Hometown Cast Yoo Jae-myung, Han Ye-ri, and Uhm Tae-goo. This gripping 12-episode series delves into a chilling 1989 gas attack and its haunting aftermath, unraveling secrets that bind a detective, a chef, and a convicted terrorist’s family in a small town. A must-watch for fans of intense psychological thrillers.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Hometown is a South Korean mystery-thriller drama that aired in 2021 on tvN. Set in a small, eerie town during the late 1990s, the series follows a detective and a woman whose lives become entangled in a chilling series of murders and a terrorist attack. Starring Yoo Jae-myung, Han Ye-ri, and Uhm Tae-goo, Hometown explores themes of guilt, trauma, and the dark consequences of a tragic past. With its atmospheric tension and gripping storytelling, the drama offers a haunting look at how buried secrets and unresolved pain can resurface in terrifying ways.
Hometown Cast
Yoo Jae-myung as Choi Hyung-in
Yoo Jae-myung portrays Choi Hyung-in, a seasoned violent crime detective who is haunted by the tragic loss of his wife in a terrorist gas attack in 1989. Consumed by guilt and living in isolation, he becomes entangled in a new murder case that may be connected to the past tragedy.
Han Ye-ri as Jo Jung-hyun
Han Ye-ri plays Jo Jung-hyun, the younger sister of the convicted terrorist Jo Kyung-ho. Living under the social stigma of her brother’s actions, she finds solace in raising her niece, Jo Jae-young. However, her life takes a dark turn when her niece disappears, leading her to confront painful truths about her family’s past.
Uhm Tae-goo as Jo Kyung-ho
Uhm Tae-goo portrays Jo Kyung-ho, the infamous terrorist responsible for the 1989 gas attack at the town’s train station. After serving a life sentence, he is released, and his return stirs up unresolved tensions and secrets within the community.
Supporting Characters
Kim Sae-byuk portrays Im Se-yoon, the wife of Choi Hyung-in, whose tragic death in a terrorist attack profoundly impacts his life. Choi Gwang-il plays Im In-gwan, Hyung-in’s father-in-law, adding depth to the family dynamics. Song Young-chang appears as Yang Won-taek, Hyung-in’s superior, while Jo Bok-rae takes on the role of Lee Si-jeong, a passionate detective with four years of experience. Tae In-ho portrays Son Ji-seung, a prosecutor involved in the unfolding events.
Lee Re plays Jo Jae-young, the daughter of Jo Kyung-ho, whose return to the town reignites long-buried tensions. Park Mi-hyeon portrays Kim Kyung-sook, Jo Jung-hyun’s mother, whose complex relationship with her daughter adds emotional depth to the storyline. Kim Ye-eun appears as Choi Kyung-joo, a character whose involvement in the narrative brings additional intrigue.
Conclusion
Hometown is more than just a thriller—it’s a slow-burning, atmospheric exploration of how deeply the scars of the past can shape the present. Set in a small, somber town weighed down by tragedy, the series uses its haunting setting and deliberate pacing to build a sense of unease that lingers throughout all 12 episodes. At its core, Hometown is a story about guilt, grief, and the pursuit of truth in the face of unimaginable loss. It doesn’t rely on jump scares or overly dramatized twists, but rather on emotional tension and psychological depth.
The lead performances are exceptional: Yoo Jae-myung brings quiet intensity to the role of Choi Hyung-in, a detective haunted by his wife’s death and determined to uncover the truth no matter the cost. Han Ye-ri delivers a heartfelt performance as Jo Jung-hyun, a woman forced to live under the shadow of her brother’s crimes while trying to protect her niece and salvage what’s left of her life. Uhm Tae-goo, as the enigmatic and unsettling Jo Kyung-ho, embodies the show’s central mystery and moral ambiguity.
Welcome to Samdal-ri Cast & Their Role (2023)
FAQs
Who plays the lead roles in Hometown?
The lead roles are played by:
Yoo Jae-myung as Choi Hyung-in, a detective haunted by his wife’s death.
Han Ye-ri as Jo Jung-hyun, the sister of a terrorist trying to live a normal life.
Uhm Tae-goo as Jo Kyung-ho, the mysterious terrorist whose past resurfaces.
Is Han Ye-ri the same actress from Minari?
Yes! Han Ye-ri gained international recognition for her role in the Oscar-nominated film Minari. In Hometown, she showcases a more intense, emotionally driven performance that further highlights her versatility as an actress.
What is Yoo Jae-myung known for besides Hometown?
Yoo Jae-myung is well-known for his roles in acclaimed dramas like Stranger (Secret Forest), Itaewon Class, and Reply 1988. He often plays serious, emotionally complex characters.
Is Uhm Tae-goo related to actor Uhm Tae-woong?
Yes, Uhm Tae-goo is the younger brother of actor Uhm Tae-woong and the nephew of singer Uhm Jung-hwa. He is recognized for his intense screen presence and has built a reputation in independent and noir-style films.
Who plays Jo Jae-young in Hometown?
Lee Re plays the role of Jo Jae-young, the niece of Jo Jung-hyun. She is a rising young actress known for her emotional range and maturity on screen despite her age.
Are there any real-life connections between the cast members?
While there are no public familial ties among the main cast (except Uhm Tae-goo’s well-known family in the industry), the chemistry between them is often praised, particularly the emotional tension between Yoo Jae-myung and Han Ye-ri’s characters.
Which supporting actors stand out in the series?
Notable supporting roles include:
Tae In-ho as Son Ji-seung, the prosecutor.
Jo Bok-rae as Lee Si-jeong, Hyung-in’s colleague.
Kim Sae-byuk as Im Se-yoon, Hyung-in’s late wife, seen in flashbacks.