Firstly, "Hometown" gives off vibes reminiscent of the anime "Monster." However, it's disappointing that they couldn't create something comparable to the absolute masterpiece that is "Monster." The reason I thought it was similar was that I noticed parallels between Jo Kyung Ho and Johan—both proficient in manipulation with a shared indifference towards others, except for their sisters. Additionally, both experienced being orphans and endured mistreatment, etc.

Now, onto the issues. The problem with the drama lies in its pacing and the insistence on maintaining suspense. This approach left viewers with little to anticipate, and some answers were abruptly presented at the end without a solid foundation. The excessive focus on the shady organization and Guru felt overdone, diverting attention from exploring other plot aspects. Furthermore, the multitude of unanswered questions weakens the overall storyline. Introducing elements without thoroughly explaining their purpose comes off as a misuse of screen time. Questions such as Im Se Yoon and Jo Kyung Ho's motives remain unclear—did she willingly give Jo Jae Young to him, or was she coerced? What were Jo Kyung Ho's intentions with Jae Young? Im In Gwan's true goal also remains elusive, leaving viewers in the dark. Additionally, the cult's objectives, seemingly orchestrated by Jo Kyung Ho, lack clarity, raising the question of what the cult gains from such actions. The accumulation of these unanswered questions feels like a missed opportunity to develop the narrative effectively.

The series could have greatly benefited from either a 20 or a 16-episode run, allowing for a more in-depth exploration of Jo Kyung Ho and Jo Jung Hyun's past. The focus should have extended to areas such as the orphanage, Kyung Ho's relationship with Im Se Yoon, and the challenges within Kyung Ho's adoptive family. Additionally, delving into Jung Hyun and her friends' involvement in the gas attack would have added complexity to the storyline. Furthermore, it remains unclear why the cult sent tapes to these individuals, especially considering Jo Kyung Ho's supposed erasure of their memories.

I heard about the scriptwriter controversy, but it felt like a lost chance. The potential was there for it to be one of the best, but alas. Perhaps, I wish for a remake with the same actors, who, despite a mediocre script, delivered a phenomenal performance. Hopefully, in the future.