After 4 episodes, the movie "Love Next Door" (Mother's Friend's Son/Love Story Next Door) recorded ratings of 4.9%, 5.9%, 4.3% and 6.3% respectively.
According to Nate, the reason the film recorded average results and erratic fluctuations is because it did not meet viewers' expectations, even though it was introduced by tvN as a "highly anticipated" work in the second half of 2024. .
Accordingly, the new work of Jung Hae In and Jung So Min did not take advantage of its full potential even though it was shown during prime time (Saturday and Sunday nights).
Outdated settings, forced dialogue, predictable plot, or repeated conflicts and reconciliations between the main couple Bae Seok Ryu (Jung So Min) and Choi Seung Hyo (Jung Hae In) make people feel tired watching.
In addition, Jung Hae In and Jung So Min's acting does not bring out the feeling of a couple, which is also the reason why the film received a series of mixed comments.
However, Nate believes that there is still a possibility that "Love Next Door" can go upstream in the near future. Evidence comes from the fact that at the end of episode 4, Seung Hyo and Seok Ryu's relationship has progressed.
The female lead's unexpected hug that shocked the male lead, or the fact that he suddenly realized that his unrequited feelings for his best friend were still going on in the present were also the reasons for the movie's viewership ratings. increased to its highest level since broadcast.
According to Korean newspapers, because Jung Hae In and Jung So Min are both actors whose acting skills have been proven through many works, the development of the main characters' relationship after the 4th episode is likely. will help the duo's interactions become less awkward and awkward in the upcoming episodes.
On the other hand, although it still follows the old motif of Korean films, "Love Next Door" still has certain plus points. These include the scriptwriter's title for each episode or the way the characters' careers are built.
Or with the female protagonist, even though she herself was unemployed, betrayed by her fiancé and had to return home, she always kept a positive spirit.
The fact that Seok Ryu wrote the code and planned each time frame to enjoy the feeling of a happy unemployed person surprised viewers.
The film also has many heartbreakingly realistic scenes - such as when the female lead hides her betrayal from her family, or cannot hide her heartache when her mother always wants her to return to her orbit - her dream career in America, ending Married to a talented husband.
The appearance of the supporting couple - Jeong Mo Eum (Kim Ji Eun) and Kang Dan Ho (Yoon Ji On) also promises to bring many interesting things to viewers when they gradually discover that the other person is not as hateful as they thought. .
Many viewers predicted that the girl that Mo Eum accidentally met at the park was likely Dan Ho's daughter or granddaughter. And reporter Kang himself in the past will also have a "not simple" past.
The movie "Love Next Door" airs at 9:20 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.
