Hometown (Korean Drama)

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Drama: Hometown
Revised romanization: Hometown
Hangul: 홈타운
Director: Park Hyun-Suk
Writer: Joo Jin
Network: tvN
Episodes: 12
Release Date: September 22 - October 28, 2021
Runtime: Wed. & Thur. 22:30
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Language: Korean
Country: South Korea

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Set in 1999, Choi Hyung-In (Yoo Jae-Myung) works as a detective. 10 years earlier, his wife died in a terrorist attack. He still has not gotten over his wife's death and he carries guilt over her death. One day, he investigates a murder case that took place in a small town. He begins to suspect that the murder case is somehow related to the terrorists, who took his wife's life.

About 10 years ago, Jo Jung-Hyun’s (Han Ye-Ri) older brother took part in a terrorist attack. After that, her life collapsed. She was then labelled as a member of a terrorist's family. Yet, Jo Jung-Hyun was able to rebuild her life thanks to her niece, who is the daughter of her older brother. Her niece suddenly goes missing and Jo Jung-Hyun struggles to find her.

Jo Kyung-Ho (Um Tae-Goo) is a mysterious prisoner, sentenced to life in prison. Back in 1989, he came back to South Korea, after studying in Japan, and released sarin gas at a train station in his hometown. After that, he turned himself in and was given the life sentence.

Notes

"Hometown" takes over tvN's Wed. & Thur. 22:30 time slot previously occupied by "The Road: The Tragedy of One" and followed by "Melancholia" on November 10, 2021.

Cast



Yoo Jae-Myung	Han Ye-Ri	Um Tae-Goo
Choi Hyung-In	Jo Jung-Hyun	Jo Kyung-Ho

Choi Hyung-In's Family



Kim Sae-Byuk	Choi Kwang-Il
Im Se-Yoon	Im In-Gwan

Sook's Chinese Restaurant



Park Mi-Hyun	Lee Re	Kim Shin-Bi
Jung Kyung-Sook	Jo Jae-Young	Kim Hwan-Kyu

Kyungcheon High School Magazine Club Alumni



Cha Rae-Hyoung	Kim Jung	Kim Ye-Eun	Lee Hae-Woon
Kang Yong-Tak	Jung Min-Jae	Choi Kyung-Joo	Jung Young-Sub

Kyungcheon High School Magazine Club (Past)

Song Ji-Hyun

Jo Jung-Hyun (teen)



Kim Do-Woon	Lee Chae-Eun	Kim Ye-Rin	Jung Soo-Bum
Kang Yong-Tak (teen)	Jung Min-Jae (teen)	Choi Kyung-Joo (teen)	Jung Young-Sub (teen)

Kyungcheon Girls Middle School



Heo Jung-Eun	Park Si-Yeon	Park Seo-Jin	Kim Ji-An
Kim Moon-Sook	PD Jung	DJ Han Sung-Shin	Lee Kyung-Jin



Seo Young-Sam	Yoo Soon-Woong	Bae Hyun-Kyung	Kim Si-Eun
administration	security guard	teacher	library student (ep.5)

Police



Song Young-Chang	Jo Bok-Rae	Bae Sung-Il	Kang Hak-Soo
Yang Won-Taek	Lee Si-Jung	detective (ep.3)	detective (ep.6)

Busan District Prosecutors' Office



Tae In-Ho	Kim Hyun-Chang
Son Ji-Seung	Investigator Kim Sung-Hee

Lee Young-Duk's Genius Academy

Yoon Kyung-Ho

Lee Young-Duk

Yongma Finance



Ahn Dong-Yeob	Kim Hye-Jung
Pig	borrower (ep.3)

Saju University



Lee Joo-Young	Jang Se-Won
Professor Ku Byung-Min	camcorder man

Youngjingyo



Kim Soo-Jin	Cha Sung-Je	Hong Ye-Ji
Jung Min-Sil	Yoon Si-Young	member (ep.11)

Hansungbit Church



Yu Seong-Ju	Han Ha-Rang
Pastor Woo Sung-Min	Kim Hong-Joong (ep.8)

One Family Welfare Center



Ahn Seo-Yeon	Song Nu-Ri
Jo Jung-Hyun (child)	Jo Kyung-Ho (child)

Saju City



Kim Chae-Hyun	Kim Kyung-Min	Kim Deok-Ju	Hwang Sun-Young	Kim Gun-Soo
Jung Hyung-Jae (ep.1)	Yoo Jeong-Gil (ep.1)	Jung Young-Sub's mother (ep.1)	Han Sung-Shin mother (ep.3)	Jung Young-Sub's cousin (ep.3)



Park Joo-Young	Lim Yong-Soon	Yoon Sang-Hwa	Lee Yoon-Hee	Kim Sung-Yong
imprisoned woman (ep.4)	prison official (ep.5)	Dr. Lee (ep.5,10)	pig farmer (ep.6)	prison guard (ep.7)



Woo Kang-Min	Jung Seo-In	Jo Sae-Yeon	Hong Suk-Bin	Kim Dong-Yong
Kim Hee-Yun (ep.10)	nurse (ep.9)	nurse (ep.10)	man fishing (ep.10-11)	delivery driver (ep.12)

Lim Jung-Min

security guard (ep.12)

Additional Cast Members:

Kwon Oh-Joon - detective
Kim Dong-Ha - Suk-Hyun

Trailers

Episode Ratings

Date	Episode	AGB
Date	Episode	Nationwide	Seoul
2021-09-22	1	2.827%	3.090%
2021-09-23	2	3.307%	4.303%
2021-09-29	3	2.582%	2.781%
2021-09-30	4	2.043%	2.376%
2021-10-06	5	1.970%	2.246%
2021-10-07	6	1.644%	1.845%
2021-10-13	7	1.326%	1.245%
2021-10-14	8	1.277%	1.330%
2021-10-20	9	1.055%	1.142%
2021-10-21	10	1.074%	1.030%
2021-10-27	11	1.163%	1.242%
2021-10-28	12	1.520%	1.494%

Source: AGB Nielson

Comments

Tii Jul 06 2022 9:05 am I enjoyed watching the drama throughout since I always go for stories that viewers can't easily guess the ending, but the last episode left me hanging and somewhat not satisfied. I would think they will give viewers a good closure after all the stress they went through the storie's ups and downs. Having said that, I think the cast is brilliant and everyone act so well in this series. Overall a really well done piece. ??

Heavy Storyline Is Pure Masochism Apr 21 2022 10:53 am Superb! Just like how I like my coffee, pure black. The casts are superb. No joke. 8/10.

If you found yourself disliking the drama, then just drop it. Don't bother pushing yourself to fit the pieces. Life is simple that way.

p/s user Sun commented about Sarin attack in Japan. Thank you for pointing that out.

SG Pup 1722 Apr 02 2022 3:20 am Finished watching series on Netflix. Series was promising but it fizzled out half way and ended on a lifeless note.

The 2 main roles, Choi Hyung-In and Jo Jung-Hyun, stumbled their way throughout the series (I'm not criticizing the actors' performances, I'm talking about how the roles were written) with perpetual lost looks of "I don't know what's going on, can someone please help me".

The so-called guru Jo Kyung-Ho doesn't talk straight, he sounds like he's some enlightened being, by answering questions with questions, claiming to know the future, and looking like he's permanently in a drugged state.

And if people can get brainwashed and hypnotized by watching a short videotape or listening to a cassette tape, the guru can become a billionaire, thousands of self-help companies would be paying big bucks for the secret to hypnotize people effortlessly.

Aozora Mar 16 2022 8:39 am I am currently at episode 7 of this series which I think have a good concept, but unfortunately very badly executed.

I jog and walk about 8 km every day, but watching this series is much more tiring than the exercise, mainly because the director wanted to have everything moves in a very slow motion and it has to repeat the painful interview scenes many many times. As a religion themed series, this series is very good to train your patience and focus.

The only reason I keep watching is because the acting of some of the casts are very good.

Again, this series could be better if the director is better.

SG Pup 1722 Mar 05 2022 2:27 am I'm watching episode 5 now. Why does the scriptwriter make Jo Kyung-Ho talk like he's some genius or mystical guru, who answers questions with questions. In real life, talking like a smart aleck would probably see the prisoner getting whacked.

Mimi Feb 16 2022 3:10 pm I thought this drama is boring but then again every episode is must. Makes me curious and also the ending is satisfied me.

F Jan 31 2022 10:57 am Anyway, those who wondered how he got the “power” to make people forget events, if you have time, watch/read more about cult. A lot of psychological explanations mostly. Cults prove powerful because they are able to successfully isolate members from their former, non-cult lives. One of the ways cult leaders achieve this is to convince their followers that they are superior to those not in the cult. Thus, the “weaker” minds are more prone to join a cult.

sun Jan 31 2022 10:56 am Those who dislike are either impatient or didn’t understand the drama lol ? and I guess the reason why it is underrated too.

As a fan of mystery/thriller novels, I give this drama 9/10.

If you’re okay with slow-burn, mystery, and somewhat about supernatural/cult, have a try. Agree it makes you still questioning even after it ends, but the possibilities are all there for you to choose yourself to be honest. Be more imaginative, don’t expect writer to feed you everything and the ending has to explain everything. If you still find it hard to understand, join in discussion here, twitter or even reddit.

Tips!

Read on Japan 1995 sarin gas incident for a little bit of backstory about the cult. The drama didn’t mention it at all, but I strongly believe it is where the origin of Youngjin Faith.

For me I like the way the writer plotted the drama sequences, a smart move to make people keep on watching next episode. And I’m satisfied with the ending as well, they all got what they deserved. except Choi Hyung In unfortunately but I’m happy enough that he looked relieved to how things ended.

Anonymous Dec 05 2021 7:26 pm Storyline is very interesting. The mysterious elements are so intense that makes you want to watch more to get the answer. The actors & actress (including the teens) all play their role well, despite not being the top-nothced-rated stars. Kudos to them.

BUT..

The presentation is wayyy toooo boring!! Too many speaking and waiting scenes. The plot is quite confusing if you dont pay full attention.

And if you think you'll get the answer at the last ep, you are totally wrong! The last ep is the most boring one. When you look back, many plots are actually not necessary. You can just skip to the last ep for a closure. Nothing mysterious, the answer is just as you see.

yoona Dec 02 2021 12:27 pm one of the best kdrama i've watched .. it's my first time leaving a comment on a kdrama but i have to tell you guys this serie drove me crazyyyy and that's why i loved it ...

Adela Nov 29 2021 12:42 pm First of all, I want to express my joy to see again the admirable, extraordinary, beautiful and one of the best Korean actors Uhm Tae-goo. What I don't understand about Korean directors and screenwriters is: why isn't this wonderful actor with a divine voice cast in multiple lead roles ????? !!!! Literally, do you understand why he gets more supporting roles? don't you think it's a waste of talent ??? Anyway, I love you loads, Uhm Tae- Goo!!!!!

And yes, about the series  (Hometown) I can say that it is a very good psychological thriller. I watched it in one night. Thanks!!!

Rehana Nov 27 2021 7:27 pm (Spoilers) So for people who don't understand the drama , next time pay attention to story plit also don't skip , some drama like romance u skip bt not a psychological trailer.

1. The detective is ya young dad , his wife hid the fact and gurru use that for his revenge on the town ppl, the welfare center , his biological father, in-gwan for what they did to him& his sister &his adopted dad.

2. In -gwan killed his daughter out of fear , she would talk he framed gurru(psycho guy) dad, he didn't know girl was his granddaughter because gurru clearly had hynotic power.

3. Psycho guy(Gurru) clearly was pissed at them all for shit they done the one person he never really harm was his sister he always made sure she forgot and I say this was to protect her.

4. Her classmate that died except tak work where all kind on edge or did something they where week characters so easy manipulate.

5. The story in told in a sequence of style that flash back and forward but the year is clearly written when that storyshiffted ( pay attention to detail)

6. gurru ( psycho guy) made the tapes with hynotic influence ( sound and symbols) he use video of the of in-gwan /detective wife in his video where she shadow her eyes and his own voice as hypnotic ( he talked calmly for some it happens ) they where no supernatural element expect that people knew of her story that she died by lake and then it feed into there unconsciousness.

7. Gurru( psycho guy) told his sister she wasn't week but she wasn't strong meaning she not easy to hypnotize but she can be , he use fire for most of his hypnotic for her and others it was voice but for deep hynotic it was fire because when in-Gwan when to kill Jae young & her aunt and fire took blase he remember, it broke his hypnotic .we also see he use lighter ( explain the psychologist ) .

8. He genuinely love his adopted mom & sister in-Gwan is one who cause his mom to trip but she was okay with it like said he never really tried go harm his sister or jae-young but he did use her to attain his revenge.

9. I generally didn't feel bad for none of character they all made some dumb decision and everyone died was responsible for some shitty things even tak wok he was robbing ppl he friend felt left behind etc the police office was sad honestly but it was always the tape sound cause hynotic effect .overall good show and good ending ???

Marivic Nov 07 2021 8:25 pm This drama is amazing..not for all the viewers....however the story is very slow paced...i think you should skip the middle episodes then jump to episode 10.

Mio26 Nov 04 2021 12:13 pm Answers to @M and @George Spoiler Alert

To @M:

1.For what was this affair with fake suicide?

Well mainly probably to make history more mysterious. His agenda was to remind this way Jo Jung-Hyun about newspaper club, these locations with sign and lastly about her cooperation in terrorist attack. Remember that there was his faked cousin who show her some of his belongings. This way she fast connected disappearance of her niece with Guru and events from the past. Definitely Yeongsub hold a grudge that Jo Jong-Hyun forgot about everything. She also said herself that probably Guru wanted her to become real heir. So this was possible thanks to her getting knowing the truth . But frankly speaking the same role could do Jung Min-Jae. She could just meet her on the street and somehow remind her about the past.

2. Im In-Gwan didn't know about true identity of Jo Jae-Young?

Yes.Probably He thought that she miscarriaged just like Choi Hyung-In. She born child in Japan without witness and then gave her to Jo Kyung-Ho.

3. Jo Kyung-Ho targeted Im Se-Yoon because of Im Ingwan?

Yes plus he probably loved her and dislike that she loved other man.

4. For what was Jo Jung-Hyun in sect?

It is Im In-Gwan's doing. He wanted to get rid of Yeongsub so first he got rid of daughter who was promoted by Yeongsub. In exchange he gave them Jo Jung-Hyun who Yeongsub disliked. This way he caused that sect had internal problem. And yeah members family of guru are often treated as them in sects.

5.Why was Jo Jae-Young chodem as heir?

It was revenge against Im Ingwan. He didn't know that his grand daughter. It is also kind cycle if you think about it, he killed his daughter who sacrificed herself and he planned to do the same with his grand daughter. I think Guru predicted that she would die if she confronted his father. Maybe she made deal with him that if her father would turn himself to police, he would not commit terrorist attack.

6. Why Jo Kyung-Ho was obsessed with Hyungin and for what was wiping memory?

He wanted to prove his wife that Hyungin is no different Im Ingwan. That he chose forgetting about hard truth and his wrongdoing as well. JKH was always jealous of him because of his wife.

7.Who was he tortured man ?

It was his adopted dad. Jo Jong-Hyun said in one episode that he took their adopted father's name after his death.

8.Why victims family members were in the sect?

Well I agree that it is sketchy but author probably mean is that Guru with proverbs and etc. caused that death of their closed one become meaningful. Family victims lived like living deaths after attack. While other come back to live and forget about their tragedy they couldn't forget. Guru said that at the end everyone would die just their closed one went first and that their death is meaningful. There were also some drugs at the beginning but probably author forgot about it at the end,lol.

To @George:

1. Why Im In Gwan murdered his daughter?

Maybe she said that she would testify against him if he didn't turn himself in. Definitely it was impulse.

2. Jo Kyung-Ho was or wasn't real?

Ju Kyungho hypnotized psychiatrists in jail with lighter, he also could get rid of memories. There was also scene with Jo Jong-Hyun when he kind calmed her during visitation in jail. She also said that he hypnotized people.

3.Explenation of video?

Nah. The only thing which I can think it is kind curse. Because in the video is presented Im Se-Yoon who was killed by her own father and kind husband as well (because he tortured father of Ju Kyungho.

4.What was that with faked suicide?

I think he was mr proxy from the beginning. Someone else died for him. He faked his suicide.

5.- Who was the old guy who Jo Kyung-Ho met in last episodes?

He was his biological father who sold him and his sister to One Family orphanage

Mio26 Nov 03 2021 3:18 pm Spoiler Alert!

I expect a lot from The Hometown but unfortunatelly for me it is a disappointment.

Cinematography is top notch for tv format (it must be a work of good cameraman) and I must praise productions for rare attenion to details. I really like these small props from late 90s which we could see in almost every scene like comics, sweets, clothes, devices and etc. And of course the best thing is Um Tae Goo’s role. When he showed up on the screen he completely steals the show although he doesn’t have so many scenes like other main characters, especially in the beginning. It is his show and his performance is magnificent. Maybe he got some awards for it. Let's hope.

But I have big problem with scenario and how it was executed.

Scenario is on the one side too ambitious and on other chaotic cliche. It is rare case for kdramas that you can notice that history was much more developed by writer than what we see on the screen. Like there are passerby characters with well created background. But this is one of the reason why plot is often unfocused and sometimes viewers can just feel lost. Especially that narration as well is not the best. Director has problem with showing cause and effect sequence. For example there is a scene when Jo Kyung Ho talks with psychiatrists and we see that he is transfered to psychiatric hospital from where he escapes.I am normally focused viewer but it took me some time to connect these obvious facts because narrative causality between events was not shown well. And it happened not once.

Maybe this type of not obvious narration is on purpose because The Hometown is love letter to Naoki Urasawa. Plot not only has a lot of from 20th century Boys all with set up just before new millenium but similar to manga it refers to many other (j)pop culture works: The Ring, Monster (as well work by Naoki Urasawa, I really recommend anime because it is brilliant story) True Detective and real events of Tokyo subway Sarin gas attack and sect Aum Shinrikyo. But Naoki Urasawa is genius storyteller and unfortunatelly both director and writer just lack this kind of skills for such narration (especially that kdramas mostly use simple way of storytelling).

There is also too much cliche moments and tested plot devices in drama. Like I see a lot of things before in Save me, Children of lesser god, Awaken, recent Dark hole. And they often seems unecessary for the main plot and kind pointless like faked suicide of Mr. Proxy, searching these locations from school magazine by Jo Jung Hyun, part with character Kang Yong Tak (guy existed to just die) and etc. The worst thing that I have impression that drama could be much better without family tree from 20th Century Boys. For me daughter’s part is not really seriously taken. Since the begining viewer can guess that nothing happen to her and where she actually is. There is no suspense in it, you don’t feel that she is in any danger in captivity actually. And all of this happens just for Jo Jung Hyun to replace her. It’d make more sense if they focus just on Jo Jung Hyun and past with her friends especially that detective and her still would have to meet even in original scenario>!because of death of his partner and her friend.

It could be something like that: Jo Jung Hyun come back to her hometown because of death of his friend (mr. Proxy fake suicide make sense here) and strange thing happens in the town. She has feeling of deja vu.

Also from the beginning we know when climax happens (water plant incydent) because of interview with detective. This way authors on purpose? that Jung Min Jae cooperates with sect because she works there! so no suspense in this part as well. And attack itself is emotionless because we don't really know any victim. It’d be much better if they at least develop part with boy from church and his family. So pretty much parts with finding a girl and terrorist attack don’t feel like climax at all because of the way they were executed. I didn’t even care about Jo Kyung Ho’s escape. Viewer doesn’t really feel that anyone fight here for real with „destiny”. It seems that even both writer and director are ready for the „Day of purification”. Well at least ending is much better created.

Horror part and misticism in drama often doesn’t work. Sometimes it is kind like pastiche of B class horrors. In this type of history it is better to show less and more focus on mood and mystery. Like Save me was realistic drama and still misticism was much better created there. It is shame that director didn’t use more Jo Kyung Ho to scary viewers because he was muchmore terryfing than white lady.

Conclusion: worth to watch just for Um Tae Goo but frankly speaking you can easily skip middle part because doesn’t happens much there. It could be good show if author less rip off from Naoki Urasawa and more focus on his own scenario. Not suprising that viewership is not the best (although show was quite late broadcasted) because narration caused that show often is very slow and unecessary overcomplicated

Bangshien Nov 03 2021 1:41 pm SPOILERS

I thought they would answer all the questions and clear out everything in the last ep at least, but oh well no explanations at all...confusion from the first ep till the end ig :) I feel like this is that kdrama that actually needed 16 eps lol

banana Nov 02 2021 7:17 am As you watch you’ll start believing the supernatural shit that’s happening, only to prove you wrong in the end without debunking it.

Actually, I’m still confused up until now. Maybe I understood the ending wrong. Is this just a plain cult or does it have some supernatural element into it? Because hypnotism doesn’t explain it. Surely, it’s impossible to be coincidence too.

MrsPraline Nov 01 2021 8:10 am Really bad ending, and there’s some unanswered question about the story line. I feel like been wasting my time for that ending

Me Oct 31 2021 10:45 am I feel really bad toward the actor and actress. They r really great, it's just the script is the worst script ever written for a thriller.

Kim Tae Ri Oct 31 2021 6:20 am Too many plot hole, rubbish script, no explanation, Main Villain characther too over power with no background stories why he can do that hypnotize. Not a good ending. However, Great Acting, Great BGM and the Direct is so great like movie. The tone,colour so good. Respect to The director and actor Who doing great job. 6/10

George Oct 30 2021 2:32 am Finally, I just finished it yesterday. 6.5/10

PROS: - Casts: All actors played their roles impressively. I can feel the suspense through their dialogues and gestures.

- Cinematography: Movie-like camera angles and the horror mood color editing.

- Soundtrack: I like the opening (sounds pop, but mystical) and the in-drama background music (electronic music with thriller feeling).

- Plot: The whole story does depict the nature of psychological mystery drama. It really confusing and the audience needs to dissolve it gradually through several clues along the episodes.

CONS: - It's a 'not everyone drama'. Most of general audience will find it extremely boring, even at the first episode.

- Very slow pace. There are so many unnecessary scenes that won't give much impact to the main plot.

- Weak story telling. I'm not sure, but the director seems difficult to visualize the scriptwriter's message. Thus, audience will find it hard to fully understand. So I was just guessing and guessing all possibilities.

Honestly, I'm half satisfied with the conclusion and it left us with dozens of questions. So I continue the review with my personal opinion below

(SPOILER ALERT!!)

Thanks @M, your comment below does represent my confusions. We need other viewers' opinion and exchange the ideas to make it clearer.

Beside all of M's questions below, I'm also still questioning these: - What's Im In Gwan's real motivation in killing his own daughter?

- Im saw little Ju Kyungho murdered people back in the One Family orphanage years ago, later he met the adult Kyungho and shout "So you're the curse child!" Is it because Kyungo is a real psyhomaniac who willingly does anything to another extent for just fulfill his personal motivation? Because along the story, no any scene tells that Kyungho has that special ability to hypnotize others.

- Is there any rational logic answer to that video? Why the watchers try to kill their beloved ones and suicide after that? Is that just pure hypnotizing video?

- This one isn't clear as well: How come Young Sub creates such lie about his death and becomes Guru's mediator? He's clearly dead on that hospital bed, yet there is no clear explanation about his 'resurrection'.

- Who is the middle-aged man that Kyungho talks to at a bus stop near the beach in 2 last episodes? I thought at first he's Kyungho's father, but seems he isn't.

- So... all of this whole story is just about: Kyungho 'helps' Hyung In to recall his long forgotten past of his own daughter, and revenge his father's persecution to death at the same time. And it all started from one girl named Jae Young who asks help to Kyungho.

The message delivered to the audience is too weak, which makes that final episode is not a conclusion, but it's a forced-to-end of the story itself.

There's an Instagram account in my country that talks about S.Korean entertainment industry. Yesterday, it posted an information about how Hometown ended in a very low rating. But interestingly, most of netizens' comments on that post were telling they like that kind of drama. It could get more attention if it available in Netflix.

chocomaltine Oct 29 2021 12:34 pm SPOILER ALERTTTT!!!!

sooo, 'that woman' isn't a ghost rightt?? it was like their imagination from jo kyung-ho's hypnosis? so, it was all beacuse of his hypnosis in the videotape and cassette tape righhttt??

M Oct 29 2021 12:08 pm (SPOILERS) I have so many questions...

- Why did Yeongsub fake his death? For what purpose? - Did Im Ingwan not know that Jaeyoung is his daughter's child? - Did JKH target Seyoon to take revenge on Im Ingwan? - Why did Youngjingyo bring Junghyun over when she clearly dislikes them and most of the cult members look down on her? Because she's guru's sister? - Why did JKH make everyone think Jaeyoung is his successor? Was that just his plan to ensure Jaeyoung would die on the day of purification? (together with Youngjingyo's members) - Why did JKH record his convo with Hyungin in his house and try to make him declare on cam that he'd like his memory wiped out? - Was the tortured man in Hyungin's past JKH's biological or adopted dad? I'm guessing his biological dad because he's got the same name? JKH is his biological dad's name, right? - How come JKH die right after he said "the only person who can kill me is myself"? I mean........

And my most important question: Why did family of the victims WORSHIP JKH when they know HE killed their family??? He was jailed for the crime ffs, so it's not like these people didn't know who the attack mastermind was. I can understand why Minjae followed him, her backstory is compelling. The only backstory that makes sense, in my opinion.

I don't know, I think overall this thriller/horror/supernatural/drama is suuuuper slow, messy, and trying too hard to be thought provoking but unsuccessful. The one thing I like about it is the opening song.

Endgame Oct 29 2021 12:37 am 6.5/10, I really liked how the endgame and the message to the viewers. SPOILERS.

Excellent acting from all the actors. Suspense is present in the drama, because viewers have no idea of the backstory until mid episodes.

Jo Kyung Ho shared bits of information about himself in some episodes: 1) He has hyperthymesia. In the interview, he jokingly shared that he recalls everything that has happened, from his birth. 2) He knows hypnosis. He is the one behind the Saju terror attack. He hypnotised his sister and her friends. 3) He holds deep grudges from his past and plots revenge against this small town. (I really hated him at this point, for killing the innocent) 4) He likes “experiments”. (If he wasn’t psycho, he could actually become a scientist) 5) He is Guru

chanwoo Oct 25 2021 9:19 am @george tysm for the explanation, i was going to ask what is im in gwan motives are while savin the detective and jo jung hyun, then boom you give me a full theories (i really wish the next eps giving us more insight to it). And yes i also not dropping this drama, like i said before, the excitement with what comes next along with a lot of questions and confusions on every episodes totally hook me up on this drama?

Whattt Oct 25 2021 8:05 am This drama is a hotchpotch of every tried and tested plot device in the previous mystery dramas and them put together collectively just like darkhole hence it is so messy.

George Oct 24 2021 12:51 am @chanwoo I assumed that was young Im In Gwan. There could be an incident in the orphanage back then that involved his family member (wife? daughter?). So, 'The Ring' lady ghost could be her who was drowned or murdered and her body thrown into the river.

Im is now trying to seek the truth himself, what's behind the death of his beloved one using that Younginjo sect. But I'm nor sure with this one.

So I think there could be another motive. His experiment that used the children of orphanage might be failed back then. But now the scale will be bigger, like he is trying to conduct his experiment again that involved people of Saju town at the right time of new millennium (year 2000).

I'm not dropping this drama. It started good at eps. 6/7, when the mystery revealed gradually one by one. As I believe, that's the nature of mystery drama, where the story will left you with thousands of questions and confusions. There's no other way but keep following the story itself.

chanwoo Oct 22 2021 11:26 pm So i finished watch eps 10, and still curious about the woman that kinda drowning (?) and the guy who cried over her.. Can someone tell me who they are? The suspense of waiting for next eps is killing me ??

Cecily K. Oct 22 2021 12:11 am I personally think this drama would be perfect if they did not add the supernatural element (scary long haired woman specifically). Could have just chosen between cult who commits crime or cult with supernatural powers. I understand the ambition but I've seen the same case with Dark Hole (2021) (they mixed cult, zombies, and politics into one) and it kinda ruined the quality of the storyline.

Also, just an advice: please don't watch this drama if you're not into slow paces lol. They literally just gave us clarity after 8-9 episodes in

momo Oct 21 2021 1:51 am I hate how they stretch out the drama with long zooms and suuper slow talk. It's like they're on a talent show trying to announce the winner. Do we really need 10 seconds pause between every word? Just say what you need to say already! Also every dialogue goes on and on for like 10 minutes, yet all the information we got could've been conveyed in no more than 30 seconds.

I'm 3 episodes in and I think Im dropping this show. I was looking for another excellent thriller after Beyond Evil but I just cant get into this one.

FukaEri Oct 21 2021 12:01 am I'm watching Midnight Mass before, where 1 island become crazy because of their belief, it's a bit similar but the difference its because the hypnotize/hallucinogen, the ep 9 is a blast, if you are not into slowburn mystery (even if its not too slow), dont go dig it lol its a bit slowburn, but ive seen other series that slower than it... if you into mystery/cult genre, this one is for you, the detective is seen interviewed since early episode, but we dont know what happen on him, on ep 9 it turns out he is being interviewed by the Busan prosecutor team because the culprit is missing, you need patient and understanding about cult/psych or at least... you realize its a mystery genre lol for the one that complaint about real life religion (im not point it), i think they tried to still make it as a fiction, so they didnt use the real chant, its a work of fiction anyway

Ba Ni Oct 20 2021 5:29 am the story is good and I really like all the actors, they are proven good..I understand why some started to feel boring because of how they represent this drama tho..sometimes me myself felt that boresome...it's quite confusing if you ask me, luckily I'm into this kind of genre and basically used to it but out of all mystery thrill drama I've watched so far, this drama is the heaviest...but I didn't said it was bad, I like it tbh..the rating started to go down more after the writer's scandal but thankfully people still watching, if its cancel due to that, I will be very disappointed fr...cause I've been waiting for this drama actually to see my fav actress again...but looking at it again, ig the tension the drama gave is quite right tho with how they represent this drama lol, quite hit the theme...it is supposed to be confusing...but still lack something, the director and producer need to add more thought into it cause this genre is heavy for sure...I might understand how they want it to look like...maybe because I have high expectation since its tvn..haha..but hope the rating rise cause Ep7 and Ep8 is quite good tho

Lul Oct 18 2021 12:19 am This is a mystery thriller drama, don’t know why some people want an explanation and the whole plot to be revealed when the drama hasn’t finished lol

SlaySlavery Oct 17 2021 9:46 pm So the entire drama is about a "Guru" with special powers killing people using videos, cassette tapes and photos? And his motive for the killings is because he was mistreated at the welfare centre when he was a kid?

L Oct 16 2021 11:05 pm Ep8 still gives no explanation into special powers of kyung ho and videos. Seriously what a drag and stiil people wonder why ratings are low.

Guru is stupid Oct 15 2021 8:25 am Wow wow so hes guru? Wow , i havent seen 7 and 8 yet so read below comment.

NGS Oct 14 2021 10:51 pm Now I Am Positive! The detective is actually Guru and Jaeyoung is actually his daughter from her wife (but, I am kinda miss about this. if Jaeyoung really her daughter, how? so in 1987 the wife already pregnant in the stage the baby could born? From what I know the wife still in early stage of pregnancy?)

I almost forget about the accident happened to the detective, I cant make my timeline align before If the detective actually Guru. But, when they show it again that actually the detective were in accident and forget about everything, I am positive about it. Now I just dont understand the timeline of the baby.

and all the people there are his followers of him that actually try to do everything they could, so the Guru will "wake up" and remember his role again and lead them again. Dang! I really curious, how will the detective do if He remember all of those things.

Houla Oct 09 2021 2:48 pm I think I have understood the mystery of this drama, even if the facts are drawn from a true story, the final revelation will be exactly like the one on Shutter Island. The Guru is none other than the police officer himself, he does not conduct an investigation, it is on him that a psychiatric experiment is conducted. Won-Taek, the chief of police, and Ji Seung, the prosecutor of Busan, are actually his therapists. Pay close attention to the interviews he has with them, the absurdity and paranoia of his answers, and the way they insist on certain points. Conclusion, while the 1987 attack did happen, the rest of the story is a fantasy of the Detective who must probably suffer from schizophrenia and paranoia from the trauma of the 1987 attack. I think it was the guilt of not being able to save people or possibly of having contributed to the attacks that led him to this state of disillusionment. Or he suffers from the guilt of the survivor.

RL Oct 08 2021 8:01 pm I really enjoy watching this drama because of the actors I feel sad that they have to suffer because of the writer’s issue… Hopefully more people will give this show a chance

@hypnotize Oct 08 2021 7:50 pm It is though, not a coincidence that there is a sharp drop after the writer’s issue got revealed. Did you see the knetz reaction after the controversy? Thank goodness the drama didn’t get cancelled

Klik Oct 08 2021 7:06 pm Uhm Tae Goo makes this drama entertainment.

Pimil Oct 08 2021 6:19 pm I don't like this word but I found this drama problematic even before we got know that writer hidden behind name Joo Jin is Cho Hyun Hoon who admited that he sexually harrassed female director (of course studio dragon claimed that they didn't know that he is that guy,lol).

First thing which I notice that there are a lot references to Japanese productions from late 90s. While references to The Ring can be still called homage (especially that it is very well known horror) in case of 20th Century Boys are obviously taken very specific details from plot. It can't be called plagiarism from legal point but I find it unethical. Author pretty much spoil some parts of manga this way. And anyone who knows both works would be sure that Hometown is inspired by it, author doesn't even pretend that it is different (like everything happened in 1999).

Second thing right now it is clear that drama not only use similar terrorist attack to Tokyo Subway sarin attack but as well clearly cult is very similar to Aum Shinrikyo. It is hard to not notice because everywhere is mentioned Japan for people who think slowly. So pretty much TVN make entertainment story based on real tragedy of many people which happened just 26 years ago and many victims or members of their families are still alive. Many dramas reference to Odaeyang mass suicide (which happened the same year like attack in drama in 1987) but at least they do that more tactful. I wonder what would happen If in The Hometown would be "Senol" ferry accident.

I wonder what else we would see in this drama Um Tae Goo acts phenomenal but I'm really disappointed with Studio Dragon and TVN. Taking into account that Korean dramas are watched globally they should have better ethical standard

Ei Oct 08 2021 8:52 am idk why ppl doesnt understand/like it(?) the mystery aspect is really good, it has strange atmosphere because of the cult, i follow this series regularly every week. Still excited for more episodes and now i clearly can say this series is underrated. But at the same time i feel glad this isnt become mainstream series.

Baby Oct 08 2021 8:32 am What happened to the writer’s ? I don’t get it

orbit Oct 07 2021 11:11 pm Apparently this drama is based on/inspired by a real japanese cult. I just saw the japanese cult documentary *mindblown* I cant believe these stuff actually happened in the 1990... wild!

in case you interested, the cult name is Aum Shinrikyo.

I will hypnotize you through my snores Oct 07 2021 9:26 am Nopes ratings arent low due to writer t, they are due to show itself. Show created extreme suspence in first 2 eps and we are at 5 now yet they are dragging in telling whats behind the tapes. Naturally viewers will lose patience. I m liking the show but at 5 even im tired of slow pace.

Ba Ni Oct 07 2021 4:50 am the drama was starting to get good rating at 2nd ep but due to the writer controversy, it fell down...poor the crew and cast, they all face the consequences tho...thank God they didn't stop airing the drama cause the director said the actor and crew worked hard in it and they even coming in the end shooting of this drama...and I will continue watching this because of them, I'm attached to this drama now...I can't wait for ep6

Snorlax Oct 04 2021 8:00 am Ratings fell due to the writer’s controversy. Nevertheless the drama is solid and one of the better thriller dramas in 2021. The actors are doing a great job. Hope people don’t miss this great show.

Miho Oct 03 2021 12:27 am Woahhh i like it and really excited for next episode... if you like mystery like True Detective season 1, its highly recommended for you

Thriller Coaster Oct 01 2021 9:40 am To be honest I started watching this drama without the slightest idea what it was going to be about but I have to say this drama is quite fascinating although a bit tedious and confusing to follow at times.

So far I've watched until episode 4 but I think the story is about some religious cult/criminal organisation that conducted some brain washing/manipulation experiments on some children at an orphanage to carry out a terrorist attack back in 1989. The children were unaware of it and are now grown adults. However, it seems that the organisation under this so called Guru is maybe planning another large scale terrorist attack in conjuction with year y2k (2000) and are recruiting new members to weaponize them. I believe the sound from the tape is the trigger that causes the brain washed members to carry out terror attacks just like Winter Soldier in Captain America.

Nevertheless, there are still many mysteries yet to be revealed like how Jae-young plays a crucial part in the dynamics of this organisation. One thing for sure is that if you like thrillers, I highly recommend giving this drama a try.

Home Sick Oct 01 2021 9:20 am This drama seemed to be imitated from the horror movie 'The Ring'. The story the producer tried to plot was very awkward to understand and make it mysterious either ghost or criminal movie. The consequence of 4 episodes showing for 2 weeks has made the low scores of rating.

Confusion overload Oct 01 2021 7:03 am This drama is going to be super terrible if they end it without explaining how videos and audios manipulate human minds and the fact that just hearing video once will make listener for years stay under its spell and will keep getting instructions. We understand they heard once and it effected brains but how can listener always hallucinate and see things when there is no external stimulus like audio/video present there?

explain the thing at the end instead of any half baked ending like road the tragedy.

NGS Sep 30 2021 10:54 pm Already 4th episode and I am completely more confused. Like, I need theory hahahaha. I already expect that it started since Their life in Welfare centre and imo, the welfare centre is not common welfare centre. Maybe the kids there are the object of the research? Poor the innocent people.

Ness Sep 30 2021 3:38 pm This also reminds me of 20th Century Boys! So excited to see how it will unfold

gumme Sep 29 2021 9:32 pm japanese, cult , sarin gas, references not lost on audience - but why um tae goo trying so hard to seem mysterious?

Ontrek Sep 29 2021 7:18 am Only I think that plot is taken from 20th Century Boys.

Irfan Sep 28 2021 3:05 am Something happen.. The writer Joo Jin a. k. a Joo Hyunyoon had a case with sexual assault to co-worker 2013 and now revealed..he admit that case and just post a apology letters..they gonna replaced the writer I think

Whatcha say Sep 27 2021 11:01 pm Its not horror drama its crime thriller from my pov. There r no ghosts. Its hallucinations and mind control of teens by secret cult

xiahn124 Sep 27 2021 6:13 am i am lovin the plot

Medea Sep 25 2021 4:42 pm Totally wasn't expecting this to be horror! And it felt pretty good. At the beginning they even did somewhat of a The Wailing reference with the police station scene, so cool! Also has a lot of early 00's japanese horror vibes like Ringu, can't wait for more.

Dusty Sep 25 2021 4:34 am I think the story might be related to a cult

NGS Sep 25 2021 3:09 am Dang. Just like some of the comment. Never in my life I got so confused even just 1 episode. The drama is good, cool, and so exciting. But, I dont understand anything, I dont get any clue what the hell happened here.

But, why I feel like Guru is actuallyJo Kyung Ho and the daughter's guru is His missing daughter. But, why?

So, confused and curious.

PartyPace Sep 24 2021 11:44 pm After 2 episodes, I'm completely confused... lol

Love thriller kdrama Sep 24 2021 10:13 am @Typical007 or @Ahjimmacraft I don't think it's supernatural. Look like the girl in eps 1 is hallucinating about the ghost.. she probably meditates with the creepy music that other girls listen and look like the recording makes her suffers hallucination and probably she unconsciously killed her mom

New thriller drama Sep 24 2021 9:33 am The first episode is so good especially the fast pace this drama had... Han yeri is always picking good projects back to back

XD Sep 24 2021 7:33 am I love the fact that I had no idea what is going on even after watching 2nd episode without skipping any scene ^^ that's how good this series is.

Ahjummacraft Sep 23 2021 7:47 am @Typical007 me too, i think it's more to supranatural / ghost / evil theme and caused more than 1 victim. However episode 1 was already interesting to watch. Yoo Jae Myung, Han Ye Ri, Um Tae Goo and other casts portrayed the character very well.

Typical007 Sep 23 2021 1:09 am Am confused. It ghost, serial killer or terrorist theme?

Noi Sep 19 2021 8:09 pm I'm here for Uhm Taegoo

Wenn Sep 16 2021 6:50 am Yeah can't wait for Um Tae Goo!!

Moroccan Sep 11 2021 10:31 am Um TaeGoo from save me?? I become a fan since then !!!! I love this kind of dramas!!! Can't wait!!!!

Camellia Blooms Sep 03 2021 9:25 pm Yoo Jae-myung ajusshi and beloved sister Lee Re here we go :3

nil Aug 31 2021 2:19 am OMG, Han Yeri and Um Taegoo!!! Will definitely watch this!!!

abara Jun 12 2021 9:27 pm can't wait to see uhm tae goo's new drama. actor uhm tae goo, fighting!

Jiya Jun 06 2021 4:22 am I can’t wait for um tae goo’s new drama! I’m anticipating for this one

caratdeul May 25 2021 10:13 am I adore Han Ye Ri! She's such a good actress and so hardworking and I'm so so so glad to see her succeed in so many shows! She also seems like such a good hearted humble soul in real life! I just love her! My favorite celebrity!

Irina May 24 2021 5:30 am I was so happy when I saw that Uhm Tae Goo will act in a new kdrama yeeeeyyy. I can't wait to see him and I really wish him to act more in kdramas

yo May 01 2021 12:18 am can't wait to see uhm tae goo's new drama!

Wenn Apr 12 2021 4:05 am cannot wait for this!! I am going to watch this because of Uhm Tae Goo

Hotelier Mar 30 2021 8:44 am Yoo Jae Myung ajussi, I'm in :D He's like korean's Gary Oldman.

Hyena Han Mar 29 2021 10:44 am Deal, this is will be my must-watch list! Good luck for the actors and staffs ;)

JaredWayne Mar 27 2021 11:03 pm Is this going to air after Dark Hole???

Bumi Mar 26 2021 5:30 pm Notorious casts..love it!!

External Links

Official Website

Hometown (Korean Drama)

Contents

User Rating

Profile

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Notes

Cast

Choi Hyung-In's Family

Sook's Chinese Restaurant

Kyungcheon High School Magazine Club Alumni

Kyungcheon High School Magazine Club (Past)

Kyungcheon Girls Middle School

Police

Busan District Prosecutors' Office

Lee Young-Duk's Genius Academy

Yongma Finance

Saju University

Youngjingyo

Hansungbit Church

One Family Welfare Center

Saju City

Trailers

Episode Ratings

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