Amor en la puerta de al lado

Love the cast. No cuter couple paired in a drama in recent memory than Jung So Min and Jung Hae In. Can't think of any Hollywood or even K drama pair that could so convincingly play their teenage selves in flashbacks. Impossibly young looking.

The mostly feel good romantic comic story about neighboring kids getting together in their 30s after some failed relationships and career ups ups and downs. Isn't quite enough for 16 extra long episodes. Some unnecessary scenes. The first 8 episodes are a bit slow. But the next 3 things come together and all is explained in the most convincing and realistic way possible. Why did she quit and break up? Quite moving.

The issues are mostly realistic. Her story of going abroad to study and work and it's pitfalls is quite realistic. This writer has a knack of explaining things later which were hard to guess before because too few hints were given. His parents and the secondary couple have their issues that are quite movingly dealt with.

The parents have a big role. Good parts for Park Ji Young and Jang Young Nam as the mothers. The secondary couple EMT and journalist is not interesting enough to be given so much screen time.

One fantasy element is how nice the exes are. Love Seo Ji Hye of CLOY. But what a strange casting as JHI's ex. She is such a mature statuesque goddess and JHI is so boyish. Most unlikely pair. The kid versions have a big role and the little girl is great and familiar to recent K drama watchers.

A couple of unexpected flaws. The soundtrack is not memorable. No hummable tune. Another thing is the the fashion styling isn't great. JHI's clothes are too baggy for him. His hair is a tad too long and it doesn't suit his face. There are too many drinking scenes.

This show may be slow at times but what's wrong with spending more time with everyone's favorite K drama actors and actresses. There is a lot to laugh at and many feel good moments.

Not many shows like this nowadays.

I really loved the female protagonist " in because this is my first life". So I was excited to find her in this drama, the male protagonist I am unfamiliar with.

I feel like the plot is in the title, and they are taking such a long time to connect the two characters. Meanwhile, we have to endure the lovable but violent parents. There is something on out of kilter in this romcom. I cannot figure out what it is except that it's taking a very long time to bring the two characters together, I want very much to like this, but is not winning me over.

Finally, the ending episodes have succeeded in winning me over and I feel pleased-that I finished the story and hung in there with the characters. Up until episode seven ,Everything else was confusing and too drawn-out for me.

The title "Love Next Door" sounds like a typical sweet romance story. But the Korean title, which translates literally to "Mom's Friend's Son," hints at something more.

In Korean culture, it's an expression that's commonly brought up when mothers are comparing each other's kids. Children of Tiger moms are well familiar with how their achievements would be compared to those of other neighborhood kids. The status-seeking parents, of course, only showcase their achievements.

Initially, the outrageous actions of the parents could be off-putting, but the ridiculousness (and resulting caricature) is intentional. The director, screenwriter, and main leads are known for hard-hitting stories, sometimes with profound social commentary. While competitive ethos and a culture of comparison can spur achievements, might they push some individuals to the brink?

There is plenty of eye candy to enjoy. Beautiful actors. Good music. And a meaningful story, to boot.

Another potentially nice Kdrama spread out over to many episodes.

In episode 9 finally some interesting things start to happen. Up till then not bad but way to slow for me.

Annoying again are the hysterical parents, interfering in the life's of their more than adult children.

Why I stay tuned? Basically it's a nice romcon to watch when you want to relax. I like the korean life style, their food and fashion.

But most of all I really love the acting Jung Hae-in. And his great charm and smile off course 😀 . He is improving his acting more and more, really good to watch.

So now I just fill in the last required words...

This series is my saving grace this 2024!

>>>> Eomma chingu adeul allows me to experience a roller coaster ride of emotions, and I couldn't think of any other kdrama that made me feel this way (in this era). I seldom get invested in any drama because I tend to wait for the finale episode to be aired before I binge-watch the entire series, yet in this case I always look forward to the coming of weekends and wait for every single episode to be aired.

Life as it is in my current situation is not full of colors. I'm in a sort of slump, and LND brought me out of that slump. As an adult trying to figure things out, I can definitely relate to Seokryu's struggles and how she's trying to make a fresh start. I empathize with her as she tries to smile despite the chaos that she's feeling within. She is such a strong character, and I love how she remains optimistic despite all the hurdles she's been through, and having Seunghyo in her life is such a wonderful plot twist into it. I may not have that kind of best friend/lover yet knowing that there is someone (aside from my family) who will always be rooting for me in every step of the way, a person who will support and scold me (if needed be) in whatever decision I will be making about life is such a gift that I will forever cherish.

As I immersed myself in this drama and experienced different emotions, I really learned a lot about life and how wonderful it is to dream, to feel, to laugh, to cry, to be angry, to be silly, and how amazing it is to love and be loved.

Love Next Door, you will forever be in my heart.