Mom’s Friend’s Son (2024)

Missed The Train

I'm dropping it after 8 episodes. This is hardly a rom-com. Idk why they misled viewers like this. Please take note that I am an easy to please kind of viewer and being critical is the last thing on my mind but I had to put my feet down on this one. I was tagged along with all the hype about this show, and after 8 episodes, I don't think this drama is worth the buzz. Coz usually by now, for a rom-com genre, I'll be all giddy, excited and anxious to wait for new episodes every week. But this drama is doing the opposite. It's frustrating.

I guess I have to miss the train on this one and to everybody else who is still onboard, have a safe and pleasant journey.

Story
The show opens up with the introduction of the mothers (Suk-sisters/ Lavender), which is adequately interesting. We can see the dynamics and the rivalry of who has the better daughter/ son. However as it progresses, somehow their relationship felt a bit forced especially when the characters (not all) acted way too comical than it should, by age appropriately. I'm not saying that adults can't be childish and act silly but usually they don't. Yes, I have issues with my parents/ siblings/ friends (that includes wrestling with my brother but it stops as we grow old) but no matter how disappointing/ annoying/ hateful they can be, there is always room for privacy, not some public service announcement out in the street. So, aside from cursing, hitting, head-locking, bantering or physical altercations; Is this the kind of comedy the show would offer? For example, the news about Seok-ryu's broken engagement and quitting her job, were revealed in a most chaotic (unhealthy) setup and it made me hard to relate and empathize with any of them including Seok-ryu herself. So, is this scene served to be funny? If it is, I'm finding it hard to laugh and wish I could go back in time and skip/ fast-forward the whole shenanigans.

Respectively classic childhood-neighbour-friends-to-lovers trope is definitely superior in general, but for me, I've seen too many and it has caused me to be critical/ skeptical of this setup, and as of now LND seems to be nothing new or special. I can't help but to compare it with previous similar settings like in the REPLY series or the recent Lovely Runner (idol/ time travel hiatus), My Sweet Mobster (long-lost relationship/ redemption arc) and Dr Slump (rivalry/ mental health). So I'm searching for that 'it' factor which would make LND stand out and shine on its own, so far there is none. They did some flashback/ parallel scenes (like in LR); They even did a 'he said she said' with their childhood perspective (like in Flipped, an American movie; if you haven't seen it, I highly recommend that you do) but both couldn't deliver the same effect that I had as the latter.

Some of the plot was revealed so abruptly that it doesn't fit well to the story; somehow it doesn't reflect or do justice as to what was happening in the present. For example, Seong-hyo's accident; How can Seok-ryu forget that he lost his Olympic dream due to an accident. I'm a bit perplexed as to how it was scripted/ presented. It's a major setback in his life, so for her to diss and shrug him off about having a dream is mind-blowing to me. To make my point even stronger, she can recall him being hurt because of the fence back when he was a child, but clueless about him being injured in a car accident when he was a teenager? Yeah, mind-blowing pfft.. and not to include the bomb that they dropped in episode 8. There, I rest my case. Goodbye LND.

Casting
Main Couple :
Jung So-min is a versatile actress and I really love her works in this genre. In LND she portrays Seok-ryu as this competitive-chaotic gal, who does and says as she pleases, come and go as she wants and hardly takes no for an answer; in other words, imho came across like a big sister who likes to bully around. Her tone sometimes sounded a bit condescending and it's not really that funny being all bossy. I'm not really charmed by her but I still hope that her character is redeemable and is actually a work in progress. Other than her setback in her career/ love life, I still couldn't really relate with her. Even if she still holds some unknown baggage, I'm not that curious about finding it out. Unfortunately, that unknown baggage caused me to drop the whole thing.

As for Jung Hae-in, depicting Seong-hyo as this stoic-aloof guy, who marvels in his work but kind of circling in his own orbit. I find his portrayal to be not that really appealing, even when he delivers his witty lines and opposite reactions (says one thing but does the other). He is becoming predictable to the point that I didn't find any exciting element in him anymore. Despite that, I still hope to see some more colour in his expressions and fresh antics rather than being poker-face all the time. Because it felt way too repetitive and becoming a bit bland; especially in this genre. I get it that he is a newbie, but Uhm Tae Goo also made his first rom-com debut in MSM and he delivers. Sorry, I just can't help but to compare because both do have that same good-looking-stoic face.

Their chemistry? I hate to say it but... feels a bit mediocre. Why? Because as of now, I'm not really drawn towards them or rooting for their development. Usually by now, I could have picked a side and root for him/her to succeed but currently I'm still in the middle, undecided and sort of confused. The revelation/ introduction of 'he fell first and probably fell harder' trope somehow fell flat and ineffective. I mean, how can he forget about his time capsule-letter? It's quite acceptable if he has it way back when he was a little child, but as a teenager? Shouldn't those feelings linger and stay on a lot longer? And even if the feelings were being ignored/ gone, he would have still remembered it at the back of his mind, right? Even Mo-eum is aware of his letter. It's not adding up. Especially if Seok-ryu is that ONE person who really gets him, calls his bluff and pulls his leg (or pants); his so called biggest supporter whom he can't seem to hate and likes to be around. So the contradiction here is hard to overlook.. so yeah sorry, I'm not buying it. Not even the revelation of Seok-ryu's POV is going to make any difference.

Supporting Couple :
As for Mo-eum and Dan-ho, both actors are commendable. Their introduction is simple, short yet effective and pretty solid. I'm sold at a kind-hearted-klutz guy versus a strong-dependable gal. Their chemistry is good and probably still brewing. I look forward to their development despite their limited screening-time, but I guess their story is not that strong enough to make me stay around. Sorry.

Other Cast :
Suk-sisters/ Lavender - Love the dynamics and the antics. Kudos to Mo-eum's mom, whom I think is the anchor of the group.
Seok-ryu's Family - Relatable at certain points however pretty hard to watch especially with the over-reactions/ exaggerated bickerings and banterings (including the drum).
Seong-hyo's Family - Intriguing but awkwardly sad. My heart goes to all who have difficulty in communicating with their spouse/ children/ parents.
Atelier In - Okay and skippable at times.

Music
I was surprised with the intro. I guess it wanted to give the old nostalgic feelings but honestly not my cup of tea. Overall it's a bit mellow for a romantic comedy.

Should I rewatch it all again?
Nope.

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It started off really well Then........

This was a lot of fun in the beginning but sadly it took a nose dive. Couldn't help wonder how such a great Male Lead signed himself up for this dreadfully poor drama. Most of his others were really worth watching. With many S Korean Dramas I am alarmed at how much parents dominate their adult children and ofter resort to physical abuse of them. After watching Heaps of K Dramas I have gained some very puzzling ideas about life there. Bosses who violate their female workers in particular. Women who get drunk and end up vulnerable on the streets. Children caught up in poverty because their parents pass on debt. I know they are only dramas but there are recurring situations throughout many. On a positive note I have been amazed at the creativity of many of the scripts. Some are astoundingly good. Dozens of excellent Dramas, fabulous acting and real talent. This drama nose dived and I found it increasingly boring hence the poor numbers. The second couple were more interesting.

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a lot of marketing for nothing!

a lot of marketing for nothing! a boring series with boring and boring protagonists, the main couple didn't even look like a couple, they looked like brothers, they just kept fighting, not to mention they didn't have any chemistry, only the secondary couple that had chemistry and good development, it's not worth wasting time with this boring series!
a lot of marketing for nothing! a boring series with boring and boring protagonists, the main couple didn't even look like a couple, they looked like brothers, they just kept fighting, not to mention they didn't have any chemistry, only the secondary couple that had chemistry and good development, it's not worth wasting time with this boring series!

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Failed Imitation: A Lack of Emotional Depth in a Series Losing Its Direction.

It started as a failed attempt at comedy and quickly devolved into melodrama.

From the beginning, I noticed a strong resemblance to screenwriter Kim Eun's ideas, especially since the lead actor starred in two of her successful scripts. The plot appears to focus on a woman's supposed growth, with a secondary romantic element to add interest to an otherwise boring and cliché story of achieving the "American Dream."

In my opinion, the attempt to imitate Kim Eun's script failed, as it looks like a weak copy.


One in eight women on average suffers from some form of cancer, yet this fact has no connection to the beginning of the series. In contrast, Kim Eun's scripts intertwine romance with reflections on a woman's status in conservative Korean society, showing her struggle to break conventions. The romance is essential, woven into the dynamics between partners.

Here, The development feels disconnected and lacks the depth of Kim Eun's approach.

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ROMCOM???? WHERE?

THIS IS NOT WHAT A ROMCOM IS.
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I wanted fluff, not misery and heartbreak with a dash of fluff!!!!!!!








That's it, that's the review.

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A horrible series!

show in the middle of the cast in the middle of the plot in the middle with chemistry in the middle! even the secondary characters have more chemistry than the main character they force the comedy that doesn't make you laugh like the second couple's chemistry but they were good other this show is just a waste of time and energy maybe spend that time on other shows no character development the main protagonist's kiss scene looks like two wooden panels glued together with 0 emotions and intensity, I kind of don't like their acting either if I'm not they were in a different drama also I don't remember the name but compared to this this totally failed expectations

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Mediocre drama

this drama is so overrated like seriously I started watching it because of all of the hype from TikTok to ended up watching boring show with a pathetic ML and FL seriously a 34 dude acting like teenager.. getting angry for nothing ( you don't love me than fine don't talk to me than I can't response to your call ? ) a FL is so immature and hella loud she's not better than him .... even if you're childhood friends we don't Bicker like this is not even funny it's childish... for someone who have in family with stomach cancer and has removed a part of it it's impossible that she can eat that much .....i skipped alot of it i was dying from bordioum one of the worst drama this Year! Mediocre drama...and the fandom is so pathetic anyone who doesn't like the drama are their enemy ...I said I don't like the ml acting they strated to attack me like their Life depand on it ?. ..you have the right to love it as you like and I have the right to hate it as much as I want...

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Illness as the redemption arc

"Love Next Door" follows the story of two best friends, Seok Ryu and Seung Ho, who grew up together. However, as life became busier, they gradually distanced. Their paths cross again when Seok Ryu returns to the country, rekindling their connection.

My review is kind of a reality check because Oppa couldn't distract me this time xD

How illness was magical bandage to all the problems:

1. Yeon Du gets a fever and collapses, and suddenly Dan Ho realises his mistake and responsibilities.

2. Poor Seok Ryu has to go through cancer just for her family to finally notice her and have their big emotional redemption arc. It’s as if a regular sickness wouldn’t have been tragic enough to get them to care. It had to be something huge.


3. The younger brother gets priority treatment because he was sick as a kid, and that status never seems to expire. It's not wrong but neglecting the other kid ain't fair either.


4. Then there’s the ML’s mom, whose short-term memory loss from stress is what finally forces them to have a real conversation about marriage. Because talking it out normally? was difficult for the writers:D


5. And, of course, the ML has to get injured at work for the FL SAY OUT LOUD her true feelings.


It’s funny how illness and injury are like the secret sauce to fix everything in this drama.

Things that consistently pissed me off?

1. Her mother. There's a fine line between suggesting a career path and straight-up forcing someone to return to a place they've repeatedly said, in language clear enough for even a toddler to get, they don't want to go back to. But no, she just had to be so persistently annoying about it, like her hearing was selectively off every time Seok Ryu said, "No thanks."

And as if that wasn’t bad enough, we get one episode—one—where she magically redeems herself, only to snap right back to her old ways immediately after. Classic. She continues treating Seok Ryu like she's a clueless 18-year-old, completely ignoring the fact that her daughter has probably figured out a thing or two about life by now. But nah, in mom’s eyes, she's still too young to know anything worth listening to.

The father was the only sane person in her family, but overly dramatic but I guess it was needed for his character.

2. Okay So I love Jung Hae In but his character, UHMMM, I'm not really a fan.

The first incident, when he was walking behind her and she started running because she thought she was being followed by a stranger—why was his response, "You should've looked back"? BROTHER, YOU COULD'VE SAID IT'S YOU OR CALLED HER NAME! What's with the victim blaming? ?

Then, when Seok Ryu was sick, she tried to reach out to him sooo many times. Forget friendship, it was basic human decency to pick up at least once. Like, they've known each other for at least 10 years—what kind of dickhead behavior is that? I'm sorry, but if you were her friend, you would've put aside your feelings and at least reached out to her once. I SAID WHAT I SAID. They weren't even on bad terms! She has a boyfriend; I will never understand this kind of ghosting. It's not like she was even aware of his feelings, wtf. FELT SOO IMMATURE and then he hits you with a "I should've reached out to you sooner" shit smh.

3. Seok Ryu's ex coming back was the worst and most saddening thing for me. Like, what was even the point of him? I honestly felt bad for the guy. He wasn’t wrong to feel what he felt and to be in that depression mode—he was taking care of everything alone. Her family had no idea, but he was there, and it’s sooo pathetic how at the start it almost leaned toward him cheating on her. Messed up. And then Seok Ryu keeps him around without giving him a proper rejection or any real confrontation.

Things I liked

1. Seok Ryu sucked at being honest about her feelings and emotions, which is sooo relatable as the older sibling. I literally cried for her :( I liked how she finally found her dream.

2. Mo Eum? She’s soooo straightforward and easily the vibey person throughout the whole show—I loved her! Her bond with Yeon Du, I lovedd it so much.

3. One of the things I also liked was the ladies' group. That was one wholesome friendship, and all the ladies were so cutesy.


Honestly, the last few episodes were a bit of a dud. Nothing really happens! And that unnecessary fight between the aunties? Like, WHY was that even a thing:d

Overall, nothing stood out to me. Sure, the corporate culture and work-life stress were highlights, but beyond that... meh. The leads are cute, but that's about it.

Thank you for reading my review:D

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Começou bem, terminou PÉSSIMO

Famoso prometeu muito, entregou pouco.
Na minha opinião, o enredo tinha muito potencial, mas pecou pelo desenvolvimento mal feito e lapsos na construção dos personagens.

Dos pontos que fiquei sem entender, destaco:
1. Como alguém pode esconder uma doença tão séria da própria família? "ah ela não quis preocupar ninguém..." gente, não era uma doença qualquer, era gravíssima. Não faz sentido algum.

2. O comportamento infantil do protagonista. Ambos eram infantis em alguns momentos, claro, e percebo que era meio enfatizando que eles tinham uma amizade antiga e de implicância, mas acho que pesaram a mão.

3. Quando o prota se declara e a prota diz NÃO, a reação dele é acabar uma amizade de 30 anos... Sério, eu odiei isso.

4. O casal secundário foi muito fofo, eu gostei muito da química deles, mas como assim ela pediu para SER A MÃE DA MENINA para logo depois passar 1 ano do outro lado do mundo? Não que ela devesse ter desistido do sonho dela, porém não gostei da parte dela enfatizar tanto querer ser a mãe da menina, bem menos do que demonstrou querer ser esposa do repórter. O que me leva a...

5. Não ter casamento (que foi bem aguardado, com todos aqueles pedidos), não ter viagem ao Polo Sul do repórter (era melhor ele chegando lá numa cena, do que a promessa por vídeo chamada, me senti roubada). Tudo isso numa correria para mostrar renovação de votos de um casal que passou 30 anos sem trocar 2 palavras, ah por favor.

6. Toda a briga entre as mães foi bem sem sentido e ridícula. Acho que dali se percebe porque os filhos também eram tão infantis.

Enfim, decepcionada.

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