Love Next Door

Two Childhood So-Called Enemies Reunite

The first episode of the all-new series introduces viewers to a delightful blend of humor, nostalgia, and character-driven storytelling. The show sets a strong foundation by delving into the complicated relationship between Seung-hyo and Seok-ryu, childhood acquaintances with a shared history that’s equal parts endearing and cringe-worthy. The episode does a great job balancing comedy with deeper themes, particularly when it comes to Seok Ryu’s sudden return to Korea and the mysterious reasons behind her life upheaval. The slapstick humor, especially during the chaotic family scenes, is well-executed and keeps the tone light-hearted.However, the episode’s pacing could have been tighter, particularly during the scenes that switch between Seok-ryu’s interactions with Seung-hyo and her more reflective moments. While the comedic elements are a strong point, the episode occasionally feels like it’s trying to juggle too many tones, which may leave viewers unsure of the show’s direction. Despite this, the chemistry between the lead characters and the nostalgic flashbacks to their childhood create a promising dynamic that hints at both tension and growth. The episode ends on a note that effectively teases the chaos and drama to come, making it a solid start to the series.

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Skip this, they are so much better dramas than this

I really need to say this; ML parents are literally the cheap copy of ML and FL from queen of tears, kinda the same damn story in an older version.

14 episodes and it doesn't get any better.

I hate that they sold this as a "comedy" episodes 1-5 are boring and no, there is no comedy... episodes 6-8 (the only good thing is the second couple) but yes still boring but on an even worse level, episodes 9-10 TOO MUCH DRAMA and for what lol this stomach cancer trope was so unnecessary, episodes 11-14 finally ML and FL are together but the writing fails because we don't have a POV of FL and that makes it feel forced since in a lot of scenes I don't feel like she's in love... Anyways I'm still watching for the second couple because their chemistry is so much better and their history is so interesting and entertaining

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Hit show (Read with an "S" in the beginning)

Love Next Door attempted to blend several genres—romantic comedy, slice-of-life, and even elements of drama—but ended up feeling disjointed. The shifts in tone from light-hearted moments to more serious themes often felt jarring.
Additionally, with each episode running for 1 hour and 30 minutes, the extended runtime felt excessive for the plot being told. The pacing dragged, leading to drawn-out scenes that could have been condensed. As a result, what could have been a fun, engaging story turned into a tedious watch.



First of all, the good point about this drama is its lead actors. Jung Somin and Jung Haein are the only reasons people even fw this drama.


Love Next Door unabashedly positions itself as a romcom, yet the supposed "comedy" is conspicuously absent. For a drama that claims to reside within the romantic-comedy genre, it displays an alarming deficiency in humor, delivering not even a modicum of wit or levity. The comedic elements—if they can even be called that—are stale and unimaginative, often falling flat or feeling forced.


As for the romantic dimension, it was equally unconvincing. The connection between the protagonists lacked the effervescence and warmth typically seen in successful romcoms. The romance felt stilted, as though the writers were merely ticking off the requisite boxes without any genuine emotional depth or progression. What was meant to be a charming exploration of love unfolded as a mechanical, uninspired portrayal, devoid of the chemistry and playful banter that is the hallmark of the genre.

In Love Next Door, the writers tried to mix a slice-of-life and healing theme into the romcom, but they didn’t create smart or deep characters to make it work. Slice-of-life stories usually focus on real-life moments and personal growth, but the characters in this show felt simple and shallow. They didn’t have the kind of thoughts or emotions that would make these themes feel real.

The brother in Love Next Door was probably the only realistic character in the whole show. He reminds me of my own baby brother—super irritating.

The writers of Love Next Door completely squandered the undeniable chemistry between Jung Somin and Jung Haein. Their natural connection was one of the show’s greatest strengths, but the way the romance was handled left no room for it to fully bloom. By the time the female lead confesses her feelings, there was no anticipation or emotional tension left for the viewers to savor.

Love Next Door - somehow managed to ruin the best friends-to-lovers trope, despite the fact that it’s a genre that’s practically impossible to mess up. This storyline typically succeeds because of the natural, long-standing bond between the characters, filled with history and emotional weight. But the show turned what should have been a compelling transition into romance into a bland and overly sweet narrative that stripped the couple of any real depth.

The second couple had a lot of potential, but the writers seemed to focus too much on making them overly cute. This forced attempt at charm, unfortunately, drained their storyline of depth and left their relationship feeling bland. Their chemistry could have been explored in a more natural and compelling way instead of relying on repetitive cuteness, which, while endearing at first, lost its spark over time.


The mother of FL really does become insufferable as the show goes on. Initially, it felt like her strictness came from a place of tough love when she whooped the FL in the first episode. But as the series progresses, her behavior crosses into petty, jealous territory. She reacts negatively to almost everything, especially when it comes to her daughter’s happiness or independence.


The arrival of both exes, creating a love pentagon, significantly diminished the overall experience, even though the exes themselves were well-written characters. Instead of enhancing the storyline, their presence muddied the romantic focus and detracted from the chemistry between the main couple.

The sole indelible moment in Love Next Door was the poignant flashback of childhood, portrayed with remarkable authenticity by the child actors. Their nuanced performances elicited a sense of nostalgia and depth.

I thought this would be a drama where I would love the main couple but hate the story. However, it was so bad that I don’t even like the on-screen romance now.


Despite securing a prime time slot on tvN, Love Next Door underperformed compared to other dramas in that slot. While it maintained respectable ratings and often ranked first in its time slot, it didn’t reach the high ratings that many prime slot dramas typically achieve.This can largely be attributed to its underwhelming storyline and frustrating character arcs, which failed to engage viewers on a deeper level. The script lacked the dynamism and complexity needed to sustain a prime slot drama, leading to a disconnect with its potential audience.



It wasn’t the worst drama I’ve watched, but it’s definitely the most disappointing. The hype was high, especially with Jung Somin and Jung Haein.
It was profoundly disheartening to witness actors of Haein and Somin's caliber acquiescing to a script as lackluster as Love Next Door when they undoubtedly had more discerning options at their disposal. Their remarkable aptitude was regrettably squandered on a project that failed to exploit their full artistic potential.Ultimately, the writers must bear the brunt of the responsibility for failing to realize the potential of this ostensibly promising premise.

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Romance, Realisations and Surviving Adulting!

Love Next Door was a whole different journey for me. The premise was pretty basic and nothing groundbreaking. Yes, the friends-to-lovers trope is familiar, but this drama brings a fresh perspective giving each character a unique identity and engaging journey.

Choi Seung Hyo - Initially the embodiment of the perfect architect - very talented and handsome (HaeIn in black and in those formal shirts hits on another level). Yet as we move forward in the drama, beneath his polished exterior, we see him grappling with insecurities tied to his past.
Bae Seok Ryu - Once a top-performing project manager in the US faces burnout and unexpected challenges and eventually returns home unemployed with the weight of unfulfilled expectations of her parents.

The evolution of their relationship from friendship to lovers was heartwarming. The pacing of the drama was excellent with seamless transitions between the past and the present and vice versa.
The romance was a slow burn but in the journey from friends to lovers, they rediscovered themselves first before jumping into a relationship plus the way they bickered with each other but still were there in tough moments offering unconditional support and care. Both of them were far from perfect, sometimes you would question their decision but somehow their motivations became clear as the drama progressed.

I am also glad that they didn’t stretch out a few clichéd plotlines. Once their issues were resolved, it became one of the best dating eras I’ve seen so freakin' romantic that it might just give me a sugar rush!

Our second couple - DanHo and MoEum. As individual characters, they were the best second leads. DanHo is such a good samaritan. Whenever he was on screen it made me happy. MoEum is the best friend I want in real life. However, their love story felt a bit underdeveloped and rushed, especially toward the end. I’m a bit frustrated that they had the chance to give us a perfect story but ultimately it fell short.
Also would like to point out, how instead of being against each other, all the leads were one team. It was nice to see the friendship between the 4 of them.

It happens very rarely that I get intrigued by the stories of supporting characters but here I was totally invested in them, especially Sseung's parent's love story. I see where Sueng Hyo gets his loser-ism from. xD
Another entertaining aspect was the friendship between the lavender ladies. They animated chats about their adult children, each of them boasting about accomplishments with a mix of pride and playful competition. Yet amid the light-hearted bragging, there was a sense of support. However, I wish they had written Mi-suk's (FL's Mother) character better so that she would understand how to treat her "adult daughter" as an "Adult". Though she eventually came around but it was pretty frustrating.

The Dad duo weren't behind. Their bonding drinking sessions were among the funniest things about this show.
I didn't particularly care about DongJin but he had no character development. The story would still be the same without him. He was just there to show how parents treated both their children differently. Thats it.

Overall, for me, this was more than a romcom. It was a nuanced story of personal growth, love and healing. The drama resonated long even after each episode ended somehow reminding me that understanding ourselves and the people around us is both complex and sometimes profoundly beautiful. It also reminded me that life can be pretty overwhelming and filled with challenges, but hope can emerge from the messiness of it and guide us towards the light.

I may have delved deeper than necessary into the drama but the 8 weeks journey was a treat. The real-life parallels made this extra special for me. I know it has FLAWS but I am willing to overlook them for the sheer enjoyment it has given me.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this. <3

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It's been a long time...

It's been a long time since I wasn't hipped with the drama like Love Next Door (since the disaster of Lovely runner...)

How to start... It is simple: I loved this drama with my heart: it has everything ... trauma, fear, love, dreams...
It is very realistic, a simple story and I loved how they overcome everything at the end. The sickness and depression topic are well developed which made the drama even more touching.
All the characters were well written and had their own stories and I loved them all. You could really see the improvement of each one at the end...

I loved it .... And the chemistry between the ML and FL? WOW, I still replay the love scene in my head even today, I never felt that.. Jung Hae In will always be my favorite. I fill a void now that I finished it .. It was my comfort show for weeks.
Bref. If you're hesitating: JUST WATCH IT. You will not be disappointed.

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Love Next Door: The Powerful Laces of Family, Friendship, and Love Entwine

Youthful Bonds to Lasting Love: Love Next Door Delivers a Heartfelt Tale of Family and Friendship

Love Next Door is not just a drama; it's an intricate tapestry that weaves together threads of family, friendship, and romance. Since the very first episode, I have been hooked enough to make me replay the last three episodes--definitely my favorite. What a brilliant job the cast did, as one could barely envision anyone else for these roles. They lent meaning to these characters in such a way that even after the credits roll, the connection between them would remain intact.

The emotional journey of Bae Seokryu intertwines seamlessly with her childhood friend Choi Seunghyo as they reconnect and navigate the intricacies of their developing relationship. How it transitioned from friends into lovers was done with such nuance; almost refreshing and real, for a change. Every single interaction had tangible chemistry in the air, and the development of their relationship really moved at a pace that kept me glued to the screen. But what really worked for me in this tired drama genre was the avoidance of overused tropes; we get to witness the building up of two faulty characters sans umpteenth girlfriend from hell or over-the-top conflicts.

The family dynamics themselves gave fullness to the story, too. Subplot: Choi Seunghyo's parents rediscover their love for each other-just about like he sees them fall in love all over again-is beautifully done. It added depth and warmth, indeed, to remind me that love can change and be reborn at any age. Moreover, the Lavender Ladies-those bright friends-were a bit different than in friendship. The way they all stood up for each other is just the type of relationship I hope to have someday in my life.

Equally engaging were the mothers in the story. It was deep to see them put aside their differences for the sake of their children; it showed how relationships can sometimes turn for the better whenever we let go of pride. This thread of forgiveness and personal growth courses through the entire series, reminding one that love has many faces: familial, platonic, romantic.

Then there is the ex story arc, which was also really good without relying on the usual melodrama of jealousy and fighting. Rather, it involves plausible characters making poor choices, which lends an air of realism to the series. The writing, though imperfect, pulled off telling a realistic story with relatable characters and heartfelt scenes.

Speaking of pacing and structure, I would liken Love Next Door to a well-constructed "horse chart": yeah, perhaps it had some bumps along its path, but the overall trajectory was meaningful and satisfying. The lack of a clear villain or melodramatic plot twists ultimately made for a very down-to-earth experience, reminding us that not all love is about over-the-top performances; more often than not, love exists in quiet-indeed, very soft-spoken-moments of contact and comprehension.

Ultimately, Love Next Door is not just romance; it is a celebration of growth, connection, and the messiness of human relationships. While perhaps not to the taste of every audience, for the viewer who hopes to find in a story something over and above the typical tropes of romance, this series offers a fresh viewpoint that will linger in heart and mind long after the final scene.

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Decent storyline with wonderful chemistry

Tbh I was very excited and had huge expectation from it since "FRIENDS TO LOVERS" trope is my fav type. Moreover, im a huge fan of JHI. But I wasn't happy after the way story took turns with ex. However, kept trust in JHI's words and didn't drop. Now Im quite satisfied but not fully. Keeping aside storyline, the chemistry between both leads was very solid and organic. Usually i don't get too much invested in second lead's story and in 90% cases, my priority and loyalty always remain with main leads. But this time the story progression (better than main leads' story) and chemistry of second leads were really good. From ep 11, the pace and buildup of story was good including many heartwarming moments which made me forget the ex fiasco. The transition of two friends to become lovers has been portrayed very beautifully. I liked how they bicker and tease each other in their dating period (exactly like their friendship period) but when they had arguement, they solved it with maturity and proper communication like a proper couple should do. They are childish yet sorted, matured. It made me realize that if SH were in SR ex's place, SR never had fallen in depression or they might not get broken up. SR's ex was a good person. But sometimes two perfect people can't be perfect for each other. They might have tried to give best to their relationship but they weren't good/ made for each other. Finally i convinced myself with this narrative and overall im happy with it. At last but not the least, it's not a ROMCOM. It's a whole package of slow burn romance, comedy, melodrama, feel good, healing drama. Romance part is more in comparison to others, but u hv to wait a little bit to reach that point. But i feel u won't regret it.

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Love Next Door Review - ZyKuu

"Two childhood lovers" - The story was very interesting and I felt as if there were no major errors in the writing besides a couple nitpicks. This drama was very realistic in its approach on daily struggles and family issues that commonly occur, I admire the show for highlighting such situations. They really nailed the slice of life aspect. I believe that the entire cast was top tier. I loved both main leads Seung-hyo and Seok-ryu and I found that they were compatible in every way. Their chemistry was perfect no matter the type of relationship they had, and although their romance is a slowburn, it is most definitely worth the wait. The second couple in lead Mo-eum and Dan-ho had a very unique and exciting journey together. The parents of Seung-hyo, Seok-ryu, and Mo-eum were amazing and I loved how each household had a different type of parenting. The rest of the cast like Yeon-du, Dong-jin, Myeong-u, etc. aced their roles! I adored the flashback scenes between Seok-ryu and Seung-hyo because it only proves that soulmates exist. The OST was great, and I loved the colours and tone of the show. The show is practically perfect and I am a bit upset I finish it.

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Peak romantic escapism

I’ll be honest, this series has me in two minds. There is the critical side of me that see the contrived, cliche plots and then there is the romance drama tragic that lapped up all the swoon-y moments and happily frolicked with the unicorns. It is a tug of war at times but in the end, the drama tragic won and the critic was banished to the naughty corner.

The premise of the plot is the classic BFF to lover trope. Of course, it is a bumpy ride for our besotted leads or it won't be a k-drama. However, it is also less angsty than I expected. It is pretty smooth sailing on the Love Boat for our OTP once they sorted out their feelings. The angst largely comes from the second leads and the parents. Interestingly, they are not the usual annoying, controlling parents. They are decent folks, but the show put them at loggerheads due to some misunderstanding just to create tension and serve up some distraction.

As I mentioned before, the A-plot is quite simple if we pare back the extraneous side plots. What is left is a sweet OTP romance and an engaging 2CP. I'm happy to see the OTP is rock solid after their confession. However, the 2CP is on far shakier grounds. When you throw in a cute little girl into the mix, I’m shipping them big time.

I’m not saying that the OTP is boring. Where the OTP excelled is their chemistry. I think the acting experience of our two senior leads shows. Their interactions feel natural and believable. Their skinship is more passionate as well. The 2CP has their moments but they are a bit awkward around each other most of the time. Not that I’m complaining but there is a clear winner if you put them side by side.

If I release my inner critic, the show would be about 7.5. It is perfectly watchable if you want something that is angst lite and uncomplicated. On the other hand, if I morph into the Romance Drama Tragic™️, then it is an easy 8.5 (9 if you only rate the last 4 eps). You just need to filter out (skip) the noises and focus on the swoon worthy moments, especially during the second half. If I were to rewatch this, I’d start at the end of ep.11 and be a couch potato for the next few hours unto the happy end. I'll have to skip forward a few times but that's par for the course.

Speaking of the ending, it is very sweet but not quite sugar overload and less formulaic than expected. Everyone, and I mean everyone, gets a happy ending. There are minor twists, but the main plot stays the course.

One odd thing though. The budding romance of the FL’s brother and the ML’s coworker. They are obviously the 3CP but somehow their timing seems off. 10 months of close interaction and he doesn’t get the hint that the girl is into him?! I’ll just put it down to an odd slip by the writer-nim.

This show is a guilty pleasure for me. Maybe you will enjoy it too.

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Love Next Door: Family, Friends, and Fluttering Hearts

Picture this: a cozy neighborhood where everyone knows your business, but in the most heartwarming way possible. That's where our story unfolds, and let me tell you, I was hooked from the very first episode!

The Main Couple:

Our lead characters? Absolutely adorable! The chemistry between them is off the charts, and I found myself grinning like a fool during their cute interactions. The way they go from bickering neighbors to stealing glances at each other? Pure magic!

More Than Just Romance:

But it's not just about the romance, folks. The show dives deep into family dynamics, friendship, and chasing your dreams. I laughed, I cried (okay, maybe I sobbed a little), and I felt like I was right there with them, cheering them on.
Can we talk about the secondary characters for a sec? They're not just fillers; each one has their own story that had me invested.

The Second Lead Couple:

Oh my gosh, I can't forget to gush about the second lead couple! They're absolutely fantastic!
You know how sometimes the secondary romance can feel a bit tacked on? Not in "Love Next Door"! The second lead couple totally stole my heart. Their storyline is so well-developed that I found myself just as invested in their journey as I was in the main couple's.
What I love most about them is how different their dynamic is from our main leads. While the primary couple has that classic bricking vibe, our second leads have this slow-burn, friends-to-lovers thing going on that's just chef's kiss. The way they support each other through thick and thin, even before realizing their feelings? It's friendship goals and relationship goals all rolled into one!
And here's the cherry on top – there's a kid involved in their story, and oh boy, does it add a whole new layer of heartwarming goodness! The way the second male lead bonds with this child is just precious. You can see him growing and softening through their interactions, and it's absolutely beautiful to watch.
But wait, it gets even better! The relationship between the child and the second female lead's mother? Total tearjerker material, in the best possible way. It's like watching a little family come together, piece by piece. There's this one scene where the three of them are just hanging out, and I swear, my heart grew three sizes. It's these little moments that make the show feel so real and relatable.
Their individual character arcs are amazing too. They're not just there to support the main story – they've got their own dreams, struggles, and growth that had me rooting for them every step of the way

Family Ties:

Oh, and let's not forget about the family dynamics in this show – they're absolutely heartwarming! "Love Next Door" doesn't just focus on romantic relationships; it delves deep into the complexities of family life, and I'm here for it.
The way the show portrays different family structures and relationships is so refreshing. We've got everything from tight-knit traditional families to single-parent households, and each one feels so real and relatable. I found myself tearing up more than once during those emotional family scenes.
Now, I've got to be honest here – I had some mixed feelings about the main female lead's family. At first, I didn't really like them, except for her father. They came across as a bit... well, let's just say they weren't winning any "Family of the Year" awards in my book. But here's the thing – as the show progressed, I found my heart starting to soften towards them. It wasn't a complete 180, mind you, but I definitely felt it melting bit by bit. It's like the show was challenging me to look beyond first impressions, just like the characters were learning to do.
What I love most is how the family storylines intertwine with the main plot. The lead characters' families play such crucial roles in their personal growth and romantic journeys. There's this one family dinner scene that had me laughing one minute and reaching for tissues the next – it perfectly captures the chaos and love of family life.
The family aspect adds such depth to the characters and the overall story. It reminds us that love isn't just about romance – it's about the people who've known us our whole lives, who support us through thick and thin. "Love Next Door" beautifully shows how family shapes us, challenges us, and ultimately, how it's always there for us – even when they drive us a little crazy sometimes!

The Soundtrack:

Oh, and the soundtrack! I've had the main theme on repeat for days. It captures the show's essence perfectly – sweet, with just a hint of melancholy.

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