I never once imagined Ji Chang-wook and Shin Hae-sun starring together in a series – a romcom, at that. Both actors are talented and can “hard-carry” any drama they star in no matter how bad the other casting, script, or directing is. They shine individually so seeing them together is rather odd but it sure is a one-strong pairing.
Welcome to Samdal-ri is tagged as a romance-comedy but it is more than that. The story centers around Cho Sam-dal (Shin Hae-sun) and Cho Yong-pil (Ji Chang-wook) who went from friends to lovers until circumstances forced them to break up. But the series is also about friendship, family, and finding your true identity.
The main plot’s hook is Sam-dal’s return to her hometown on Jeju Island. Everything that happened in the story started from that point: rebuilding old friendships, reuniting with family, rekindling past flames, and knowing oneself after adversity. It might have been tackled in other K-dramas but Welcome to Samdal-ri has a refreshing take on this theme, much thanks to its strong main characters and interesting subplots.
Shin Hae-sun shines as Cho Sam-dal. She is hilarious when needed but shows depth during emotionally charged scenes. I also like how Sam-dal’s character arc has been written. She’s a strong-minded woman who might look like a risk-taker for some but has always acted rational in her decisions. Her principles are intact no matter what life throws at her, much thanks to how she was brought up by her mother, Ko Mi-ja (Kim Mi-kyung).
The Haenyeo leader showed strength and resilience only mothers have. She and her husband were able to raise their daughters to become as resilient as they are. The three Cho sisters and their subplots were also endearing as well. I would still love this series too even if it was focused on these three sisters.
The eldest Cho Jin-dal (Shin Dong-mi) is as stubborn as Sam-dal. The former chaebol’s wife taught some good life lessons to his silver-spoon husband Jeon Dae-yeong (Yang Kyung-won). Those two might be from different worlds but when you look at them closer, their personalities complement each other. The youngest, Cho Hae-dal (Kang Mi-na), also has an endearing side story with her adorable daughter Cha Ha-yul (Kim Do-eun) and her loveline with marine biologist Gong Ji-chan (Kim Min-chul). I must say Kang Min-na is doing great as an actress and is improving in every project. She did well alongside more experienced actresses like Hae-sun. The three Cho sisters’ chaotic chemistry was showcased whenever they stuck with each other, particularly when dealing with Sam-dal’s nemesis.
Unlike some reactions I’ve read, I’m actually satisfied with how she handled those who wronged her. Conflict maker Bang Eun-ju (Jo Yun-seo) and her ex Cheon Chung-ki (Han Eun-sung) got my blood boiling with their shamelessness. I do think Eun-ju’s motive lacks weight but then again it wasn’t the focus of the story. The story is about Sam-dal reconnecting with her roots, finding the traces of her old self, and accepting her mature adult version.
Since this is a romance story first and foremost, I did enjoy the exes-to-lovers-again story between Sam-dal and Cho Yong-pil (Ji Chang-wook). Shin Hae-sun is a true chemistry fairy because as I’ve said earlier, I never once thought of her doing a romance story with Ji Chang-wook but it worked. Those doubters who said he can’t do any other genre than action should watch this show. He can do great in romance or a lighthearted series; just give him good material.
Ji Chang-wook’s portrayal as Cho Yong-pil complements Hae-sun’s Sam-dal. Yong-pil is the “golden retriever” to Sam-dal’s “black cat” persona. He’s a ray of sunshine to Sam-dal, his friends, and to Samdal-ri neighborhood despite the tragedies that befall his family. If other characters in the series searched for purpose and needed some growing up to do, Yong-pil’s character arc revolves around dealing with grief and forgiveness. Both were heavy themes but the showrunners dealt with it with great sensitivity. Yong-pil and his father Cho Sang-tae (Yu Oh-seong) had some patching up to do. They mourn in their own way but have to learn eventually that their sympathy could also help them heal.
Aside from the romantic chemistry between the leads, Welcome to Samdal-ri’s also showed great friendship chemistry. The neighborhood’s “Power Rangers” are all entertaining to watch. Wang Gyeong-tae (Lee Jae-won) is the funniest among them. His scenes with Kim Man-su (Sazal Mahamud) and eventual loveline with Ko Eun-bi (Kim A-young) are entertaining episode fillers. It is also hilarious whenever Yong-pil hangs out with Gyeong-tae and Samdal-ri’s own Cha Eun-woo (Bae Myung-jin). The series’ designated second lead, Bu Sang-do (Kang Young-seok), missed his chance with Sam-dal because of hesitation but I like that they didn’t ruin the friendship for the sake of a love triangle. It was also very realistic how they handled his relationship with Yong-pil and how they left Sam-dal oblivious to Sang-do’s feelings.
Overall, Welcome to Samdal-ri is a story celebrating life and all that comes with it. It’s a well-rounded series that includes romance, friendship, family, and a search for identity and purpose. This is definitely a must-watch.
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