TYPE OF REVIEW 
: GOOD OL’ REVIEW
No spoilers.
Like I had one last opportunity to watch a Korean BL drama last month, I also had the same opportunity for one last full series as well in the closing weeks of 2024. And I definitely made the right decision in choosing Love Next Door. It’s hard not to have a smile on your face for all 16 episodes of the series. And it’s actually quite a feat to be able to keep viewers engaged with the full 16 episodes these days when Korean dramas have seemed to move toward shorter runs.
But that is a testament to how well paced, well developed and thoroughly enjoyable Love Next Door is.
The series follows the intertwined lives of childhood friends and neighbors Choi Seung Hyo (Jung Hae In) and Bae Seok Ryu (Jung So Min) and their families and friends. Seung Hyo is a successful architect, but comes from an emotionally distant family. Seok Ryu has recently quit a dream job at an American tech company to return home to her complex family life in Korea and societal pressures toward people in their 30s.
The series begins by introducing Seung Hyo and Seok Ryu’s playful love-hate relationship. They’ve grown up together and despite their denials, they are close friends. And along with Jung Mo Eum (Kim Ji Eun), they’ve gone through their childhood, teenage life and now adulthood together.
But adulthood is catching up to them all, touching every part of their lives from family relationships to romance to careers.
The series explores several intertwined themes, brought to life by a large ensemble cast. It’s a great accomplishment that the series is able to juggle so many characters without ever feeling overwhelming. In fact, the large cast helps to effectively build a fully realized and engrossing world.
Reporter and single father Kang Dan Ho (Yun Ji On) becomes friends with our childhood trio. And with their families, the series is able to explore relatable and deep stories. Its slice of life-like treatment allows for a steady pacing that properly peels back the layers of each and every character and their relationships.
Love Next Door takes a refreshingly unique approach to the rom-com genre. With its realistic portrayal of the dynamics of family, friends, love and self-discovery, it is able to deftly maneuver between lighthearted fun, sweet romance and emotional drama.
Whether it is about the pressures of family, the closeness of friends or the complexities of love, the well-developed characters are a huge part as to how the series can effectively fill 16 episodes with equally engaging stories.
And that pacing leads to several emotionally affecting and impactful moments, especially climactic moments, in the series later episodes.
Leading a wonderful ensemble cast of K-drama veterans and newcomers, Jung Hae In, Jung So Min, Kim Ji Eun and Yun Ji On deliver charming and charismatic performances and excellent chemistry. They help to make for endearing characters with whom you immediately connect with. And that goes a long way to keeping you engaged throughout the series.
That chemistry extends to the entire cast. And the realistic and relatable everyday situations are infused with K-drama magic. It is warm-hearted and funny. It is lighthearted and heavy. Any series that can balance those sometimes contrasting qualities will always be a winner.
A mix of romance, family, comedy, drama and slice of life goodness along with the right amount of nostalgia, a welcome sincerity, depth, warmth and irresistible charm: Love Next Door is one of the best feel-good and resonant series you will be able to find and enjoy.
Such a sweet series! Love it!
It really is!