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This review may contain spoilers
Comforting Drama, will rewatch in the future
Story : I think people who complain/gave low rating are expecting more rom/com especially romance. Every Eps really make my mood swing, sad, funny, happiness, stress and fruster, so I guess that's also the reason why people don't like (and I respect them). This drama is the same with other 16Eps kdrama, some dragging scene, slow, scene without main cast. However, I admitted that there are some boring scenes, but overall how they keep show us the portrayals of every characters is already well written, they even make both Exs green flag (unbelievable). They show us what conflict of each character and they solve and justify them very well. When I watching 16Eps kdrama, I usually skip dragging scene or the scene that there are no main characters, but I find that dragging scene in this drama is interesting and include some plot unlike other drama.Acting : I don't get why some people finds the chemistry between main lead lacking. The chemistry between them is like just get marry in real life already, they are so comfortable together, the eye contacts, how they adlibs and bickering. I'm very enjoy it. Every actor/actress in this series are so well act for real especially parents and kids. They all deserves the credit.
Music : I think music in this series are still "a bit" lacking compared to many kdramas, but if not comparing, It's already decent and I enjoy it. I already downloaded 2 of them and looping.
Rewatch? : I've watched many kdramas including famous drama everyone is talking about (can look at my watchlist) but believe me, In my entire life, I only rewatch Alchemy of Souls like 7-8 times, because this is my first life 2-3 times, and I believe that this drama will be the next one that I will be come back to rewatch again, It's so comforting and the chemistry of main leads are tooooooo good, I'v never see any kdramas those have this much chemistry.
So Overall, this will be in my top4 kdrama for sure (1.AOS 2.moving 3.pyramid game) you can skip some part if you're bored but believe me, this drama and cast is very good and worth to keep it in your heart.
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This review may contain spoilers
I loved the beginning of this show so much. The banter and bickering between Seok-ryu and Seung-hyo felt so genuine and accurate for friends who had known each other so long. Seok-ryu was such a fantastic character and I love that the show delved into her burnout and the unfair treatment she got as the eldest daughter. One of the first scenes that really got to me was when they were sitting in the rain and she is laughing and Seung-hyo tells her not to laugh when she really wants to cry, and she immediately starts sobbing. The two of them showed the importance of truly being seen. Both of them could see through the facades that the other would put up and knew what they truly needed. I loved the two of them together. They had fantastic chemistry both as friends and as a couple. The show really spent a lot of time on Seung-hyo’s feelings and I would have loved more time spent on Seok-ryu’s. I think that the best part of friends to lovers is the tension and them slowly realizing their friend is hot, but since we got so little of her perspective, we didn’t really get those moments from her. It was such a missed opportunity to not do flashbacks showing moments where she found herself attracted to him as well, even if she didn’t realize it or accept it at the time.
I loved Seok-ryu so much and I was so excited to see a depiction of an overachieving eldest daughter crashing and burning, and then her efforts to create a life that actually makes her happy. The show takes a bit of a turn that I was disappointed with because it really took away from all the totally valid reasons that she could be burnt out. I also really wanted her family, but especially her mom, to realize on their own how unfair they’d been to her. The way the show went with it made it so that they didn’t really have to come to terms with how awful they’d been, which was extremely frustrating.
Mo-eum and Dan-ho, the second leads, had such a great meet-cute and her career as a paramedic was interesting to watch. I felt like this couple really went downhill over the course of the series. Mo-eum did have a sweet connection with his daughter but she tried to move things so fast that it was uncomfortable. Dan-ho’s constant rejection of her never really made much sense and it felt a little degrading to have her continue to pursue him when he was acting so cold to her. The energy between them just really seemed to shift partway through the show.
The storyline with his mom’s memory was really what took this show down a notch for me because what was that. The show continued to just throw in dramatic elements for shock value and then just reel it back, which was completely unnecessary.
At the beginning of the show, this was a 10/10 for me. Some of the frustrating elements did bring it down a bit, but I still really enjoyed the show. Jung So-min and Jung Hae-in were both incredible, together and separately. There were such sweet heartwarming moments, not just between the leads but also with their families. Even if it didn’t go into it as much as I wanted, I still really appreciated how they showcased Seok-ryu realizing in her thirties that she doesn’t even know what she likes or wants to do. She became such a beloved character to me that I won’t forget anytime soon.
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Haein I love you so much and more after this drama?
While not perfect, "Love Next Door" had me hooked until episode 7. The setup was engaging, but the storyline diversion that followed after episode 7 felt unnecessary. The cancer trope, although well-written, seemed like a nod to the "Queen of Tears" formula to boost viewership.The exploration of themes like depression, loneliness, work pressure, and workplace racism/discrimination was sufficient and realistic. Introducing the cancer trope felt like an unnecessary twist.
The writing shone in the first 7 episodes, particularly in portraying the Seunghyo's realization that he still loves Seok-ryu. However, the excessive focus on her past relationship and ex-boyfriend felt gratuitous. As the main lead is Hae-in, I appreciated the ex's green flag characterization and support during her surgery and recovery, but it detracted from the main couple's chemistry.
The biggest flaw was the lack of Seok-ryu's POV. Instead of delving into her feelings for the Seunghyo, the narrative focused on his perspective, making it seem like she was simply along for the ride.
Despite sloppy writing, the exceptional cast, particularly Hae-in and Somin, made this drama watchable. Their chemistry was undeniable, and Somin's ad-libs added depth to her character.
Hae-in and Somin's performances were truly phenomenal. They brought depth, nuance, and heart to their characters, making their romance believable and captivating.
Casting Hae-in and Somin together was genius. As a fan of Hae-in since 2019, I was excited to see him in new drama. They truly carried this drama, making it an enjoyable watch despite its flaws.
Rating: A solid 7.8/10 but 9/10 (solely due to the outstanding cast)
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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.Was this review helpful to you?
It's more about family, friendship and long lasting love rather than a typical romantic drama
Finally finished this kdrama and as much as I enjoyed it, was greatly disappointed with the ending. No spoilers, but how they tidied it up was sweet enough, but it could of done with a couple of more episodes to really give the story the happy ending we all wanted. In the end I was routing for the second couple's (best friend and single dad) happily ever after more than the male and female leads. I think they wasted a few episodes just with each other's exes. Also not being confident enough to speak up about how they felt about each other. They danced around that for a couple of episodes too. They have supposedly known each other for 30 years, how can they be so unaware of their feelings.The saving grace was the supporting cast. Loved the families and friends. Loved their relationship with their kids and each other. Especially loved the Lavender girls. It showed that long lasting friendships may have their difficulties but overall their love and dedication spans the decades. Maybe that is what we should get from this series. Not a romcom, but a beautifully acted and written kdrama about love in all it's forms and how it can whether whatever trials and tribulations that can come their way.
Overall it is worth a watch just for watching those dynamic relationships. If you want a childhood friendship to adult love, romantic kdrama, watch Fight for My Way, this kdrama is so much better at portraying this theme.
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Close to Perfect
This drama was as close to perfect as you can get. It was laugh out loud funny, pulled at your heartstrings, and just felt smart. The leads had amazing chemistry and excellent banter. I truly believed that they were childhood besties who had grown slightly estranged because one of them had developed a massive yet poorly timed crush. The family dynamics felt very real and like many Korean families I know, from the types of expectations they have for their kids to the way they can bottle up emotions until they become explosive to the love and guilt and hopes they cherish for each other. The story really nailed all of the friendships, too - for both the parents and the children. There was a lot of affectionate arguing (which is extremely common in Korean households), the type where familiarity breeds affectionate insults (which could have been translated better, IMO, thank you Netflix) as well as unintended slights. It felt consistent in its themes and wrapped most everything up with a soft set of final episodes. I couldn't be happier!Was this review helpful to you?
Heartwarming Romance and Endearing Characters Make Love Next Door a Must-Watch!
"Love Next Door" is a refreshing and heartwarming romantic comedy that brings charm and humor in every episode. The story revolves around relatable characters, making it easy to get emotionally invested in their lives. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, and the subtle moments of romance and tension are beautifully executed. The supporting cast adds depth and warmth, making the neighborhood feel like a character in itself.What really stands out is the balance between lighthearted moments and meaningful lessons about love, friendship, and personal growth. The pacing is perfect, keeping you hooked without dragging the story unnecessarily. It’s the kind of drama that will leave you smiling and wanting to see more.
Though it follows some familiar tropes, "Love Next Door" puts a fresh spin on them, making the series feel original and full of heart. A must-watch for any K-drama fan looking for a feel-good, romantic escape. 9/10!
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seems likes a promising drama!
I just finished episode one and I must say it looks pretty promising. The premise following two childhood friends reunion which some fun things happening along the way. For episode one I think everything was set up well for this series and the cast is doing a wonderful job currently. I don’t have many big complaints for episode one, but the one thing I must say I’m worried about is if it will stay as promising throughout the whole show. Mostly because it’s a light hearted drama and I’ve been finding many rom-coms to get lackluster in the end of it’s running. But I’m going to try to ignore that and keep watching because of cast. So hopefully it doesn’t fall short of anyone’s expectations including my own.Was this review helpful to you?
Meilleurs comédie romance 2024
Le point que j'aime le plus c'est que l'histoire est originale pour une romance. En plus que ce soit ZB1 qui fasse l'ost était une super idée. Chaque épisode m'a surpris, il y avait tellement de rebondissements. En terme de comique, c'est très drôle, certains drama dans leur genre est écrit comédie romantique mais ici on retrouve vraiment l'aspect comique. Je recommande vivement. Le casting est de très bonne qualité. J'aimerais voir l'acteur qui joue Danho avoir un rôle principal au moin une fois. Et qu'il prenne un autre rôle que l'homme discret et timide. J'ai mes beaucoup le fait qu'il est des lunettes aussi car souvent les acteurs privilégie les lentilles de contact au lunettes mais je trouve que cela rajoute du charme à cet acteur la. La jeune fille qui joue Yeondu a aussi une grande carrière sur son chemin, j'espère la revoir.Was this review helpful to you?
Love from the UK
I enjoyed Love Next Door even though I sometimes threw a cushion at the screen. It wasn't perfect but I would recommend everyone to watch it. I have looked forward to seeing it every week but I wish Netflix didn't hold back episodes like it does. I have watched other series on week nights which is a shame ...Actors from the smallest to the older were lovely and there were no weak links.
For scripting and direction, I hope there will be a part 2 - in which case I would like to see more passion and dialogue time for the main leads. If the parents can be nice in the end, there is no need for them to be like ogres in the beginning and being more human suited them.
Don't waste such gems like Jung Hae-min and Jung So-min - making them just kiss and hold hands for weeks and weeks when the poor lad has been waiting for years just doesn't seem realistic!
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A Solid Romcom!
So I feel like this drama has gotten so much love but also a lot of criticism, which I think is fair. It's a solid romcom with great leads but some questionable writing. The first like 4 or 5 episodes of this dramas was like a solid 9 or even 9.5, however that special magic did kinda disappear as the show went on. The highlight of this show is easily the chemistry between the main leads, and that does kinda carry the show. Kinda surprised we haven't seen theses two in a drama together earlier. I also enjoyed the second couple.Now what this show lacks is mostly in the writing, its sloppy at times and certain things happens that are obviously there just to built up a conflict (even if it doesn't make sense). Also the mom is straight-up awful, like seriously.
Overall, I think this is a solid romcom. It doesn't bring anything new to the table, but I still enjoyed watching it for what it is.
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