Picture this: you’re fresh out of college, and after working your butt off in high school and college, you get the opportunity to work at one of the largest companies in the US. But…the job doesn’t last, and ten years later, you find yourself back in your hometown, forced to reconcile with your decision to quit and with your parents. If you’d rather watch someone else follow this storyline (and possibly fall in love during the process) instead of yourself, then I highly recommend watching the new Netflix TV-series Love Next Door!
For all the K-drama connoisseurs out there, Love Next Door’s cast may leave you running to watch the first episode. Jung Hae-in, starring as Choi Seung-hyo, runs a successful business as an architect in South Korea. He also starred in Snowdrop, Something in the Rain, and D.P. to name a few. Bae Seok-ryu (Jung So-min) finds herself unemployed and fianceless as she returns to South Korea. Jung has also starred in Alchemy of Souls, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim, and Love Reset. Finally, Seok-ryu’s brother, Bae Dong-jin (Lee Seung Hyub) is trying his best to find a job as a personal trainer. Lee has also starred in Lovely Runner, Shooting Stars, and Nevertheless. If you recognize any of these shows as ones you’ve enjoyed, you should definitely give Love Next Door a try!
Bae Seok-ryu–the main female lead–has just returned from the US after breaking her engagement with her now ex-fiance and quitting her prestigious job. Knowing this news could quite literally enrage her mother, she attempts to avoid being seen by her family. Unfortunately though, her childhood best friend–Choi Seung-hyo–runs into Seok-ryu during her feeble attempts to hide. Soon after, Seok-ryu’s mother sees her, and demands an explanation for why Seok-ryu is back in Korea. To avoid her mother’s punishment, Seok-ryu runs away–Seung-hyo trailing behind her. The first episode ends with the two of them catching up, and we get a deeper understanding as to why Seok-ryu is in Korea.
Overall, I’d give this show a 4/5. The chemistry between Seung-hyo and Seok-ryu is truly unmatched, but the plot of the story could move along a little faster. The acting feels natural, and it genuinely feels as though Seung-hyo and Seok-ryu are childhood best friends with some special feelings mixed in. Along with their love story, the drama has a side romance between Seok-ryu and Seong-hyo’s friend Jeong Mo-eum and a local news reporter Kang Dan-ho. The drama presents us with two very different dynamics–Seok-ryu and Seong-hyo being more comfortable and playful, while Mo-eum and Dan-ho are more shy and awkward.
Love Next Door is currently only available on Netflix with a subscription. As of now there are nine episodes available to watch, so if you’re planning to binge watch the show, I would suggest revisiting it during the extended break in October.
If you’re a fan of a cute, slow-paced, and well thought-out drama, then Love Next Door is for you! Even if you’re new to the world of K-dramas, it’s a good show to start with, as many characters from other popular dramas are in Love Next Door. This new drama series has lots of potential, and I’m excited to see where it goes!
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