Love Next Door (2024)

boring series, main couple with no chemistry!

Lots of marketing for little delivery!
Lots of marketing for little delivery! Before this series premiered, they did huge marketing! I started watching, but it didn't captivate me enough for me to continue, the main couple is simply boring, without any chemistry, I even thought they were two children, what boring characters! Only the secondary couple that stood out in the series, their performance was incredible, but I stopped watching because overall the series didn't captivate me, I had a lot of expectations for this series, but it's a really bad series!

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Some of the Most Horrible Women Ever Put on Screen!

“Love Next Door” endeavors to be a light, sweet romantic comedy with some drama thrown in for good measure. What we end up with is a bunch of women who are barely tolerable, and sometimes, not even that. We get some domineering, controlling, meddling women who snap at the smallest of things. They are also selfish and cowardly in how they act toward each other as well as others around them. Frankly, I’m not sure how or why any reasonable person would want to spend five minutes alone with any of them. They are about as appealing as a pit of vipers.

Choi Seung Hyo and Bae Seok Ryu are childhood friends who grew up together because they lived next door. Their mothers have also been friends for a long time as well, although there are plenty of times throughout the series when we wonder how and even why. Their mothers and two other women get together in their “Lavender Club” to hang out. What ends up happening is they spar, argue, and compete over everything. Believe it or not, this is how many women in Korea interact with each other. Everything is a competition and a fight for status. What’s especially sad is that they often use their own children to acquire that status. They’ll brag to others about what schools they go to, what educational academies they’re enrolled in, what grades they get, and even what areas they excel in. These are women who live vicariously through their children. They use them as pawns, which is why many of these so-called “mothers” aren’t even fit to be parents at all.

Seok Ryu has returned to Korea from being in the US with a prestigious company. Of course, her domineering, twisted mother, Mi Suk, can only think about how this impacts her, especially after bragging to her friends about Seok Ryu. Things become further complicated when Seok Ryu announces that she’s also broken off her engagement. Mi Suk nearly disowns her daughter right there on the spot. Mi Suk uses the pathetic excuse that, “I don’t want my daughter to live a hard life like me!” This is a lie. Mi Suk is only concerned about how Seok Ryu’s decisions reflect on her. Her anger is out of pure spite and selfishness.

Seok Ryu isn’t exactly an angel herself. We find out that she was diagnosed with stomach cancer and refused to tell anyone about it. She claims that she was sparing everyone the pain. Whenever someone pushes others away, it’s never to spare others the pain, but to spare themselves of their own. Seok Ryu is a true coward, and when Seung Hyo finds out, he justifiably berates her for her thoughtless and selfish act, even going so far as to call her a hypocrite and a coward which is 100% on the nose!

Seung Hyo is a young man who’s making his way in the architectural world, opening up his own firm and doing quite well. However, it’s obvious that he’s in love with Seok Ryu, even though he puts up defensive walls and refuses to let her know about it. When he finally does, Seok Ryu can only think about her own failings and problems, and she promptly refuses his advances. Seung Hyo laughingly buys a small carton of milk to be used to give Seok Ryu time to think it over. The stupidity of such an act is this: love isn’t about thought. If you actually have to think about it, then you’re very obviously not in love. What we have are two 34-year-olds acting like 16-year-olds. It might be endearing, but it’s actually quite pathetic. Even when they finally do end up together, Seok Ryu is too scared to tell anyone about the relationship, and so she begs Seung Hyo not to tell anyone. If you’re too ashamed to tell anyone about the relationship, then you have no business being in one. They scurry around like two kids worried about getting caught with their hands in the cookie jar!

We also have the third member of the childhood trio, Jung Mo Eum, who is my favorite character of the series. She’s a paramedic who doesn’t apologize to anyone for who and what she is. She unapologetically wears her heart on her sleeve, especially after meeting journalist Kang Dan Ho. It’s funny watching Jung Mo Eum berate Seok Ryu for being silly about her feelings for Seung Hyo, but after kissing Kang Dan Ho, she’s suddenly a 14-year-old girl hiding and running away from him. That was the only annoying thing about her. Kang Dan Ho has a cute little girl (his niece, in fact) that he’s raising all by himself. Korea still has problems accepting single parent families, and after finding out, Jung Mo Eum’s pathetic mother refuses to allow Jung Mo Eum to see him. Luckily, Jung Mo Eum lovingly tells her prejudiced mother that she has no say in the matter and that she fully intends to continue seeing Kang Dan Ho. Jung Mo Eum is the only strong female character of the entire cast! I would have preferred the series revolve around her rather than Seok Ryu.

Seok Ryu is very immature, but suddenly, like a light switch, everything is suddenly “okay” with her in the last four episodes or so. The writers must have had something against women to write them all to be such horrid people. It made me miss “Business Proposal” and “Our Beloved Summer” where we got good, strong female characters who knew their own minds, acted their age, and figured out for themselves how to navigate the pitfalls that came up before them.

Seok Ryu’s mother, Mi Suk, is about as cold and vindictive of a woman as I’ve ever seen in over 47 years of watching shows. I’m not sure how anyone was dumb enough to marry this woman. When Seung Hyo’s mother, Hye Suk, offers to pay for a trip to Europe, Mi Suk erupts angrily at her because she feels inferior to Hye Suk. The truth is, Mi Suk has very low self-esteem, and she feels inferior to everyone! It’s no wonder she feels the need to brag and show off her children. She’s a very pathetic character. One of the worst I’ve ever seen. And even when Seok Ryu desires to leave programming for a cooking job, Mi Suk explodes all over her! Her daughter, Seok Ryu is barely any better. Her own self-esteem is so low that she prefers to hide away rather than face her problems. I laughed out of pity each time Seung Hyo wanted to talk things out and Seok Ryu would scurry away like a rabbit saying, “I don’t want to talk about this!”

What’s truly sad is that the performances in this series are very good. I’ve seen Jung So Min in several series, and she’s always very good. Her only problem in this series is that she’s terrible at kissing scenes. Her mouth is always tight-lipped and it’s painfully obvious that she doesn’t like doing them. If that’s the case, she needs to stop doing romantic dramas. It hurts an actor’s performance if they’re unwilling to be genuine and get into a scene, no matter what it is. Also, it’s stated that Seok Ryu lost 70% of her stomach to cancer. I’ve known people who’ve had their stomachs stapled in order to lose weight. There is no way Seok Ryu would be able to eat as much food as she does based on that fact. This was something that the writers clearly overlooked.

The series definitely didn’t live up to the hype with mostly unlikeable characters, especially the women. While there may be many truths, it would have been nice to see these characters grow and evolve naturally rather than simply having the “light bulb” go off to suddenly fix the situation. It just wasn’t believable or realistic. It’s also sad to watch grown ups acting like children around their parents rather than having the guts to stand on their own feet. That’s not appealing either, especially in today’s world where women are finally becoming more empowered than ever before. Overall, this series was disappointing.

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A rollercoaster of highs and lows

I aim to keep my reviews short, spoiler-free, and focused on the key points to help you decide if a drama is worth your time. I never fast-forward and always strive to watch the entire series to give a fair and thorough perspective.

This drama is a rollercoaster of highs and lows, offering an intriguing blend of heartfelt moments and over-the-top storytelling.

The characters are undoubtedly one of the drama's strongest points. They're layered, engaging, and easy to root for, particularly in the friendships and love stories that form the heart of the series. The cast delivers strong performances overall, though it does occasionally lean too much into exaggerated acting, which can be off-putting at times.

For viewers new to K-dramas, this show may feel like an instant favorite with its charming leads and emotional storytelling. However, for seasoned fans of the genre, it may not resonate as strongly. Unless you're a devoted fan of the lead actors, the drama's flaws might outweigh its strengths.

The storytelling is uneven, excelling in the portrayal of relationships but faltering elsewhere. For example, the first responder scenes and the depiction of a pivotal event that drastically changes the male lead's trajectory feel cringe-worthy and lack the realism needed to support the narrative. These missteps make certain parts of the drama feel over-the-top in a bad way, detracting from the emotional weight of the story.

Additionally, the long runtime of certain episodes clocking in at 1 hour and 30 minutes per episode can test patience, with some scenes feeling unnecessarily drawn out. A tighter edit would have made for a more compelling watch.

On a positive note, the OST is a highlight, beautifully enhancing the drama’s emotional moments and leaving a lasting impression.

In conclusion, while this drama has its charms, particularly for fans of the leads or K-drama newcomers, it might not hold the same appeal for more seasoned viewers. Its engaging characters and touching moments are worth watching, but the uneven storytelling and unrealistic elements may make it less satisfying overall.

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Its hard to watch because its too real.

I really appreciate this drama as an overachiever who experienced a burnt-out and suddenly filed a resignation letter the next day. This drama is so deep where in its hard to watch because its almost identical, I even had the same occupation as the female lead. Of course the money & benefits where there but when you suddenly face something beyond your weight it takes a toll at you and bury you with its weight.

So for all of those peeps who experience the same thing seek help and learn some hobbies, enjoy and appreciate life for we will all rise again.

But honestly the coincidence is just, too uncanny lmao.

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The best romcom drama of the year

Okay so i have watched all 3 epidode of it. And its one of the best 2024 kdrama I've seen. The whole cast is amazing. Everyone’s acting is top notch. I am a person who gets easily bored when watching dramas. But this one is really so damn good. It keeps you on hook. Both the actor JUNG HAEIN AND JUNG SOMIN ARE REALLY GREAT ACTORS. Their acting doesnt look like acting it feels tooooooo real to be acting. The 1st episode was both chaotic and comforting. Bae seok ryu and choi seung hyo really fights alot this was so funny to watch. Bae seok ryu coming from US. and their first meeting everything was perfect. It wasnt cliché it was realistic i like that. Then when bae seok ryu mother got to know that seok ryu has resigned and break off the engagement with her fiancée (the reason tell in ep2) it was chaotic at first because her mother started to hit(not hard ofc) bit poor seunghyo got hit instead. That was funny as hell and in ep 2 it was both emotional and comforting. I literally cried with bae seok ryu and her mother. I understand both of them. They both are right on their places. I like the fact that no matter how much both bae seok ryu and choi seunghyo likes to call each other enemies but whenever one of them is in problem they would leave everything just to help each other. In ep 3 okay this was whole damn emotional ride for me i cried laugh and again cried. It was tooo overwhelming for me it took me time come out of my mind. Because of this episode The line that would describe them is *no matter how much we fight at the end of the day when she/he is in problem ill be the first to be there* they literally goes like this. They themselves don't that but they are each others comfort zone. They feel at home when they are with each other and thats exactly this ep was. . I dont wanna give spoilers 😭❤️🥹 everyone plesse give this drama lot of love and please watch if you haven't watched it. You all are really missing out alottttttt so go on and watch it and give review HEREEEE
Thanks 🩷🥹
~•Nini•~

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I liked them all less and less

Slight Spoiler at the end.
So Min and Hae In are both actors that I appreciate and are enough of a draw that I will attempt any of their shows.
I actually made it quite far into this one before stalling on episode 10. The main reason? I didn't really like any of them.

Seok Ryu probably ended up with at least my sympathy but Seung Hyo got me to the swearing at the screen stage.
Indeed by episode 10 I was FFing past everything but So Min - the Ajummas? the sets of parents? the architect staff, the second couple, the son all got a big fat 'who cares' from me. They were all so seen it before one dimensional fillers that I didn't need to pay attention to understand their roles. The teapot lady and the ex were equally meh.

the secondary couple were just so squeaky and twee with no jeopardy that I didn't care about them at all and why was she so obsessed with the kid?

The chemistry between the leads was also lacking which really put the nail in it for me, very disappointing. I got to episode 10 and and didn't get any feeling of love from them.

I found the music terribly wishy washy and 'nice' and turned the sound off on a couple of occasions when it started to bug me.

I may go back and finish it but I may not. Looking at the directors shows I get the feeling his style isn't for me only Oh My Ghost stands out as above average.

***spoiler if you go through a traumatic experience and someone you care about finds out after the fact
Making it about you in a non judgemental way = yay nice person
Making it about themselves and their feelings and attacking you for not considering their feelings = bunch of twats.

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Slow burners, and friendship lovers, this will definitely appeal to you!

I've watched all 3 episodes and all I have to say is that the show has been amazing so far. The show highlights friendship immensely and has undertones of romance within the ML and FL's actions! I love friendship in K-dramas, especially the "childhood friends" trope when done right. This show captures the trope beautifully, displaying it's highs and lows naturally. Not to mention, it is very refreshing to experience the pacing of the show. As a slow burner, I love the pacing of the show, as it allows me to adjust to the characters first, as well as that it's healthy and the show isn't overwhelming you with a majority of topics right off the bat. The show moves at a pace that is very comfortable, and easy-going. I also have to say that this show is quite realistic and aligns with the struggles that most face today, ranging from undecided dreams to stagnant positions in life. Overall, it is fresh and truly a spectacular show from what I've watched so far. I can't wait for the next upcoming episodes!

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My own personal, unpopular, opinion

I was fully on board for this one. I love all of the actors in it and was chomping at the bit for a decent rom com. Here's what worked for me -
1) Visuals. All of the actors are just so attractive.
2) Bickering main couple (at the beginning).
3) 2ML's daughter was just precious and not a brat.

It started out well for me, but slowly but surely went downhill for me. I'm all for a good trope, but this show was just too tropey for me. Some things were good, some just had me shaking my head and talking to the tv. It seemed to me that every episode brought in a trope to further the story.
1) He's loved her for a long time - I'm always in for this.
2) Their bickering was chemistry-ing, but I didn't buy their chemistry once they decided they liked each other.
3) Physically/emotionally abusive parent. I know this is used for comedy, but it was too much and went on too long.
4) Miscommunication - this applied to the main couple, the second couple, and both sets of parents.
5) FL's brother was pretty much a waste of time.
6) Of course, there was a woman that liked him that he worked with. Thankfully, she wasn't overly irritating and realized that she had no chance "They might as well start planning what schools their children will be going to" - what a great line.
7) Ex-girlfriend that wants him back. They redeemed themselves by having her come around to what was going on quickly.
8) Ex-fiancé coming back into the picture. This felt like manipulation to further the story, because why else would he randomly show up out of the blue?
9) "Let's keep our relationship a secret".
10) Parents trying to marry off the kids to others.
11) Parents against their relationship.
12) Parents against her career choice.
13) Secrets - 2ML has a daughter that we don't find out about for a while and then she's not really his daughter. Why?
14) Illness. Cue noble idiocy and not wanting to be with someone to save them from hurt.
15) 2FL going away for a year. A paramedic going to Antarctica for a year?!?!
16) ML's mom is a total bi-atch through the entire show, suddenly we think she has Alzheimer's. But no, her forgetting where she is, that she resigned and where she sent her suitcase is all due to stress?!?!
17) FL wanting to put the wedding on hold because she wants to focus on her career. Women are better than that at multitasking.
18) Wedding red herring. It wasn't the OTP.
19) The leads walk into the sunset, bickering as they go.

I would definitely recommend this show since I'm totally in the minority, but it just didn't work for me.

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❤️ Love Next Door ?

Eomma Chingu Adeul is a multigenre drama that does justice to each and every genre it tackles. It incorporates some of the most used cliche tropes of 2024, yet they are executed and concluded in a highly satisfying way, delivering meaningful life lessons. Whether its the terminal illness trope, quitting a job due to depression, the childhood friends-to-lovers arc or the exes storyline, each one is handled in a gratifying manner. Many shows i have watched this year that use these tropes tend to disappoint but this drama managed them far better.

The chemistry between the leads is exceptional. From the very first scene, they felt so natural together, as if they truly were childhood friends, the kind of vibe that made their bond believable. As the episodes progressed, their connection only grew stronger. There were plenty of ups and downs in their relationship but everything was justified. The progression of their relationship felt smooth. While some might say Seokryu jumped into a new relationship rather quickly after her breakup, i think the buildup was convincing, so it didnt feel strange at all.

The acting was phenomenal, especially from Jung Somin. She was incredibly natural in every scene, whether it was emotional, happy or sad. She absolutely killed it. Other actors like Jung Haein and Kim Jieun also impressed me. The supporting cast, who are veteran actors, delivered solid performances as expected. I never got a fake or forced feeling from anyone’s acting.

This slice of life drama excellently portrays the different phases of life in a highly believable way. Each storyline is given proper buildup and a satisfying conclusion, all while teaching that life is about growth. Every character has their own story to tell. The leads and secondary characters are depicted with their flaws, just like real people. I appreciate that the drama didnt idealize the lead characters like many others do. Here, they are shown with both their strengths and weaknesses and every action they take has a reason behind it. The more you try to understand things from their perspective, the more you will enjoy their stories. Whether its the parents, the brother or the leads themselves, each one follows their own moral compass. At times, you will see the parents at fault, while at other times, you will understand that Seokryu made mistakes by not being honest with them. Once you grasp where they are coming from, the show becomes even more meaningful.

Friendship and family are the highlights of this drama. Whether its the bond between the four neighborhood ladies or between the three leads, these relationships are cherished, though they also go through their ups and downs. The same applies to family dynamics.

The slow burn romance is executed perfectly. Waiting 10 episodes to finally see the leads romance unfold was worth it. Their sweet relationship, which began after weathering the storm, made it even more enjoyable. The show does an excellent job of handling the angst between episodes 6 and 10 and then giving plenty of time for their relationship to flourish from episodes 11 to 16, with plenty of sweetness. Most romance dramas fail at this, introducing conflict in the last two episodes, which often results in a rushed ending. But here, it doesnt feel that way at all.

I have watched plenty of romance or romcom dramas this year but honestly, this one has the most meaningful script. While there are a few romance/romcom dramas i liked more, i cant deny that this one has a solid story and script. There is so much depth to the characters and the story that the more you think about it, the more fresh perspectives you gain on various aspects of life.

All things considered, i would give this a solid 9.5/10. It satisfied me from start to finish and i even enjoyed the angsty phase between episodes 6 and 10, which was disliked by many viewers of this drama

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Lovely Runner's Shadow

This drama was hyped to be Lovely Runner's successor, but I'm not sure that was the right PR move or successful. Lovely Runner was unique because it had the same 2016-esque cringe element (not a bad thing). This can only be replicated if you don't care how it looks or how silly you think it is. Love Next Door was too tame, too safe to have the same elements that Lovely Runner did. No matter how you look at it, Love Next Door was too much in the shadow of Lovely Runner.

Love Next Door had a star studded cast, but the script was so so so safe. There was nothing unique about it (aside from maybe the second lead couple). Tropes are not necessarily a bad thing, but it has to be done right. The first episode was fine, but as it went on, it becomes clear that it was never a true enemies to lovers or even a best friend to lovers. Love Next Door occupied this weird in between that lacked chemistry. I didn't feel any sizzle at all. I was more invested in the second lead couple because they had more chemistry.

As far as script and logic goes, the use of cancer as a convenient excuse was overdone. Sure, they foreshadowed everything properly, but it felt so surface level. A lot of the interactions felt half done. I can't quite pin it but there was just something incomplete or missing from this drama. Someone pointed it out earlier in the comments section, but I didn't realize it until later. The progression from friends to the confession then them getting together and then the last episode had no tension or suspense. It was pretty bland.

All in all, it was a decent drama. It could have been worse. Yet, because it was so unremarkable with such a well-known cast that it makes it all more disappointing.

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