Kathryn_51

I said I am enjoying this drama and that I was looking forward to Ep. 15.

Did you read my comment otherwise?

Why do I enjoy this drama? Many flaws - in fact, too many to count.

But Choi Seung-hyo and Choi Gyeong-jong (dad) and Seo Hye-suk (mom) - they've had my freakin' heart from the first episode. Hopefully this is truly an Ep. 15 episode. I will set my alarm for early morning wake-up because I cannot wait to watch this scene. 💕💕💕

Thanks for sharing @pinktulips69. 🥰

I agree with your analysis of the two women's characters - but it means the writer isn't really interested in them. Many MDL viewers praise the writer because misunderstandings or arguments/anger are quickly resolved.

But that results in contrived cliff-hangers and no real evolution or development or growth for many of the characters. Seung-hyo's growth has been front and center from the beginning. His parents have gradually evolved.

But others? Mo eum's mother was the "please get my daughter married and out of the house" until she suddenly wasn't and then suddenly she was. Seok-ryu is still stuck in her post-cancer depression [I still don't understand why the invite to the architect award event wasn't used as a catalyst for her to evolve]. And Mi-suk's insecurities have been front and center from the beginning - and Nothing Changed for her - her daughter's return and the revelation about her cancer - that shoulda/coulda been a pivot point for her - but it wasn't.
Thus, her insecurity continues to be nothing more than a plot device. I actually enjoyed the fight between Mi-suk and Hye-suk - but it should have happened 2-3 episodes earlier if the writer was interested in character/relationship development. Instead, it happened only as a cliff-hanger for SH/SR's relationship.

I'll wait until the drama ends before I change my rating - but it's definitely going down because the writing doesn't deserve a high rating.

it's more slice-of-life with strong romance foundation. Humor is amusing and charming but rarely "rolling on the floor". Occasional tears but no major trauma/sadness/tragedy.

No murders, serial killers, corporate intrigue or fantasy/spell books.

In Korea, it's marketed as a "neighborhood love story" - and the love is not only between the main couple but also between friends, neighbors, family.

To me, it's probably one of the least stressful kdramas of the last year. Hope this helps.

Oh Na-ra is in this drama???? Well, I'm in for at least the 1st episode (I guess she's a guest appearance?).

Park Shin Hye is. . okay. Kim Jae Young. . . .meh.

But then I looked at the supporting cast and it's full of veterans so. . on my watchlist.

Sunday Ratings:

National: 7.110
Seoul: 8.179

Very close to last Sunday, but a bit disappointing because I was hoping they might go over "10"

Something to keep in mind: There are many repeats on tvN. If Korean viewer also subscribes to TVIng, they can stream at any point.

And if they subscribe to Netflix, they can also stream at any point. In fact, when I was in Korea, this drama was frequently listed as Number 1 drama on Netflix in Korea.

QOT was the Roller-coaster of all dramas and I loved every minute (well, 90%) of it.

This charming neighborhood (Love NEXT DOOR) drama is on a different level.

I really enjoy reading the various comments (provided noone gets personal with "y'all"or "you people") because after all, what a truly boring world this would be if we all agreed on everything.

Hate to tell you, but NO child is as precious as Yeon Du. She is fantasy. And I say this in all sincerity - Enjoy the fantasy. 💕💕

I think it's one of the best plot twists of the entire series! It perfectly fits with the "neighborhood" part of the drama - I would have been even happier if the Mom Battle had occurred a bit earlier - perhaps during the "dating" era before he proposed.

I just wish he hadn't proposed so quickly because now THAT issue (her rejection) is double complicated by the Moms. But I really like the

Good point. And perhaps explains my frustration with the character of Seok-ryu (as written) - because hands down, Jung So Min is my favorite of all kdrama actresses and tho she is absolutely providing a stellar performance, the Character (Seok-ryu) is still less than charming.

So, if your interpretation is correct, SR feels inferior. But, also, (according to writer) she's afraid of dying in the future and therefor. . . . can't engage? commit? be happy?

Seung-hyo's life (serious, accomplished, driven) was turned around by the chaos embodied in Seok-ryu. But Seok-ryu? Maybe that's my frustration - I want to see HER turned around because of Seung-hyo!!

Good luck on your business. 😊

Most jobs in Antartica are temporary (not permanent) - either summer or winter season. I have a friend with a PhD in rocket science - but on his sojourn to Antartica, he was responsible for fuel supply (a glorified gas station attendant is how he described it). It was only 6 months.

I wouldn't be surprised if that's how Mo Eum's job is handled - she gets to go for a few months.

We've been on a journey with Seung-hyo's thoughts and feelings - whether flashbacks, memories or inner thoughts. Prime example was that montage of flashbacks early in today's episode - it was writer's method of reminding the viewer of how Seung-hyo reached this point in his life. Plus - we have his statements out loud.

We never received the same for Seok-ryu and therefor I consider it intentional. No evolution or lead-up (via memories or inner thoughts) to where she is now - simply her statements. And they are never stream of consciousness or general conversation - always said in anger or when pushed by Seung-hyo for answers.

This is what the writer has written - and therefor I'll probably be deducting a⭐from my rating because it is unsatisfactory (to me).

I'm still enjoying it (got to watch it real time during my recent visit to Korea), but I no longer set my alarm for 7:00 am on the weekend in order to watch the moment it releases on Netflix.

In fact. . . just what was the point of that award and her refusal to attend??? What was the point of that entire mini-plot? It didn't move the story forward in any meaningful manner - pure filler (and disappointing at that).

I was afraid it was going to poke his eye out.

I agree. Previews showed that he planned to propose - and I figured that his plans would go awry or something would happen to interfere. Wished they had stopped at that point - because I'm sick and tired of watching Seok-ryu lay in bed/sit on her bed/sit next to her bed. . . and do nothing but - according to the subtitle - do another "heavy sigh".

No Seok-ryu memories. No flashbacks to childhood or adolescence. And NO inner thoughts. Just. . . . [heavy sigh].

Especially disappointed because the main reason this drama has been on my watchlist for months has a name and it Jung So Min. Her acting is superb, but the writing is not.

During my trip to Korea, egg was in just about EVERY sandwich we ate. {Caveat - I dislike egg!]. Tuna sandwich sounded good - it had chopped egg. Grilled chicken burger? Slices of egg!

I tried to find "vegetarian" bibimbap (without the fried egg), but no luck.😥

BTW, I think I saw only one Subway store during the entire two weeks, but Starbucks was on EVERY block. My hubby refused to go - said "I didn't come to Korea to drink Starbuck's coffee". Thankfully, there were independent coffee shops on every block as well. 😊

We struggle to understand Seok-ryu because the writer really has not provided the same substantive history/backstory of her life as she did with Seung-hyo. Today's episode was a perfect example - the series of Seung-hyo's personal flashbacks of his life growing up with Seok-ryu help the viewer understand his emotions and feelings. Writer-nim has failed to do so with Seok-ryu.

We understand his feelings because his evolution has been demonstrated/presented over and over again. Not the same for Seok-ryu - virtually NO inner thoughts, but simply heavy sighs as she sits on or near her bed. No fond memories of her childhood with Seung-hyo.

But then, the title of the show (in Korea) was originally "Golden Boy" and is now "Mother's Friend's Son". The drama is more about Seung-hyo than Seok-ryu.

Well, we were kinda right and kinda wrong. All of his plans were interrupted, but then she didn't accept. There has been too many unnecessary yes-no-maybe scenes (amongst ALL of the main characters) just to stretch this drama out to 16 episodes. Should have been 14.

This drama was promoted/marketed as "delivering pleasant laughter, excitement, warm sympathy, and comfort." A rejection simply doesn't match-up with that description.

The pink balloons-in -the-trunk proposal is just too damn unimaginative compared to many unique, sweet moments thus far. I hope it's a dream/fantasy, but if real - then my bet is that for some reason, it never comes to pass - perhaps interrupted or some emergency.