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Could have been better
This drama had so much potential and the story was going on good until the 5th or 6th episode. The ending was quite satisfactory, the cast was the best. I understand it had a simple concept so there wasn't much to the story so they included some completely unnecessary plots. The second lead romance was the best, much better than male leads. Also I guess they forgot to show the third lead i.e Seokryu's brother's romance.The Ml, had already realised that he liked her in 5th ep ig, but to extend the storyline, he had to realise it again in the next episode only to ignore her in next few.
I understand the slump part, somehow the stomach cancer part was unnecessary, but still made sense.
The ending was little bit rushed, neither they showed their wedding, not the second leads meeting again and I mentioned the third leads.
FL's mother was a really annoying character but the character development was okay.
The storyline was predictable and very simple. It would have been a comforting drama but left traumatising, the only thing I probably liked was the cast, definitely not the storyline. Their chemistry was great. The romance was okay. It could have been so much better, I had alot of expectations from this but I was quite disappointed.
Also I felt like this drama was really similar to Doctor Slump, byt Dr. Slump was better
Kudos to the staff and actors who worked hard on and off screen ❤
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Snooze fest
I dont see any chemistry between the leads. Like, i expected a lot for the friends to lovers trope, but its meh. Not sure if its cos of the writing. Possibly the bland acting of jung somin and jung hae in. He should stick to serious roles.Supporting roles are not memorable too. Basically the plot is not good to begin with.
Dont believe when people hype dramas lmao.
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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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This review may contain spoilers
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 HEREEEEThanks 🩷🥹
~•Nini•~
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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!Was this review helpful to you?
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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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Such a sweet drama with a meaning message and EPIC love stories
Firstly, this drama was spectacularly brilliant. The most prominent takeaway for me was about how there's no age limit to dreaming. It was very touching about how despite what age the characters were they still followed their dreams and like it's never too late to start dreaming and chasing those dreams, it was such a beautiful message. I started watching it for the silly banter between the leads and their childhood frenemies/rivals to lovers arc that was genuinely wholesome and so sweet but I was soon also enthralled by the other sweet couples that were just so perfect. Like all of their stories was truly wonderful. The single dad romance, the misunderstanding but finding each other again/second chance romance, the growing old together romance. Honestly just so lovely all around. The journey of the friendships and the growth in relationships was just app nice to watch. I absolutely loved it. The actors looked stunning in every frame and they cast and crew have certainly done a brilliant job here. Hats off to that. The music was melodic and sweet to hear. Overall, this is a drama about how it's never too late to start living and loving and just enjoying life with EPIC romance stories that are absolutely beautiful ✨♋😭👩🏻🍳💖🧑🏻💼🏢🗺️✨🎤📰🧑🏻💼👨👩👧👩🏻⚕️🚑⚕️✨Was this review helpful to you?
When Friendship Should’ve Stayed Friendship
I went into this for two of my all-time favourite actors, half-expecting to be let down, and sadly, I was. It’s one of those shows that proves not every long time friendship needs to turn romantic. Seok-ryu and Seung-hyu were much better off as friends.What worked (for me):
The second leads easily outshined the main couple. I was far more invested in them. Seok-ryu is a strong, resilient character (as much as the script allows), and her journey had real weight. Her friendship with Mo-eum was a highlight - warm, supportive, and believable. Performances across the board were solid, with Hyun-jun’s quiet loyalty standing out. I also appreciated that the show at least attempted to touch on mental health and its impact on relationships, even if it didn’t go deep. Mo-eum and Yeon-du were adorable together.
What didn’t (for me):
The romance just didn’t land. Once they got together, it became a string of cheesy, overused tropes. Character consistency went out the window. Stoic, grounded characters suddenly started behaving out of character for convenience. The writing also took shortcuts: years of resentment and misunderstanding resolved in a single conversation felt unearned.
The male lead, in particular, was frustrating - emotionally immature, avoidant, and prone to making everything about himself. His reaction to her trauma was especially off-putting, and unfortunately, her mother wasn’t much better in that regard. The contrast with the best friend’s simple, empathetic response made it even more glaring.
Pacing didn’t help either. The story dragged unnecessarily. This would’ve been far stronger as a 12-episode drama instead of 16. And the casual use of outdated tropes (like the “it’s okay if he’s gay” logic) felt jarringly regressive.
Overall:
Started strong, then steadily went downhill after the first third. A frustrating watch by the end. The performances are the only reason it holds up as much as it does.
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Difficult to review this one
Things I loved:1 The scenes from the past. They were well done and the little children were adorable. Their relationship was great.
2 The little girl, the niece of the 2ML. Great actress and such a cute child. The character as well was great.
3 The friendship between the FL and the 2FL. It felt real.
4 The last episode. I think it was one of the best along with the one titled sweet love. The ending was moving and funny and rewarding for those who spent so much time watching this long series. I loved how they gave us a glimpse of everyone's future and current life.
5 The partner of the ML in the architectural firm. I loved his character. He was necessary to break some over the top seriousness sometimes.
6 The actress of the ML. What a beautiful woman and good actress. Actually I liked most of the acting. I think they were all quite good.
7 The will of the male leads and the partner to help the old lady with her house and then preserve the neighborhood.
Things I liked:
1 Even though the women could be annoying and their fight were sometimes ridiculous, I think their friendship was great. When needed they were there for each other.
2 I also like the siblings relationship. I have two sisters and two brothers and we love each other to death but we can fight and their relationship reminded me especially the one between my younger sister and younger brother. They don't hit each other but they can tease each other mercilessly.
3 I liked that she changed careers and went for what she dreamed.
4 I liked the ex of the FL. He was a kind person and I was sorry he had to go through all this.
5 I liked the relationship between the brother and the girl from the firm. It was sweet and I'm happy to imagine them together in the future.
6 I liked the ex of the ML. Beautiful and poised and also a decent human being.
7 I liked the second couple, I just didn't love it. But compared to other series where I don't care at all for them there it was quite good.
Things I disliked:
1 The clothes the ML wore. What the heck? Sometimes he looked like a child in men's clothes. So distracting and stupid to overlook this. Don't they have eyes?
2 The relationship between the fathers was over the top sometimes. I mean I understand the drinking, but what the heck? Almost every encounter between them was around a bottle of alcohol. Their reactions were more ridiculous than endearing sometimes.
3 The scarce the mother of the ML had. It was underdeveloped and frankly idiotic. It was an insult to those who truly have issues actually. They should have found something else to write about.
4 The fights between the women. Over the top as well and so unnecessary. Drama just for the sake of drama.
5 The nonsensical theme of the restaurant that never had any clients and yet he's supposed to have enough money to support his family. That didn't make sense from the start.
6 I hated that the FL wasn't playful enough, that she didn't show how much he loved him. We saw some glimpses but it was mostly him and that bothered me. I don't know. Sometimes I felt they had chemistry especially when they saw something from the past or when they bickered at the beginning but it never really felt like they were crazy in love and that's important to me when there's romance. So I don't know what to think about their chemistry.
Things I hated:
1 That it was advertised as a rom com and that it wasn't. I hate when I start a series with certain expectations to get disappointed and this one disappointed me even though it was well done. It still wasn't a rom com.
2 The cancer story. Too heavy and although emotional and had its place in a drama it hadn't any place in a rom com.
3 I hated with the passion of thousand suns the words the NL led used before they had sex. I hope it was just the translation because if he really referred to having sex and especially with someone you're supposed to be in love for thirty years as unhealthy thoughts and bad thoughts, they all need to see a psychiatrist. I don't see the need to use such vocabulary. I may not care to see explicit scenes in a series but for heavens' sake behave like adults. There's no romantic relationship without the need to be physically with someone you love. Otherwise it's called friendship. There's nothing unhealthy, bad or I don't know what other stupid word he used to describe how he felt.
4 I also hated the way the main couple but also the second couple in some way behaved. We are talking about people who are 34, not 15, not 20, not 25. 34. And they can't talk about their relationship as adults? They can't express how much they want each other and how much they love each other as adults? They behave as if the were 15. Lamentable. This is the first series in which the couples were so old and behaved so juvenile.
5 I hated that the series made it sound like the parents could ever have any saying in the relationship of their 34 year old children. I get the families that are close and that are interfering in each other's lives but here ridiculousness reached a new height. And really for a year after they got together they didn't live together? What the heck? That's why I said it's difficult to review this series. So many things I liked but also so many I disliked. It started well but got lost somewhere on the road.
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This drama is actually recommendable
I was actually recommended this drama by some1 and also when I watched first two episodes I just felt like it's okayish I found some scenes funny but right now I am watching it so I can't judge it quickly I'll update my review after watching it fully. The side character is a little annoying he gets excited over every thing but let's not judge him fully I'll again update my review after watching the whole drama and I genuinely loved the female lead she is so funny. I loved both of their families.Was this review helpful to you?
