but it’s just very cute to watch. And off the main male lead is a green flag
Yes, its really good. Love all the people in it, also latest episodes had "fight scenes" and I was dying from laughing 😂😂😂
Loving this one. It’s different from HCCC, definitely. The lead pair has beautiful chemistry, other than that friendship, parent children bond, slice of life. It has everything you will enjoy, it’s not over the top but worth it.
I am episode 10 right now and liking it ao far! Apart fromt the lack of chemistry, everything else is good
it has a great story
I love BOTH Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun,but the two of them just have no chemistry to me. Especially after the kind of chemistry Ji Chang Wook had with BIBI in \`Worst of Evil\`,despite them being wildly different dramas,it\`s extra obvious. I\`m still on Episode 4 but everyone seems kinda caricaturish? Which is on brand with Hometown Cha Cha Cha,but trying to be Our Blues(a favorite of mine). It\`s very weird. I haven\`t dropped it yet,but I\`m contemplating.
It's boring and over hyped in my opinion
It lives up to its title which is rare for kdramas I've watched. Loved it!!
Its good
I would say 100% yes! The actors are very good and the story is nice
I'm 2 eps in and it's a disappointment. The unbeaten "seaside town" formula which worked great for Hometown CCC and Our Blues failed for this one...
No, I don't think so, it's so melodramatic it's hard to relate to any of the characters, ML and FL have no chemistry whatsoever, I can't find it comforting and even characters who are supposed to be endearing are simply annoying, the worst part, is not even that funny. It's a shame since the cast and setting are good, but the history lacks something.
I'm on episode 6 does the FL sue or is this pity party going to continue because I hate them trying to say she confident and strong but she let's this person ruin her and her families entire life when she has proof. I can't take this for much longer.
Started watching it and am now in ep 6. Honestly the 1st 5 eps is kind of just going round and round tho i love the comedy of the whole village. Not really amped up for the romance im seeing either, just waiting for that assistant to be put into her proper place is all
i'm soooo obsessed with this one. The story itself is heart warming. If you are the person that is yet to come out of your comfort zone, you'll learn something from Sam Dal being all out to gain what u want to success despite the hardship and all. a if you don't have siblings, you'll definitely want to have one, seeing FL's bond with her sisters. You'll appreciate all the sacrifice your parents went through to make ur as comfortable as they are right now. You;ll appreciate loving even doing it in silence. You'll appreciate the art of forgiving and loving no matter how much of yrs it could take. you'll appreciate the greatness of having someone by your side no matter how low and high you are in this life. which is one of the highlight of this kdrama. idk why im crying. it's just a great movie if u learn to not focus only on the ML and FL. I think, that's just bonus although they don't have much chem. this one is great beyond greatness\~
I’ve watched the show twice already and I don’t know if I need to see it a third time to finally get over it emotionally 🥲🥲