Love Next Door

The title "Love Next Door" sounds like a typical sweet romance story. But the Korean title, which translates literally to "Mom's Friend's Son," hints at something more.

In Korean culture, it's an expression that's commonly brought up when mothers are comparing each other's kids. Children of Tiger moms are well familiar with how their achievements would be compared to those of other neighborhood kids. The status-seeking parents, of course, only showcase their achievements.

Initially, the outrageous actions of the parents could be off-putting, but the ridiculousness (and resulting caricature) is intentional. The director, screenwriter, and main leads are known for hard-hitting stories, sometimes with profound social commentary. While competitive ethos and a culture of comparison can spur achievements, might they push some individuals to the brink?

There is plenty of eye candy to enjoy. Beautiful actors. Good music. And a meaningful story, to boot.

Okay so first I am definitely in love with this show as I am a huge fan of Jung Hae In.

So story goes like - A woman attempting to reboot her life returns to Korea and becomes entangled with her childhood friend with whom she shares a complicated history.

Needless to say further this show is a feel good show with every emotion.

So Min - FL also did a very good job as she is a wonderful actress.

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. The slapstick humour, especially during the chaotic family scenes, is well-executed and keeps the tone light-hearted.

Must Watch show !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love the cast. No cuter couple paired in a drama in recent memory than Jung So Min and Jung Hae In. Can't think of any Hollywood or even K drama pair that could so convincingly play their teenage selves in flashbacks. Impossibly young looking.

The mostly feel good romantic comic story about neighboring kids getting together in their 30s after some failed relationships and career ups ups and downs. Isn't quite enough for 16 extra long episodes. Some unnecessary scenes. The first 8 episodes are a bit slow. But the next 3 things come together and all is explained in the most convincing and realistic way possible. Why did she quit and break up? Quite moving.

The issues are mostly realistic. Her story of going abroad to study and work and it's pitfalls is quite realistic. This writer has a knack of explaining things later which were hard to guess before because too few hints were given. His parents and the secondary couple have their issues that are quite movingly dealt with.

The parents have a big role. Good parts for Park Ji Young and Jang Young Nam as the mothers. The secondary couple EMT and journalist is not interesting enough to be given so much screen time.

One fantasy element is how nice the exes are. Love Seo Ji Hye of CLOY. But what a strange casting as JHI's ex. She is such a mature statuesque goddess and JHI is so boyish. Most unlikely pair. The kid versions have a big role and the little girl is great and familiar to recent K drama watchers.

A couple of unexpected flaws. The soundtrack is not memorable. No hummable tune. Another thing is the the fashion styling isn't great. JHI's clothes are too baggy for him. His hair is a tad too long and it doesn't suit his face. There are too many drinking scenes.

This show may be slow at times but what's wrong with spending more time with everyone's favorite K drama actors and actresses. There is a lot to laugh at and many feel good moments.

Not many shows like this nowadays.

I really loved the female protagonist " in because this is my first life". So I was excited to find her in this drama, the male protagonist I am unfamiliar with.

I feel like the plot is in the title, and they are taking such a long time to connect the two characters. Meanwhile, we have to endure the lovable but violent parents. There is something on out of kilter in this romcom. I cannot figure out what it is except that it's taking a very long time to bring the two characters together, I want very much to like this, but is not winning me over.

Finally, the ending episodes have succeeded in winning me over and I feel pleased-that I finished the story and hung in there with the characters. Up until episode seven ,Everything else was confusing and too drawn-out for me.

It's suitable for working people. This series touched my heart. The pressure at work, family, close friends, and lovers, finding one's own dreams, going back to being a teenager, the age of dreams and starting everything. The plot is very good.

Including the relationship between the 2 main characters, Seung Hyo and Seok Ryu, they made me believe that they are close friends who are like a family. Bickering, sympathy, caring and protecting each other, it slowly seeps into their hearts. They slowly fall in love and change with age. I love their acting. It looks natural, believable, and has incredible chemistry.

Jung So Min is the best actress. She has great acting skills in all aspects. She made me laugh and cry with her. She conveys emotions well through her facial expressions and eyes. She deserves an award.