In the latest episodes of Love Next Door, fans were treated to ‘couple’ moments of Jung Hae In and Jung So Min, and here’s what we thought of it. Read the review below.
Name: Love Next Door
Premiere Date: August 17, 2024
Cast: Jung Hae In, Jung So Min, Kim Ji Eun, Yoon Ji On, Lee Seung Hyub
Director: Yoo Je Won
Writer: Shin Ha Eun
Total Episodes: 16
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Language: Korean
Where to Watch: tvN, Netflix
Love Next Door Synopsis
Love Next Door follows Choi Seung Hyo (played by Jung Hae In), a talented architect who has just launched his own firm. His life takes an unexpected turn when his childhood friend, Bae Seok Ryu (played by Jung So Min), returns from the U.S. after ending her engagement and leaving behind a lucrative job. As neighbors reunited in adulthood, their suppressed emotions resurface, threatening to turn their world upside down.
What Happened in Episodes 13-14?
In episodes 13-14, viewers were presented with moments of closeness between Jung Hae In and Jung So Min‘s characters, but the romantic sparks were not enough to save the show’s downward trajectory. Despite their undeniable chemistry, the overall plot remains weak, leaving much to be desired in terms of story development and pacing.
Recap of Episodes 11-12
In episodes 11-12, Bae Seok Ryu confessed her feelings to Choi Seung Hyo in the midst of a sunflower field, marking a turning point in their relationship. Meanwhile, Kang Dan Oh (played by Yoon Ji On) faced a harsh rejection, adding some much-needed drama to the otherwise slow narrative. Fans hoped this twist would bring excitement to the series, but the latest episodes did not meet those expectations.
Love Next Door Episodes 13-14 Review
Stagnating Romance
Episodes 13-14 continue the show’s trend of lackluster storytelling, even as Jung Hae In and Jung So Min attempt to breathe life into their characters. The two actors give their best performances, but the writing remains the biggest obstacle. With their relationship being kept a secret, the plot seems to lose focus, struggling to maintain momentum. The constant bickering between their parents, while mildly entertaining, doesn’t add significant depth to the narrative.
Underutilized Cast
Lee Seung Hyub, who earned praise for his role in Lovely Runner, is notably underused in this series. His character, portrayed as an underachieving brother, could have been developed to add emotional weight to the show. However, his role seems more like a filler than a meaningful part of the plot, leaving viewers wondering why his character was included at all.
Awkward Dialogue
Despite the strong chemistry between the leads, their dialogue often feels forced and awkward. While Jung Hae In and Jung So Min deliver their lines with sincerity, the story itself lacks the romantic charm that fans had anticipated. The result is a series of interactions that feel disconnected from the intended
romantic comedy tone of the show.
Supporting Couples Shine Brighter
Interestingly, the second lead couple, Kang Dan Oh (Yoon Ji On) and Kim Ji Eun, have managed to bring some freshness to the screen. Their confession scene in these episodes was cute and sincere, providing a brief respite from the otherwise unengaging main plot. Their moments together, though few, have been appreciated by viewers who crave something heartfelt in an otherwise meandering storyline.
What Happened to Jung Hae In and Jung So Min?
Despite their stellar reputations, Jung Hae In and Jung So Min are facing challenges in Love Next Door. Both actors are known for their emotional depth and screen presence, but even their best efforts can’t overcome the stilted writing. Their conversations, though filled with the right expressions, lack the spark needed to captivate the audience.
Looking Ahead: Can Love Next Door Be Saved?
With the finale approaching, fans are left wondering if the show can turn things around in its final stretch. The ongoing parent disapproval subplot is dragging on, and viewers are hoping for more substance before the series concludes. Whether or not the writers can deliver on that hope remains uncertain.
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