Mom’s Friend’s Son (2024)

boring series, main couple with no chemistry!

Lots of marketing for little delivery!
Lots of marketing for little delivery! Before this series premiered, they did huge marketing! I started watching, but it didn't captivate me enough for me to continue, the main couple is simply boring, without any chemistry, I even thought they were two children, what boring characters! Only the secondary couple that stood out in the series, their performance was incredible, but I stopped watching because overall the series didn't captivate me, I had a lot of expectations for this series, but it's a really bad series!

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Some of the Most Horrible Women Ever Put on Screen!

“Love Next Door” endeavors to be a light, sweet romantic comedy with some drama thrown in for good measure. What we end up with is a bunch of women who are barely tolerable, and sometimes, not even that. We get some domineering, controlling, meddling women who snap at the smallest of things. They are also selfish and cowardly in how they act toward each other as well as others around them. Frankly, I’m not sure how or why any reasonable person would want to spend five minutes alone with any of them. They are about as appealing as a pit of vipers.

Choi Seung Hyo and Bae Seok Ryu are childhood friends who grew up together because they lived next door. Their mothers have also been friends for a long time as well, although there are plenty of times throughout the series when we wonder how and even why. Their mothers and two other women get together in their “Lavender Club” to hang out. What ends up happening is they spar, argue, and compete over everything. Believe it or not, this is how many women in Korea interact with each other. Everything is a competition and a fight for status. What’s especially sad is that they often use their own children to acquire that status. They’ll brag to others about what schools they go to, what educational academies they’re enrolled in, what grades they get, and even what areas they excel in. These are women who live vicariously through their children. They use them as pawns, which is why many of these so-called “mothers” aren’t even fit to be parents at all.

Seok Ryu has returned to Korea from being in the US with a prestigious company. Of course, her domineering, twisted mother, Mi Suk, can only think about how this impacts her, especially after bragging to her friends about Seok Ryu. Things become further complicated when Seok Ryu announces that she’s also broken off her engagement. Mi Suk nearly disowns her daughter right there on the spot. Mi Suk uses the pathetic excuse that, “I don’t want my daughter to live a hard life like me!” This is a lie. Mi Suk is only concerned about how Seok Ryu’s decisions reflect on her. Her anger is out of pure spite and selfishness.

Seok Ryu isn’t exactly an angel herself. We find out that she was diagnosed with stomach cancer and refused to tell anyone about it. She claims that she was sparing everyone the pain. Whenever someone pushes others away, it’s never to spare others the pain, but to spare themselves of their own. Seok Ryu is a true coward, and when Seung Hyo finds out, he justifiably berates her for her thoughtless and selfish act, even going so far as to call her a hypocrite and a coward which is 100% on the nose!

Seung Hyo is a young man who’s making his way in the architectural world, opening up his own firm and doing quite well. However, it’s obvious that he’s in love with Seok Ryu, even though he puts up defensive walls and refuses to let her know about it. When he finally does, Seok Ryu can only think about her own failings and problems, and she promptly refuses his advances. Seung Hyo laughingly buys a small carton of milk to be used to give Seok Ryu time to think it over. The stupidity of such an act is this: love isn’t about thought. If you actually have to think about it, then you’re very obviously not in love. What we have are two 34-year-olds acting like 16-year-olds. It might be endearing, but it’s actually quite pathetic. Even when they finally do end up together, Seok Ryu is too scared to tell anyone about the relationship, and so she begs Seung Hyo not to tell anyone. If you’re too ashamed to tell anyone about the relationship, then you have no business being in one. They scurry around like two kids worried about getting caught with their hands in the cookie jar!

We also have the third member of the childhood trio, Jung Mo Eum, who is my favorite character of the series. She’s a paramedic who doesn’t apologize to anyone for who and what she is. She unapologetically wears her heart on her sleeve, especially after meeting journalist Kang Dan Ho. It’s funny watching Jung Mo Eum berate Seok Ryu for being silly about her feelings for Seung Hyo, but after kissing Kang Dan Ho, she’s suddenly a 14-year-old girl hiding and running away from him. That was the only annoying thing about her. Kang Dan Ho has a cute little girl (his niece, in fact) that he’s raising all by himself. Korea still has problems accepting single parent families, and after finding out, Jung Mo Eum’s pathetic mother refuses to allow Jung Mo Eum to see him. Luckily, Jung Mo Eum lovingly tells her prejudiced mother that she has no say in the matter and that she fully intends to continue seeing Kang Dan Ho. Jung Mo Eum is the only strong female character of the entire cast! I would have preferred the series revolve around her rather than Seok Ryu.

Seok Ryu is very immature, but suddenly, like a light switch, everything is suddenly “okay” with her in the last four episodes or so. The writers must have had something against women to write them all to be such horrid people. It made me miss “Business Proposal” and “Our Beloved Summer” where we got good, strong female characters who knew their own minds, acted their age, and figured out for themselves how to navigate the pitfalls that came up before them.

Seok Ryu’s mother, Mi Suk, is about as cold and vindictive of a woman as I’ve ever seen in over 47 years of watching shows. I’m not sure how anyone was dumb enough to marry this woman. When Seung Hyo’s mother, Hye Suk, offers to pay for a trip to Europe, Mi Suk erupts angrily at her because she feels inferior to Hye Suk. The truth is, Mi Suk has very low self-esteem, and she feels inferior to everyone! It’s no wonder she feels the need to brag and show off her children. She’s a very pathetic character. One of the worst I’ve ever seen. And even when Seok Ryu desires to leave programming for a cooking job, Mi Suk explodes all over her! Her daughter, Seok Ryu is barely any better. Her own self-esteem is so low that she prefers to hide away rather than face her problems. I laughed out of pity each time Seung Hyo wanted to talk things out and Seok Ryu would scurry away like a rabbit saying, “I don’t want to talk about this!”

What’s truly sad is that the performances in this series are very good. I’ve seen Jung So Min in several series, and she’s always very good. Her only problem in this series is that she’s terrible at kissing scenes. Her mouth is always tight-lipped and it’s painfully obvious that she doesn’t like doing them. If that’s the case, she needs to stop doing romantic dramas. It hurts an actor’s performance if they’re unwilling to be genuine and get into a scene, no matter what it is. Also, it’s stated that Seok Ryu lost 70% of her stomach to cancer. I’ve known people who’ve had their stomachs stapled in order to lose weight. There is no way Seok Ryu would be able to eat as much food as she does based on that fact. This was something that the writers clearly overlooked.

The series definitely didn’t live up to the hype with mostly unlikeable characters, especially the women. While there may be many truths, it would have been nice to see these characters grow and evolve naturally rather than simply having the “light bulb” go off to suddenly fix the situation. It just wasn’t believable or realistic. It’s also sad to watch grown ups acting like children around their parents rather than having the guts to stand on their own feet. That’s not appealing either, especially in today’s world where women are finally becoming more empowered than ever before. Overall, this series was disappointing.

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Its hard to watch because its too real.

I really appreciate this drama as an overachiever who experienced a burnt-out and suddenly filed a resignation letter the next day. This drama is so deep where in its hard to watch because its almost identical, I even had the same occupation as the female lead. Of course the money & benefits where there but when you suddenly face something beyond your weight it takes a toll at you and bury you with its weight.

So for all of those peeps who experience the same thing seek help and learn some hobbies, enjoy and appreciate life for we will all rise again.

But honestly the coincidence is just, too uncanny lmao.

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Amazing Actors, Boring Story

Friends, I have seen most of the actors in this show. They are excellent performers and I know they could have created an exceptional masterpiece together if given a more interesting script. But, honestly, this show was boring. It certainly had interesting elements, but the 16 episodes with extremely long run time pretty much killed any joy or interest I had in the characters or story. It is too bad because I really like the potential exploration of all of these generations coming to terms with themselves as individuals, friends, and family. It did have some wonderful cinematography, which reminded me a bit of the Queen of Tears vibe. Ultimately, I feel this drama wasn't worth my time.

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You need to use the right ingredients for a food, and it was missing from this drama!

Everything started out good, until the cancer plot! The writer ruined the whole show with that storyline. Why? Well, because it doesn't make sense at all. She said, they removed 70% of her stomach, but we have never seen her struggling with her illness more than once, and that was all about a stupid love triangle as well! I'm pretty sure we've seen her eating food that she shouldn't eat. Anyway, it wasn't realistic.

Their chemistry was great as friends, but after they became a couple, it was awkward most of the time. When they were bickering, it was fun, but all the unnecessary drama was frustrating.

For me, the secondary couple was 10 times better! It was more realistic and original.

The story with the parents was also madness, but sometimes, it was really fun, until they included Alzheimer storyline, and they didn't do anything with that either.

This show don't deserve a high rating, because it feels like the writer wanted to do so many things, but other than the romance plot, she didn't finish anything else.

EVERYONE in this show is CRAZY and an IDIOT! The only character with a functional brain is the little girl.

I want to mention this, because the main plot is basically the romance. All of these characters are 30+ year olds, yet, they're still acting like teens. I usually don't care about these things, but the kissing scenes were boring, so to speak. I don't even know if we can call those real kissing scenes.

Most of the time, the writing was over the top, and too much!

So yeah, it was a disappointment, BUT if you don't think about the plot too much, it's a fun show, but forgettable.

If you watched one romance Kdrama, they won't surprise you. I knew what's gonna happen from miles away. One of the most predictable show.

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The best romcom drama of the year

Okay so i have watched all 3 epidode of it. And its one of the best 2024 kdrama I've seen. The whole cast is amazing. Everyone’s acting is top notch. I am a person who gets easily bored when watching dramas. But this one is really so damn good. It keeps you on hook. Both the actor JUNG HAEIN AND JUNG SOMIN ARE REALLY GREAT ACTORS. Their acting doesnt look like acting it feels tooooooo real to be acting. The 1st episode was both chaotic and comforting. Bae seok ryu and choi seung hyo really fights alot this was so funny to watch. Bae seok ryu coming from US. and their first meeting everything was perfect. It wasnt cliché it was realistic i like that. Then when bae seok ryu mother got to know that seok ryu has resigned and break off the engagement with her fiancée (the reason tell in ep2) it was chaotic at first because her mother started to hit(not hard ofc) bit poor seunghyo got hit instead. That was funny as hell and in ep 2 it was both emotional and comforting. I literally cried with bae seok ryu and her mother. I understand both of them. They both are right on their places. I like the fact that no matter how much both bae seok ryu and choi seunghyo likes to call each other enemies but whenever one of them is in problem they would leave everything just to help each other. In ep 3 okay this was whole damn emotional ride for me i cried laugh and again cried. It was tooo overwhelming for me it took me time come out of my mind. Because of this episode The line that would describe them is *no matter how much we fight at the end of the day when she/he is in problem ill be the first to be there* they literally goes like this. They themselves don't that but they are each others comfort zone. They feel at home when they are with each other and thats exactly this ep was. . I dont wanna give spoilers ?❤️? everyone plesse give this drama lot of love and please watch if you haven't watched it. You all are really missing out alottttttt so go on and watch it and give review HEREEEE
Thanks ??
~•Nini•~

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Slow burners, and friendship lovers, this will definitely appeal to you!

I've watched all 3 episodes and all I have to say is that the show has been amazing so far. The show highlights friendship immensely and has undertones of romance within the ML and FL's actions! I love friendship in K-dramas, especially the "childhood friends" trope when done right. This show captures the trope beautifully, displaying it's highs and lows naturally. Not to mention, it is very refreshing to experience the pacing of the show. As a slow burner, I love the pacing of the show, as it allows me to adjust to the characters first, as well as that it's healthy and the show isn't overwhelming you with a majority of topics right off the bat. The show moves at a pace that is very comfortable, and easy-going. I also have to say that this show is quite realistic and aligns with the struggles that most face today, ranging from undecided dreams to stagnant positions in life. Overall, it is fresh and truly a spectacular show from what I've watched so far. I can't wait for the next upcoming episodes!

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Lovely Runner's Shadow

This drama was hyped to be Lovely Runner's successor, but I'm not sure that was the right PR move or successful. Lovely Runner was unique because it had the same 2016-esque cringe element (not a bad thing). This can only be replicated if you don't care how it looks or how silly you think it is. Love Next Door was too tame, too safe to have the same elements that Lovely Runner did. No matter how you look at it, Love Next Door was too much in the shadow of Lovely Runner.

Love Next Door had a star studded cast, but the script was so so so safe. There was nothing unique about it (aside from maybe the second lead couple). Tropes are not necessarily a bad thing, but it has to be done right. The first episode was fine, but as it went on, it becomes clear that it was never a true enemies to lovers or even a best friend to lovers. Love Next Door occupied this weird in between that lacked chemistry. I didn't feel any sizzle at all. I was more invested in the second lead couple because they had more chemistry.

As far as script and logic goes, the use of cancer as a convenient excuse was overdone. Sure, they foreshadowed everything properly, but it felt so surface level. A lot of the interactions felt half done. I can't quite pin it but there was just something incomplete or missing from this drama. Someone pointed it out earlier in the comments section, but I didn't realize it until later. The progression from friends to the confession then them getting together and then the last episode had no tension or suspense. It was pretty bland.

All in all, it was a decent drama. It could have been worse. Yet, because it was so unremarkable with such a well-known cast that it makes it all more disappointing.

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A decent story with amazing acting and good chracter dragged down by too many cliches

In Love Next Door, we follow the story of Ji-eun, a young, ambitious woman, and her next-door neighbor with a seemingly mysterious past. Their lives intertwine as they begin to share unexpected moments, leading to a heartwarming but predictable love triangle. Set against the bustling life of Seoul, the drama explores themes of love, friendship, and the complexities of life-changing circumstances.

While the actors' performances are commendable and the chemistry between characters is palpable, the plot often dips into overused tropes that can make the storyline feel "way to familliar"

Clichés in Love Next Door:
Unexplained Cancer at a Young Age: Ji-eun is diagnosed with cancer, despite having no family history and being in her 20-30s. This adds a dramatic twist but feels a bit forced, especially without proper medical context. (As a doctor this is specially annoying)

Convenient Love Triangle: Just as the characters begin to grow closer, the ex from the U.S. reappears at the exact right moment, creating unnecessary tension and predictability in their relationship..

Dramatic Accident

And man other smallers cliches, is the basically a soups of various cliches decently bake into the story.

Overall:
While the storyline stumbles with these common clichés, the drama’s saving grace lies in its strong cast and the genuine performances that bring the characters to life (Specialy the supporting cast). The actors do a fantastic job, making their relationships feel real and their emotions relatable.

It’s a worthwhile watch for fans of romance and lighthearted drama, but may leave seasoned viewers longing for a fresher, less predictable plot.

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