This weekend was the premiere of new tvN rom-com Love Next Door (Mom’s Best Friend’s Son) and I went in with exception but also tempered expectations. Starring Jung Hae In and Jung So Min, the drama started with 4.899% and went up to 5.977% in episode 2 so that is a good sign. I watched the first two episodes and have mixed feelings, but the strongest takeaway is that the female lead Seok Ryu is a very annoying character as written, and made only slightly better with Jung So Min’s warmth playing her. Seung Hyo the male lead is the anchor for this drama thanks to Jung Hae In being such a good actor and charismatic leading man, taking the quiet role and making him nuanced and interesting. This drama set up reminds me of the My Sassy Girl divide – those who can’t stand the female lead and those who love the opposites attract dynamic and like a strong female character. I’m in the middle, Seok Ryu doesn’t annoy me enough to drop the drama and the second episodes peels back her layers, and I love Seung Hyo more than enough to put with with some frustratingly loud classic Hallyu conflicts like the mom-daughter interplay and the neighborhood gossip.
The mother beating up her 34 year old daughter even as a ‘joke’ was completely incomprehensible and inappropriate. I can put up with interfering parents and gossipy neighbours but the woman is 34! How can you raise your hand on her!? If she were married and had kids would she dare to do that? The rest of the drama is still cute enough to keep watching but less parents being physically abusive please.
Ι totally agree with you. Also, I found the physical abuse the 34 year old daughter exerts on her equally 34 year old childhood friend (and love interest-to-be) equally aggravating. She hits him several times and actually chokes him twice. This isn’t funny!
I understand the aversion to the ‘physical abuse’ which was played for comedy or laughs (I did find it funny while I know that in reality it should be discouraged). I would say the daughter took her physical abusive ways from her mom. I didn’t like the head locking scenes either, it’s so unnecessary.
But I think the point the drama is trying to show is that her family is rambunctious, honest, direct and warm. When they’re angry they yell at each other, get their grievances out and make up; as opposed to his family where things are so cold, his mother won’t even hug him and seems averse to physical displays of affection. And his parents are having a cold war (you could cut the air between them with a knife). So the warmth of her family attracts him, he even gets along better with her mother than his own.
Also goes to show that they get along like siblings and truly know everything about each other. What I’ve seen in the first two episodes makes me curious to know more about the family and the couple.
@Xoxo Sorry but I don’t think there is any warmth in a family that physically abuses their very adult 30+ year old and is too embarrassed to accept their failures in front of other people. Hard to imagine that being a happy family. I bet she’d be beaten up even if this character set up was for 40 year olds. Very disturbing that Kdrama finds this humor acceptable.
Kdrama parents liked to beat their adult kids around! That’s so annoying, not funny at all. I don’t get that type of “humor.”
Also Kdrama bosses liked to physically abuse their subordinates, e.g., Start Up. That’s also unfathomable cos beating employees is a criminal act and definitely will be sued in real life.
well as an Asian living in East Asia…. I can tell you that this is a common and not unacceptable thing. Parents (usually moms) still slap around their married kids (usually on the arms or shoulders, and rarely with instruments), and physical jostling between siblings and close friends are common. so it’s not humor – it’s a reflection of actual life.
Agree. i’m asian (not east asian) and I totally understand the perspective.
Asians are collectivist society, where family and community ties are strongly valued. So being close to your family or banter with your siblings are very common, even when you’re in your 30s. And decisions are usually made collectively as a family. Even when children are grown, parents still feel responsible for guiding them (through reminders, advice, scolding etc). It’s not about control – it’s more like a way for them to stay involved in their children’s live. Also, its a show of care and feeling responsible no matter how old you are. It might seem odd if you’re used to more independence or personal freedom, but it’s just a different way of showing love and looking out for each other. Different cultures, different vibes.
But I do agree that using instruments is not really common these days.
Unfortunately, it’s asian thing. Asian value: no matter how old their kids are, they are still their KIDS! It’s not even weird when a 30+ wo/man still lives with their parents.
The Jung-Jung chemistry is simply fire. They light up the screen with their interactions, and Jung So Min is just a natural with her comedic timing. I understand that the first two episodes are just setting the stage of their future romance, so I’m patiently wading through the family dynamics which seems to take center stage at this time. To be honest, I’m really enjoying it as it’s been a long time I’ve watched a wholesome family K-drama. I hope the writing keeps up and the plot doesn’t devolve halfway through the series.
Agree with what you said about their sibling like relationship. She is also very physical with her brother.
It seems like he got dropped off a lot at their place and they practically grew up together. They seem to know and understand each other and underneath all the horsing around, care about each other. He’s the only one to whom she talks about why she quit her job and her broken engagement. His parents don’t seem to be there for him. Looking forward to coming episodes. I feel Ep 3 will be about his family dynamics or at least I hope so.
The FL is nothing like the one in Sassy Girl. The relationship is more balanced. They cleary both care about each other. And Jung and Jung killed it!
For the mum, the violence was unconfortable but I think it was the purpose. This kind of relationship exists. This drama isn’t only a romance but focus a lot on family.
Where are the mixed reviews coming from? Both leads are flawless! Haein is finally in a romcom with the romcom queen, Somin. It’s already shaping up to be the best drama of 2024. How rare is it to see a similar-aged pairing with such amazing visuals and acting abilities?
Jung somin is a chemistry fairy, I can’t think of anyone who’s close maybe PMY but even she had misses.
NO THANKS. PASS. I hated the female lead in My Sassy Girl, couldn’t understand why it was so beloved and considered a romance because the lead girl was so violent and mean and I thought this as a kid, never attempted to rewatch as an adult. More people would have realized it was an abusive relationship if the gender roles were switched around.
Never liked that movie too besides the song.
I was going to watch this one.. but if it has the same vibe as sassy girl… I’m on the fence
The vibe of Love Next Door is nothing like My Sassy Girl unless it’s in the superficial detail like the heroine being loud and quirky around her family and friends.
Maybe you could give the first two episodes a chance, I personally thought the opening of episode 1 with the mothers’ hiking group got way too draggy and took too long to introduce the leads, I used the fast forward button on that one but it’s otherwise a good opening week.
I swear, people just want to hate for the sake of it now. Jung Somin’s character is typical, and there have been plenty like her before, like the FL in Fight for my Way, into the ring, and Welcome to Samdalri. Where was the hate for them? If her character doesn’t suit your taste, then just drop the show. Jungjung pairing is a one of a kind pairing as that user said, you don’t get often.
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To be honest, I would have dropped it if it weren’t for the two leads. Plot-wise it seems your average childhood friends-to-lovers romcom and I hate, absolutely hate all the abuse that is going on between the mom and the daughter (ffs, if she beats her daughter at age 34, imagine what she did to that poor child at age 7) but also between the female lead and the male lead. I can explain the first by thinking that maybe in the Korean society beating your children is not considered as reprimandable (poor kids) but how am I to think that choking your friend (poor Seung Hyo ends up all red in the face and breathing for air, it is not a friendly “chokehold”) and obviously soon-to-be romantic partner can be considered acceptable???
Anyway, the two Jungs are lovely and this is why I will continue watching for now – I do hope though that no more domestic abuse will be used as a joke. Does anyone find this amusing???
SO GOOOOOOOOD. I cried for Seok Ryu. Seong Hyo completely has a thing for her.
I don’t get yall calling it average/basic erm aren’t all romcoms like that, many are loving this show—it’s a true rom-com. Lately, we’ve had romances mixed with murder mysteries and other unnecessary plot devices.As for the FL hitting the male lead, many female leads have done that before; Fight for My Way and Into the Ring are examples, it’s nothing new. It’s just weird couple of yrs ago many were worshipping actual psycho fl’s but a flawed one is too much.
I was expecting a light romcom but pleasantly surprised that it became by Ep 2 about dysfunctional families with both leads seeming to have underlying issues with their parents.
I’m tuning in, Jung-Jung couple look great together. It will be interesting to see what happens and hopefully the chemistry is there throughout all the episodes.
Aw I hate My Sassy Girl but love JSM. I’ll check it out.
The plot is nothing special or out of the ordinary; just typical friends to lovers mix with some mom+dad issues, I think it’s very watchable, I have no Chinese drama to watch now so I give it a try and it’s fine, liking the vibe so far.
I didn’t think it was anything special apart from the chemistry. It seems to be just another drama that is relying on leads to carry the viewers. The plot is just meh.
The physical abuse is a huge turn off. The older I get, the less tolerance I have. This is the same case with the cases where they get blind drunk. This is often followed by sex because concept of consent doesn’t exist. Promoting these things and normalising them in kdramas is really bad but I guess fans will just wave it away as a no big deal, as they always do.
I am surprised no one mentioned the 2nd leads. They are very likable.
They did catch my eyes. Agreed. They are very likable. I love the contrast in personality between them.
It’s watchable so far but nothing exceptional. Which is what I thought of the writer/director’s previous work HTCCC as well. Like everyone else, I really wish they will tone down with the physical violence. My Sassy Girl has been outdated for a longgg time. It’s not funny nor cute, and no, your personal problems don’t give you an excuse to use your friend/bf as a punching bag. And the mother slapping and chasing two adults with leeks made me sigh.
Even if it’s not my culture, it’s not the first time seeing in a Kdrama parents beating up their children even when they are old . I watched the two episodes and wasn’t completly sold but i find that’s not just about a relationship between childhood friends but a description about complex relationships in families and the way that both leads deal with it . The feeling of disappointing parents, of not achieving their hopes, an old generation which doesn’t understand the burn out concept because they worked all their life without complaining but it was another era with less competitiveness in many areas such as studies, a world that goes at 100 miles an hour,…a generation who is losing hope ,…A families portrait !
@cahill same here. The first 2 eps aren’t perfect but they were mostly good and the little bit of info that we get about the leads (mainly her) and their family dynamics is enough to get me to tune in next week.
I thought Jung Somin did a good job of getting across Seokryu’s personality and the way she’s trying to get her family to be a little understanding that their golden child fell off her pedestal.
I thought it was good. Seong Hyo Seok Ryu grew up so close that their dynamic makes sense. It actually hit a lot of emotional spots for me. I really like Jung So Min. I thought she was beating heart of the first 2 episode.
I really like Jung So-min. First episode was a fun watch except for all the unnecessary violence.
The second episode got me interested. I thought they were attempting to go for slapstick type of comedy in the first episode so I was pleasantly surprised that there was more depth to this drama. Not condoning the physical abuse but the way she begged her mom if she could be just her daughter was a key moment. The tropes and jokes used have been done before so I didn’t find anything funny or out of the ordinary but the parts where she was attempting to make herself heard were poignant.
Seok Ryu isn’t an annoying character. I’ve seen worst FLs. I feel like she’s misunderstood. She doesn’t know how to express her intention with her actions. She’s intense and crazy at times, but she has other sides to her that are still being slowly revealed. It’s only Seong Hyo who knows how to read her. That’s how he’s able to comfort her because he knows her well enough. She’s one of those people who have gone through generational trauma and cannot communicate well as an effect. I feel it’s Jung So Min’s nuanced acting that is able to bring out this kind of dimension to the characger.
For me, it’s Haein who I’m not feeling. He seems out of place here, maybe I’m just used to seeing him in melos, but something feels off. His styling isn’t helping either; what’s with his hair? But, I’m going to keep watching because I need me a light drama.
Just my PERSONAL opinion.
jung so min acting in this drama is lacking. She overacts a lot and she can’t even cry when shewaa supposed too
Her shouting all the time is annoying as hell
This doesn’t even sound constructive are you being for real, never would I thought anyone would come for Somin acting, anyone she’s a romcom queen for a reason. And I don’t see how her acting is different from the Fl’s in other friend to lover drama’s.
Are YOU being for real? YOU consider JSM some romcom queen and everyone needs to fuck off? Yea you wish. You don’t own this blog and you are nobody to police people on what they want to say.
Totally agree with @caca, she’s overacting here to the point where it’s grating. She could improve, but as of 2 episodes, she’s painful to watch. Folks dont need to write essays of “constructive criticism” – they can simply say someone is annoying to watch – whether that be character or actress related. You’re writing flowery praises and worshiping the ground she walks on and no one’s accusing you of writing without any real depth here either. So lay off with the bs.
Fortunately, your opinion is in the minority because most people are loving it. My point still stands, how is JSM’s portrayal any different from SHS, KJW, or Nana? Loud and brassy characters are common in this genre, especially with this type of trope. If you find it annoying, then it might not be the right fit for you.
I agree. I haven’t watched all the episodes but I found her overacting a lot and it feels so fake and yes, annoying as well…Her acting in Because This Is My First Life is better than this.
Even in the interviews for this drama, she overacts…and pretentious so much.
It’s a big yawnfest just a copy of many dramas. Writers are getting less creative, and users arguing that it’s meant to be basic, well no once in a while it’d be good to have a more unique premise. What’s with the recent trend of the guy being a green flag, virginal doormat who pines for a more experienced, obnoxious FL? Enough already. Give us two flawed leads, or at least a different type of ML/FL. JSM is practically a copy of SHS in Welcome to Samdalri.
Going to be a hit all things considered whether people like it or not. I think out of all the dramas airing this has the most buzz.
My Sassy Girl is one of those kmovies that didn’t quite age well like the kdramas where the MLs would yank around the FLs and talk down to them and we’re supposed to think they are romantic. That said, Jung Haein and Jung Somin have chemistry in spades and they do look good together. The drama itself is just okay but the family dynamics even with the expectations on Asian kids who move abroad to study and work do hit close to home and yes even the complicated relationship between Asian mothers & daughters.
It’s like watching welcome to samdalri but seoul version.
I really like welcome to samdalri because I feel it’s new at that time to me… and samdal isbreally relatable and quite dlgood stir my emotion., but watching with the same situatiob in short time, aigo
I passed after 1st episode, the script was bored and mother daughter relationship is too dramatic, punching, yelling way too much. And also I like both leading roles but Jung Hae In is too young, he needs to age to play this role, he looks like high school with innocent face, his role in Something in the Rain was much much better. Overall I passed because of the script. Leading roles are my favorite actor and actress.
I didn’t like episode 1 too. I love the leads but the jokes weren’t funny so I thought the first ep was to set up the context. The drama improves in the second episode though. Let’s see if the next episodes get better.
I don’t watch anything Jung Hae In is in. I only saw one drama with him, Something in the Rain and I hated it. With so many more talented Korean actors it seems they went to the bottom of the barrel to cast him. He just doesn’t fit the bill to be a lead.
So I just have to talk about the scene that did me in. I watched that scene like 20 times, very shameless of me I know 😂. That scene where so min was hiding from her parents underneath Hae in’s board,then she came out after they left, but he quickly acted like her mum was still around, and she was flying back to hide herself, before he said he was kidding, she looked up at him with playful disdain, as for him, i don’t know what his look was supposed to mean, but i screamed, looked swoony to me😂😂😂. I totally fell for Hae in right there and then. I mean what!!!!
I should probably add that the whole hitting, and choking and what some have termed physical abuse doesn’t bother me at all. Nobody ever gets hurt, when Hae in screamed for help and her mother came to rescue him from her,cause he was ‘choking’ cannot seriously be taken seriously can it? He can overpower her in his sleep if his life really depended on it. Also when she told her mum to hit her somewhere else, didn’t sound like someone who was hurt or even angry. If the family is physical, I have no problem with it, of course they won’t go physical with people outside cause most folks might find the roughhousing annoying or disturbing, so she, her mum and her brother, they only get physical with people they’re comfortable with. If we are shown her very shameless ex, I’ll bet she didn’t roughhouse him, whether she knows or not, it’s because she didn’t feel at home with him. We probably all have something we only do with people that are so personal with us. I don’t know, it’s just not something that bothers me.
I watched 2 eps. I don’t think I’ll come back for new eps. The family relationship isn’t up my alley and I don’t like JHI looking weak besides the heroine. Besides, the dramatic scenes getting physical aren’t funny at all.
2024 Kdrama has been mostly boring recycling a lot of old tropes. It appears K writers are running out of ideas.
FL still comes back home even though he is an adult. Western culture does not have this kind of relationship. Some families may have mothers hitting their children and Seok Ryoo’s mother did not hit her child hard enough to get injured. And Seok-ryu locking Seung-hyo’s neck was like a fight between opposite-sex siblings. They have been hitting each other since they were children and still do it, but it is not severe enough to get injured. Seung Hyo knows Seok Ryoo’s level of strength. He gave in to her. Watch dramas, don’t just find fault. Don’t act like a ruler. Each family or country’s culture, watch to learn, not watch to make him change to what you want.
i’ve watched 4 eps, and for me Jung Hae In’s acting in this drama felt like he’s acting, a little bit unnatural, and his character don’t have much personality / uniqueness other than always magically show up on female lead side to comfort her, just, i don’t know perhaps acting in daily natural convo is not his forte. (i never watch his other dramas).jung so min’s role is just also very predictable kdrama romcom female lead, nothing new, but at least her acting feels natural.
i guess the writer and director of this drama want to create a healing type of drama, but they don’t want to dig too deep into the conflict, for example the story about mom put a lot of pressure on oldest daughter to be perfect to salvage mom’s insecurity is a very good theme to discuss further but the writer just suddenly wrap the issue, mom just magically change after just 1 fiery fight with daughter, she just lost all of her toxic views and become a cheerful mom with unlimited unconditional love.
for me this is the production team tried to replicate hometown cha3x success, but sadly can’t.