Binge-worthy: K-drama Love Next Door is more than a friends-to-lovers story

Love Next Door

Netflix
★★★★☆

There is much hype surrounding K-drama Love Next Door, which South Korean media have billed as the new Queen Of Tears.

The latter romance series, which ended its Netflix run on April 28, remains one of the biggest K-dramas of 2024, surpassing viewership ratings recorded by other hit series including Crash Landing On You (2019 to 2020) and Guardian: The Lonely And Great God (2016 to 2017).

Love Next Door revolves around the relationship between inseparable childhood friends Choi Seung-hyo (Jung Hae-in) and Bae Seok-ryu (Jung So-min), whose mothers are best pals.

The young ones know each other inside out, from the good parts to the embarrassing moments.

Seung-hyo grows up to be an award-winning architect, while Seok-ryu relocates to the US, where she works in a prestigious tech company. But when she returns to South Korea suddenly, the friends learn to reconnect as adults.

Here are three reasons to add the fun 16-episode series to your binge-watch list.

1. Formidable protagonists

Jung Hae-in has built an impressive career with roles in various genres, including action and drama.

While the 36-year-old actor has starred in popular romance series such as Something In The Rain (2018), One Spring Night (2019) and Snow Drop (2021 to 2022), Love Next Door marks his first foray into the romantic comedy genre.

At the show’s press conference in Seoul on Aug 14, Jung credited his co-star Jung So-min for her guidance and helping him loosen up and have fun on the set.

Jung So-min, 35, is an underrated actress who starred in hit series such as Because This Is My First Life (2017) and Alchemy Of Souls (2022).

The duo make a formidable friends-to-lovers pair. Not only are they easy on the eye, but their incredible chemistry also anchors the series.

2. More than a romance

Director Yoo Je-won, who helmed the hit romance shows Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021) and Crash Course In Romance (2023), said at the Love Next Door press conference that the series also explores family dynamics and parental relationships in the Choi and Bae households.

Supporting actress Kim Ji-eun shines as paramedic Jeong Mo-eum, who is a loyal childhood friend of Seok-ryu and Seung-hyo, while veteran actress Park Ji-young is a scene-stealer as Seok-ryu’s stern yet loving mother, who is also a great drummer.

It is refreshing to see the friendship between the mothers of Seok-ryu and Seung-hyo. The proud parents never stop boasting and comparing their children’s accomplishments, but beneath their constant bickering lies unwavering support for each other and their families.

3. Fast-paced and realistic plot

Love Next Door, which premiered on Aug 17, packs a lot in the first two episodes.

Seok-ryu and Seung-hyo’s decades-long friendship is told through flashbacks not only from their perspective but also from their mothers’ point of view.

The story also delves into the mental health issues of loneliness, work stress, the pressures of having to live up to parental expectations, societal acceptance and finding one’s dreams.