Love Next Door (2024) – Friends, Family, and a Second Chance at Love
Episodes: 16 (70–80 min each)
Network: tvN (Aug 17–Oct 6, 2024)
Streaming: Netflix
Main Cast: Jung Hae-in as Choi Seung‑hyo, Jung So‑min as Bae Seok‑ryu
🏡 Returning Home, Reconnecting the Past
Bae Seok‑ryu returns to Korea unexpectedly, ditching her high-powered life in the U.S. and wedding plans. She reconnects with childhood neighbor and former tormentor, Choi Seung‑hyo — now a successful architect. Their families, particularly their mothers, have been rivals for decades, adding comedic tension to their reunion.
💞 Love and Friends Through the Lens of Family
The central dynamic is childhood-friends-turned-romantic trope, enriched by clashing families and personal wounds: Seok‑ryu stepped away from career burnout; Seung‑hyo lives under heavy expectations. The show mixes witty humor with family drama, but some subplots unfold unevenly.
🌟 Memorable Supporting Cast
- Kim Ji‑eun & Yun Ji‑on shine as the second‑lead couple, gaining widespread praise.
- Supporting family characters bring humor and warmth—but some viewers found the mother’s dramatics overplayed.
🧩 Pros & Cons
What works:
- Strong visuals and a cozy, sitcom-style pacing
- Heartfelt second‑lead romance
- Nostalgic small-town setting with family rivalry
What disappoints:
- Underwhelming chemistry between main leads for many viewers
- Dragging middle arc with filler subplots
- Family melodrama that felt more exhausting than endearing
🎬 Final Verdict
Rating: 3.75/5 – a cozy light-hearted rom-com with stylish visuals and lovable supporting characters.
👀 Recommended For:
- Fans of slow-burn childhood-friends plots
- Viewers who enjoy second‑lead romances
- Those looking for comforting drama with family-centered humor