Within the realm of entertainment, gripping narratives have the ability to take us to other locations and eras, arousing our feelings and keeping us glued to the screen. The South Korean TV show “Hometown,” which debuted in 2021, is one example of a show that has captured the attention of fans everywhere. In 1999, “Hometown” transports us to an exciting tiny town on the brink of a new millennium with an interesting blend of mystery, crime, and terror. You might be wondering if “Hometown” is based on a true story as tvacute go further into the show. Let’s examine the plot and any real-life influences this captivating show may have had.
The plot of the South Korean TV series Hometown
“Hometown” tells the story of the discovery of an ancient audio tape in a tiny rural town in 1999. This recording includes an unexplained sound and confusing and unsettling data concerning serial killings. The scene captivates us right away and engrosses us in the mysteries of a bygone period. This death then raised another mystery, which eventually turned out to be connected to the 1989 terror attack that claimed many lives in the city of Saju.
Character Jo Kyung-ho from the series returns to South Korea in 1989 following his studies in Japan. Remarkably, he carries out a horrible deed at a train station in his hometown by unleashing sarin gas, which tragically claims many lives. After turning himself in to the police, he receives a life sentence. His actions lay the groundwork for a convoluted chain of events that reverberate across the lives of those who are close to him.
Jo Jae-young, his daughter, is transferred to live with her aunt Jo Jung-hyun, who has been dealing with the fallout from being called a terrorist’s sister. Jung-Hyun has been gradually reconstructing her life despite the social disapproval, primarily due to her niece.
Ten years later, a murder case in the same community is being investigated. The investigation will be headed by Detective Choi Hyung-in (Yoo Jae-myung), who lost his wife in the terrorist act that Jo Kyung-ho (Uhm Tae-goo) planned. Haunted by remorse for failing to stop his wife’s death ten years prior, Hyung-in believes there may be a link between the terrorists behind the assault and the murder case. But when Jae-young abruptly disappears, he has to work with Jung-hyun to find the missing young woman and discover the truth.
A rich tapestry of individuals, each with their own baggage, secrets, and motivations, is revealed to us as the plot develops. “Hometown” skillfully moves between several eras to reveal a narrative that is both engrossing and devastating. With every new episode, the story keeps us wondering and wanting more.
Is Hometown (2021) Based on a True Story?
No, the story of “Hometown” (2021) is not true. Despite taking cues from social issues and real-world events, the series is fiction. The show’s writers and director, Park Hyun Suk and Joo Jin, should be commended for creating a story that feels firmly rooted in fantasy but also feels based on reality. Although it tells a gripping tale and delves into intricate issues and human emotions, the series’ characters and events aren’t strictly based on actual people or events. but a village in South Gyeongsang is called Saju-ri. Saju-ri is located close to Yongdang-ri and Pyeonghwa-ri is a real place.
There’s no denying that the show has components that relate to real-life problems and social stigmas. For example, the hardships faced by Jo Jung-Hyun (Han Ye-ri) and her family, who are wrongfully accused of belonging to a terrorist family, provide a moving examination of the nature of humanity. Within the fictional framework of the drama, the emotional dynamics, cultural judgments, and the stress of familial bonds are truthfully portrayed.
Additionally, “Hometown” delves into the idea of cults, which is an important narrative device in the show. The depiction of how suffering and grief may push people into precarious situations mirrors the truth of how susceptible people have historically been to cults. It’s crucial to understand that the Youngjingyo cult, which is portrayed in the series, has nothing to do with any real-life cults. It is a work of fiction that deftly breaks from real-world connotations by fusing a variety of religious rituals, philosophies, and imagery.
In addition, the show honors a variety of cinematic inspirations, giving viewers a familiar but distinctive experience. It creates a story that walks the thin edge between reality and the supernatural by fusing aspects of mystery, crime, and terror. The show explores the depths of human relationships and emotions, making it emotionally relatable.
In conclusion, “Hometown” is a well-written piece of fiction that incorporates themes from social difficulties and real-life situations. Although it occasionally has an unsettlingly familiar feel, it is not based on any real-life incident or narrative. With a compelling and intense story that holds viewers’ attention from beginning to end, the series is a monument to the unique storytelling talent of its authors.
So, What is Saju in South Korea?
Saju, which is a deeply rooted fortune-telling and divination technique in Korean culture, is also referred to as 사주 (四엱) in Korean. The five elements concept and the yin and yang concepts serve as the foundation for this exercise. Saju is used to forecast future events and provide direction on important life decisions.
Saju has long been an essential component of South Korean culture. It dates back several centuries. Saju practitioners are frequently consulted by those seeking guidance on commercial, financial, and personal issues. It is essential for choosing wedding dates as well as good periods to launch new ventures or make other significant life decisions.
Even though saju isn’t as popular as it once was, South Korea still values it greatly on a cultural and historical level. The government emphasizes its significance as a component of the nation’s legacy by recognizing it as an intangible cultural property.
The four pillars that make up Saju are referred to as “Saju palja” (사주挔자/四柱八字), which translates to mean “the four pillars of destiny.” These four elements—the year, month, day, and hour—are determined by the precise moment of a person’s birth. These four foundations are combined by saju practitioners with a variety of fortune-telling techniques derived from Chinese astrology.
All things considered, Saju is an intriguing facet of South Korean culture that combines traditional knowledge with contemporary instruments and technologies to offer personal destinies and guidance for significant life decisions.
