Virgin River enthusiasts have discovered a romantic drama on Netflix with an eerily alike plotline, originating from far across the globe.
Unlike the American-based series, this international show also depicts a young medical professional’s experience of love in a quaint hamlet.
In the Korean series Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, we meet Yoon Hye-jin (portrayed by Shin Min-a), a dentist who relocates from bustling Seoul to the idyllic coastal village of Gongjin due to upheaval in her life.
There she becomes acquainted with Hong Du-sik (Kim Seon-ho), the local handyman revered by villagers for always being on hand to solve their dilemmas.
Viewers familiar with all six seasons of Virgin River may find the premise recognisable, yet numerous fans staunchly argue that this K-drama far outshines its American counterpart, reports the Mirror US.
One viewer exclaimed on the shows subreddit, “I think I have discovered the K-drama version of Virgin River.
“It’s called Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha. It’s very cheesy and very similar.”
Echoing this sentiment, several who’ve watched all 16 episodes concurred, with one noting: “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!” enthused one viewer, providing further insights. “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.
“Sure sometimes they’re over the top but the stories are better and less predictable than VR or any of the other weird Hallmarky shows we do.”
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Sky“Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is sooo much better,” declared another post. “Nonetheless, I enjoy Virgin River for what it is.”
Another user chimed in: “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,” said yet another fan enthusiastically.
And one final comment came from an earnest viewer: “There’s no way you compared a masterpiece like Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha to VR… lol take that back right now.”
If you’ve found a guilty pleasure in Virgin River, despite its often criticised cheesy romance and contrived plotlines, give this irresistibly charming K-drama a go; it could just be the palette cleanser needed before season seven arrives.
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha and Virgin River are available to stream on Netflix.