“I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, then all at once”.
For me, this sums up most of this drama. It is watching two people slowly and then passionately fall in love with one another. The doubting if the other feels the same, the awkwardness of new love, the heart fluttering moments, and everything in between. The realism, chemistry, and gradual buildup of the relationship in the story was unlike anything I have ever experienced. It was reminiscent of the director, Ahn Pan Seok’s, previous work Secret Love Affair. Except this is less about two lost souls finding one another and more of a story of realizing the right person was someone you knew all along. Brilliant in its subtleties, this was a true example of a slow-paced romantic melodrama.
However, despite this drama’s strong beginnings, the middle could best be described as lukewarm. Muddled with repetitive plot scenarios that take far too long to resolve, around episode 9 this drama started to feel almost like a chore to watch. The chemistry was still there but the spark was missing, making what could have been my favorite romance of all time, one that I found myself barely making it to its conclusion. But despite its faults, this drama still deserves a solid 8, because it’s first 6 to7 episodes literally had ME feeling butterflies. I even wanted to tell random passersbys to watch this drama if they want to FEEEEEL what it is like for two people to fall in love. I did not think it was possible for me to feel so strongly about a drama, and for this it deserves the 8.
Overall, I recommend it, but mostly the first nine episodes. After that, you could probably skip to the finale and be just as satisfied.
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Favorite 2021
I didn't know anything about this until I randomly came across the poster of this series. I was hooked right from the beginning but the way in which every next episode elevated the show is truly worth mentioning. If you're on the fence about whether or not to watch the show, go for it. The only thing I'd ask you is to keep in mind that not all human beings are perfect and let the characters be themselves. I really do hope they make a second season because I would give anything to watch how they grow.Was this review helpful to you?
Just a cute, fluffy romance with *a lot of skinship*
If you want a short show with a lot of fluff (and a lot of moments that will make your heart skip a beat)then this is your show
Nothing fancy, no crazy-good acting or whatever
just... cute fluff.
There's also not really an "end" to this per se
more slice-of-life-ish with each episode being like one small arc.
The leads are a married couple so yes you will get the bed scenes with the package too.
So I would rate this a bit on the mature side, but if you're in for some "married first fall in love later" romance, go for this.
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2
1Intimate, empathetic and observant slice-of-life story
The simplicity of "Blueming" really enabled the show to focus on more serious topics such as insecurities, loneliness, and self-doubts. It's simple, raw and the dialogues are written with such authenticity that it makes it really easy to relate to the characters. It was refreshing to see how mundane their struggles were, and I loved how this show "normalized" pain. Not only that, but it doesn't judge its characters for the feelings they have. Quite a few of us might have felt that our pain isn't worth mentioning and I like how it acknowledges that no matter what you're going through, your feelings are valid. I also appreciate how they didn't give us the usual perfect main leads, instead the characters and dialogues are written with such empathy that it made the story feel genuine.The romance is quite uneventful and I think the story benefits greatly from it. There aren't any grand gestures or declarations, instead you can see them slowly opening up to each other. It's clear they found someone they can be vulnerable with and not fear being judged. I thought their bond and the growing trust was realistically portrayed, proving you don't need a full-length show to convincingly build up a relationship.
Fitting for a story about film students, the cinematography is beautiful. It utilizes lighting and shadows to create atmospheric shots that added an artistic feel to the show. Moreover, it was rather clever that they used filming techniques they talked about in class during one of the episodes. Both lead actors seemed pretty comfortable in their roles and managed to portray the awkwardness and growing attraction quite well. The performances were rather understated, which was fitting for the story. The little touches between them and their body language felt natural and intimate. Once again, the simplicity of it all made it feel realistic and authentic.
"Blueming" is a subtle and quiet depiction of everyday struggles that will tug on your heartstrings. Some dialogues felt so familiar, and I think that's why the story resonated with me. It's a story that lingers in your thoughts, and some conversations were so well-written I could write an essay about it. It may not be perfect in all aspects, but it manages to observantly tell a story of mundane struggles in an engaging and touching way.
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THE BEST INTIMACY shown in a BL series with the most realistic portray of sex
I have never written a review before, but I had to do so after seeing how unreasonably harsh people were with this show. Yes, it is based on Mame's novels, but it actually brings out the best in them and improves upon them. She’s also not a screenwriter for LITA, so the series has a different feeling from her previous works. It's a rare gem with a beautiful cinematography and great acting and it's sad to see people skipping it because of the other reviews.First of all, let me get something straight. This series is not an all green flags show. There are definitely some questionable moments, so if you're looking for a fluffy series with a perfectly healthy relashionship, this series is not for you. HOWEVER, both of the relationships portrayed in LITA only start out questionably, later on they develop into quite healthy and well communicated ones. Many people even call Pai as a walking green flag. There is also a speculated hidden dynamic in Payu’s and Rain’s relationship that would explain most of ther “toxic” moments.
Now, when reading OTHER REVIEWS and seeing this:
"TW: (non-consensual touching, homophobia, manipulation, mind games, s*a*, torture)", you’d really think LITA is some kind of twisted show. But this is where the overreaction, too harsh of a criticism and Mame's hatewagon come in play, because:
IN REALITY:
- (mind games, s*a*, torture) refer to Sky’s past. There are some flashbacks and difficult scenes in ep 13, but that’s it.
- (homophobia) refers to a comment / question made by Rain in the first episode, it happened just this once and Rain regrets saying it instantly
- (non-consensual touching) yes, this one is valid.
Still, let’s clarify it a bit - it obviously refers to Sky's past (as most of the brutal and horrible tags do). It also refers to some actions attemted by Payu to Rain, but he never actually does anything in the end. It refers to a scene where he's sniffing / butterfly kissing Rain's neck (not really touching him) and also a scene where he tries to sleep with Rain (so non consensual kissing of his neck), but doesn't after Rain refuses him (though Rain has to say it like 4 times).
Compared to what is normalized and shown in the BL industry today though, it’s laughable that it's LITA that got tagged as 'The toxic show' out of all of them. Yes, there is an obvious dose of toxicity there, but the biggest shows have all done so much worse in terms of consent, like Cutie Pie - taking advantage of a drunk person, Tharn Type - forcing yourself on somebody, Kinn Porsche - taking advantage of a drugged person, torture and so much more. Even shows that have aired recently have done much more, like Big Dragon - taking advantage of a drugged person, Ai Long Nhai - taking advantage of a drunk person, etc. And people don’t say nearly as much about them.
I would actually argue, that apart from the scenes mentioned above and some problematic tropes, this show does a solid job at showing us healthy relationships. We can see it the clear communication, mutual respect and also in the way they interact with each others, which brings me to:
WHY I ADORE THIS SHOW SO MUCH
This series really portrays the most realistic intimacy and sex between partners. And I’m not only talking about the NC scenes, I’m talking about the CASUALITY OF KISSES AND TOUCHES. There is no slow motion and ten different angles for a little peck. There are hugs, pecks, kisses and butt slaps, all given casually, as it should be between partners in a relationship. And when it comes to the NC scenes, they not only portray lust, but also the intimacy and love that real couples have. We can see that both parties want it - there is no 'bottom who endures sex', both people want it and enjoy it equally.
In an interview, Boss (who plays Payu) explained that he had asked Neoul (who plays Rain) how deep (when portraying emotions) can they go in the intimate scenes, to which Neoul responded with “as deep as possible”. Boss also mentioned that they wanted to portay LOVE THROUGH SEX , and that’s exactly what they did. Pai and Sky did an amazing job too. And yes, their scenes didn’t have the same kind of loving and a bit kinky intimacy as Payu and Rain, but their realshionship was also based on completly different emotions which were portrayed very well during their intimate scenes (which were wild at times).
THE PLOT
Some people say that there is no clear plot in this series, but that couldn't be more wrong. It's just that the plot is focused mostly on the development of the relationships, the plot is the relationships. Another storyline throughout this whole show is the student life. I really love that it’s taken seriously and there are actual reprocussions for failing an exam / doing badly at school for the characters. All students know that going to uni is sometimes more taxing than a full time job, especially when studying something like architecture. For Payu and Rain there is also the subplot of bike racing, for Pai and Sky there is the subplot of mental healing and trauma. But the main plot is the couples' relationship developmnet, which may not be everybody's cup of tea.
THE STORY OF PAYU AND RAIN (ep 1-7) starts out kinda questionably like I already explained, but progresses into something amazing and sweet. I especially love the character development of Rain, who gets progressively more serious and responsible about his schoolwork and confident in his relationship and needs. I love how he strats teasing Payu back and expresses his own needs for intimacy (he’s not afraid to initiate the touches / kisses) and I love how patient Payu is with him. And can we talk about how this show lets Rain discover his kink and actually acknowledges it (especially in the special episode)? It's done so casually and there is no weirdness about it, it just becomes a part of their relationship. The characters can feel a bit unreal sometimes (Rain is sweet, but kinda cartoonish at times and Payu is a bit too perfect), but it doesn't take away from the rawness and realness of their relationship.
There is a suggestion that Payu and Rain have a Dom / Sub dynamic. It was brought to light by people from the scene, who said that it’s very easy to recognize once you are in the know. To me it makes a perfect sense and adds a lot more depth to their relationship. It’s shown in some obvious and many subtle ways (like Payu saying things like “Answer me”, “Sit still”, the constant conversation around rewards and punishment, etc.) and it shows their early “toxic moments” from a different perspective. If you are interested to know more, please read my reply to Meca’s comment under this review, it’s explained in details (it contains spoilers, so beware).
THE STORY OF SKY AND PAI (ep 7 - 13) is a story of healing. We've got a flamboyant CEO Pai and a sassy but traumatised Sky, which creates an interesting dynamic. Although their first meeting is questionable and Pai turns into a lowkey stalker for a bit, when he sees Sky for who he truly is later on, he turns into the biggest walking green flag ever. The way Pai's always there for Sky, being patient with him and honestly just being happy seeing him and being with him is beautiful - as is seeing him, the playboy he is, putting Sky's need for intimacy (or lack of) before his own. We can also see how Sky slowly opens up and doesn’t see sex (or himself for that matter) as dirty anymore. I appreciate the clear communication after a misunderstanding and how Pai always double checks before doing anything with Sky, just to be super sure.
Both couples turned out to be different in the end, in a good way. Rain and Payu are the sweet, loving, but kinky daddy / baby dynamic couple, who have the most scorchingly intimate but also sweet sex. Sky and Pai are the couple who are careful to double check consent and communicate things through, but also have a high sex drive and thus end up having the wildest sex with Sky being an obvious power bottom.
OTHER THINGS I LOVED:
- The show is fast paced (because it squeezes 2 books into 1 series), but that makes it perfect. There are no unnecesary conflicts just to drag it out. It’s a fairly straightforward and nice watch.
- The ACTING. Although sometimes there were shortcomings, you would never have know that all of the 4 main actors are rookies. They did a truly fantasctic job portraying the characters.
- The cinematography is simply BEAUTIFUL.
- The SPECIAL EPISODE is a cheffs kiss, please watch it if you haven’t yet.
- The breaking of the stereotypes when it comes to sex and portray of intimacy.
- The comedic duo that Sky and Rain are, their dynamic is super cute and funny as best friends.
THINGS THAT COULD USE IMPROVEMENT:
- The sound editing, it just wasn’t right sometimes. The loudness of the music was weird at places.
- The last episode felt a bit rushed, though the special episode definitely makes up for it.
- The problems with consent (like mentioned). Payu’s and Rain’s realtionship started a bit doubtiously and it was on a very thin line from being a non-con. Though if you count in the Dom / Sub explanation of their relationship, it may not have been as non-con as it seemed, but that’s up to you to decide. And Pai’s stalkishness at the beginning also felt very abuse of power-y.
- The series has a slight unrealistic / wattpady feel to it, it’s a clear fiction.
- Some undeveloped plot lines. I really want to know more about P'Pakin and the bike races, like who is he? Does he have connections to the mafia? How did he get to know Payu?
IN CONCLUSION, if you want a clean show where everybody is a walking green flag and there is 100% consent with everything, then LITA is not for you. But if don’t mind some toxicity and can bear to see Sky’s flashbacks of his difficult and abusive past in ep. 13, then PLEASE, WATCH THE SHOW. It has so much to offer, so much sweetness, cuteness and sexiness, it would be a shame not to give it a try. The intimacy, chemisty, cinematography and acting are all excellent. It also comes with a delicious special episode as a cherry on top.
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THIS SHOW IS HONESTLY AT THE LEVEL OF MASTER'S SUN, YWCFTS, AND HEALER. It is one of the best so far for 2015.
At a first glance, this show may seem like a mess. When I began watching this show I had VERY low expectations because of the description -- rich chaebol with memory lapses and 7 different personalities falling in love with a docto......... it sounded like a recipe for disaster.
But, don't worry because the writing and production team turned KMHM into a masterpiece with the help of main actor Ji Sung. ALSO, the title Kill Me, Heal Me is beautifully illustrated in the show--I cried tears of happiness when I saw the meaning.
Not only is the show itself well-written, it is CONSISTENTLY GOOD. Where many other dramas slowly fall apart half-way through the series, this show managed to keep delivering quality episodes from start to finish. the actors also flesh out their characters and fill the show with meaningful symbolism.
ACTING: Ji Sung is, hands down, the BEST ACTOR I have ever seen in a Korean drama. (My opinion only--pls don't be offended) He makes me laugh with him and then immediately cry a few seconds later. If that isn't superb acting ability, I don't know what is. The screen romantic chemistry between the two leads are also OFF THE CHARTS. They are amazing together because this is the 2nd time they've acted together! :-) Anyhow, I have only praise for the acting in this drama.
MUSIC: 1/3 of the reason why I cry every episode is the music. The main OST, Auditory Hallucination, is a perfect mixture of rap and soft singing, and this contrast between soft and rough reminds me of the doctor's healing and the main character's tragic anger. After watching the first two episodes, I've been listening to this song every single day for the past 2 months. In fact, tears are rolling as I write this--I'm listening to it right now. The other songs are also perfectly timed, although they didn't leave as heavy of an impact on me.
PLOT:
Multiple-personality disorder is a sensitive and controversial issue that can easily be misrepresented or shown with a lack of seriousness. KMHM manages to avoid this problem despite its hilarity. The plot successfully transitions from comedy to tragedy in mere seconds, and this is the reason for its success: by having light comedy first, it then forces us to look at the sad situation of personality disorders without us looking away.
Many people, including me, dislike pure melodrama--and KMHM did a great job of softening the blow while maintaining its seriousness. I promise you there ARE hilarious situations every episode, but overall the show leaves you wondering about what the main character had to go through in his life. This show makes us feel pity for the characters without using cheap tricks.
An evidence of this show's success would be when fans of this show fundraised over $3000 in a week (american dollars) for a cause after watching the show.
REWATCH: YES YES YES. I personally watched this 2 times before writing a review. I plan on watching it again in a couple of months.
NOW, time for my CRITICISMS:
- One thing this show overdid was its flashbacks. This can get a bit annoying after 14 episodes, so make sure to skip ahead if you ever get tired of it. (skipping some flashbacks will help you have a good experience with this drama)
- The main female lead's high pitched screaming can be very loud and irritating---especially for people with sensitive ears. Be careful with the volume control, guys and girls. I personally got used to it, but I know some people who couldn't stand her voice.
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Cliches done right!
THIS is how you incorporate all the cliches without making them annoying. THIS is how you incorporate humor without making it loud and cringy. THIS is how you do the perfect rom-com.Business Proposal felt like a throwback to early 2010 k-dramas and the golden age of romantic comedies, but it modernized it and fixed all the frustrating misunderstandings and miscommunications that made me tear my hair out back then.
I felt like the friendships were such an important part of this show from beginning to end and it made it that much better. The FLs and MLs are each so supportive of each other with their respective family situations, the coworkers are also such a supportive team, and it made the show that much more comforting to watch even when side characters came in to sabotage things as they usually do.
I admit that the ending is a little short and leaves some scenes and closure to be desired — but I understand that we only had twelve episodes and there probably wasn't much time to spend on some of the more interesting, non-romance subplots like backstories and family issues.
Nevertheless, if you're looking for something light-hearted and stress-free, this drama is the one.
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THATS MORE LIKE IT!
A definite upgrade over the short series - I loved every minute of it!Finally, a full length series for Yin and War. The chemistry is undeniable and there is significant improvement in acting .
Although the plot and story has a very controversial beginning, (if you read the book and watched the En of Love: Love Mechanics) it felt like the new showrunners listened to what the fans hated on the first show, and improved/removed them - 1) I liked that they removed the role of the social media from the first show; 2) i loved that they improved the moping brokenhearted Vee; and 3) they showed the soft side of Mark during his time apart with Vee (he was just too angry in the short series).
Although i felt bad that they have to change some of the support cast, the new cast did a good job, and i specially loved the addition of the parents. Make no mistake, this is a YinWar show and the maximum exposure they got is just what the show needed.
Is it just me or is War giving a very similar Singto vibe? I loved it!
Overall, i give it a 9, its probably one of the best BL shows of 2022.
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A rich tapestry of Song dynasty life
From the writers that brought Battle of Changsha, you can expect a tightly-woven, authentic slice of life story. Each character and plot line, even the minor ones, have been written with so much raw detail that you feel every undercurrent of emotion simmering within. It is for viewers to sip and savour like fine wine - the longer it takes to ferment, the more intoxicating the fragrance. The subtle nuances, layered plot lines and complex characters...they all come together to paint a picture of quiet beauty, like our MC Ming Lan. Some viewers complain the pace is slow, but you'll be surprised how quickly you get drunk.The acting is top-notch, delivered by a superb cast of veterans and not just pretty faces, lending justice to the well-written characters. These are not characters to fawn over, but you can imagine every flawed individual in the flesh, because that's how good and how real the acting is. There are no caricatures of stereotypical villains or dumb self-sacrificial heroes. The covert glances, slight hand gestures, undulating voices and variable facial expressions are all on point to hit right in the feels. Even the maids and servants can have their own unique charisma.
Not to mention, other aspects like the music is simple but sophisticated without the usual lyrical overtures of historical dramas. The instrumental scores are effective in supporting rather than outshining the storyline. The costumes and sets are a feast for the eyes. The cinematography is exquisite. I personally love the soft sepia tones created by lots of warm natural light. There is a lot of effort spent on shooting every scene to maximize the visual impact.
Ming Lan is the definite, must-watch family drama! Watch it if you love period dramas of depth and complexity.
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If you’ve read the real history of Prince Sado, you would know that he was a horrible monster of a man. The tales are filled with his brutality. He’s one of the most controversial figures in history. A man so scarred by his father that he lost his mind along with his humanity. But this film is not about the atrocities he commited. It’s about what made him that way. What turned a bright, warm-hearted and full of life man into a madman starved of affection, who wreaked havoc wherever he went. It’s an entirely different interpretation and considerably more heart breaking. For this movie, do away with all your past knowledge of history and shatter all the preconceived notions. Because if you let it, it will move you to an extent you didn’t know was possible.
Kings cannot be fathers. Sado is essentially a story about how a King driven by his own fears and inferiority complex, destroys his son’s life. It’s about a filial son who could never win his father’s favor no matter the extent of loyalty and affection he showed. It’s about little sacrifices and huge betrayals. But most of all, it’s about how love holds no meaning when there is no understanding.
This film isn’t an easy watch. The emotional and physical abuse of such a pure--hearted man breaks your soul. There are a lot of gray areas. No concrete villains or heroes. No absolute goodness or evil. Even when you want to detest some characters, you can’t. Because the tragedy of it all is just too great.
The moment I started this film, I knew I won’t be coming out unscathed. I had a tight ball of dread firmly lodged in the back of my throat and as I continued watching, that ball quickly transformed into liquid misery and came running down my cheeks. As soon as I wiped my tears, they were replaced by more. So much so, that I just stopped wiping them at all. Halfway through, I could literally feel my cheeks burning. And my heart? I felt as if there were a thousand hammers crushing it to dust.
The funny thing is, I didn’t even watch this in one go. During one of the most intense scenes of the film, something urgent came up and unfortunately I had to put a stop to it. The only time I had, to pick it back up was an hour before I had to go somewhere. I was dressed up and had my makeup on. Only 30 minutes of the film was left and because so much time had passed since I first started watching it, I thought “oh well, now the tempo is broken, I won’t be as affected anymore. Let’s get done with it and lay my curiosity to bed”. I was wrong of course, because the moment I pressed play I was back in that horrible world- as if no time had passed at all.
I remember just staring at the screen for at least 5 minutes even after the ending credits had rolled and needless to say, my makeup was a mess. I had to do it all over again.
I know that this is an acquired taste. Nobody likes too much sad shit- excessive sobbing and you lose the emotional appeal entirely. But the thing with Sado is, even when it is over the top, it somehow feels justified and doesn’t fail to pack jarring punches one after the other. It’s disturbing and yet, simple in its execution.
After this movie was released, people invented the term “ Yoo Ah In Shi Dae” which means “Time of Yoo Ah In” or “Yoo Ah In’s Golden Age” and I honestly cannot refute it. There are no words, no expressions in which I can describe the brilliance that was his acting. This, in my opinion, is his best work ever. You can see him go the extra mile and portray an extremely controversial character in such a heart-wrenchingly sincere way that it makes you weep.
The rest of the cast hold their own. They are all spectacular. The women, The King and especially the child actors.
It’s been 11 months since I last gave out a ten rating. Usually, when I rate something I deliberate a lot about it but surprisingly whenever I give out my 10’s, I don’t think or fuss at all. It’s always spontaneous and absolute. I know there could be flaws but my heart completely overcomes any critical thinking I could have done and I have no regrets.
The soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful, both manic and melancholic; perfectly embodying the Prince’s life. The fusion of past and present is impeccably done. The movie caters to small details, for example: the resemblance between the the actors playing the past and present of a character is remarkable, thus increasing authenticity.
I will re-watch this. There’s no doubt about that, but only when I’m feeling particularly masochistic.
Watch this if you want to experience the cream of Korean Cinema.
Enjoy!
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This review may contain spoilers
Defying the Odds: Navigating Friendhsip, Life, Love, Grief & Growth in 'Love Next Door'⌂ᰔᩚ
***Disclaimer: This is just my opinion. We don't have to agree and I'm not here to argue with anyone.***TLDR: My review is long so if you don’t have time, just skip to the final thoughts section.
OVERVIEW:
The FL, Seok Ryu (Jung So Min), unexpectedly returns to Seoul, hinting at a complicated past. She is portrayed as a disorganized and emotional character, contrasting with the ML, Seung Hyo (Jung Jae In) who seems apathetic and aloof yet driven. Seok-ryu's life takes a downward turn when she quits her job leading to her return home, seeking refuge and facing her family's reaction. We follow her on this journey as she faces life's challenges and reunites with her family and childhood friends. Love Next Door combines various tropes and drama elements, drawing on past shows for inspiration. The key to its success lies in offering something unique and charming, with a focus on contrasting family dynamics, captivating chemistry and bonds between the characters.
COMMENTARY (SPOILERS AHEAD!):
I adore this drama as it leans more toward slice of life and melodrama rather than a traditional rom-com. The writers skillfully blend happy and sad moments, allowing a deeper understanding of the characters, family dynamics, and traits as the story unfolds. It offers a perfect balance of emotions and insight into how they navigate relationships and the world around them.
Seok Ryu's life has not been easy. It's been long and difficult because she comes from a low-income family and is the eldest child (typical eldest daughter syndrome) Seok Ryu faced immense pressure to fulfill her parents' high standards, leading to success but also fostering hyper independence and perfectionism. Eventually, she quits her job and returns home, displaying how these pressures negatively affected her mental health, causing her to face burnout. It becomes clear that she struggles with the guilt of wanting to pursue her own dreams instead of conforming to her parents wishes. We are led to believe this coupled with her broken engagement is the main cause of her depression, however it is revealed that she hid her cancer from her loved ones. Her silence exemplifies the gravity of the situation.
On the outside, Seung Hyo seems to have a perfect family, but his parents are often absent due to work. He was raised by Mi Suk (Seok Ryu's mom) and they spent a lot of time together. Seung Hyo is reserved and tends to suppress his emotions, but his abandonment issues and jealousy surface occasionally due to lack of parental support. Seung Hyo's hidden feelings for Seok Ryu become apparent early on, but his efforts to conceal them make him seem arrogant and uncaring. It's not until later in the drama that he faces these emotions, leading to intense angst / tension that captured my interest. At some point on their individual and joint paths, they both recognize their sheer fondness for one another, blurring the lines a bit.
Love Next Door marked Jung Hae In's stellar debut in the rom-com genre, setting him apart from his other more somber romance dramas like Snowdrop and SITR. While some may find his character arrogant and overbearing towards Seok Ryu, it's clear that his actions stem from a place of deep care for her. Seung Hyo may not be vocal about his feelings, but his actions speak volumes, as he helps Seok Ryu with everyday tasks and supports her dreams. Despite Seung Hyo not fitting the typical mold of romantic leads nowadays who tend to be either a loser/simp or a green forest, his unique way of expressing affection sheds light on a different perspective on love.
Similarly, Jung So Min did an excellent job portraying Seok Ryu, making her struggles and triumphs feel relatable. The chemistry between the two characters is palpable, making their interactions seem genuine. Seok Ryu's unwavering support for Seung Hyo adds depth to their relationship, showing a genuine understanding of each other. Through small gestures and meaningful actions, Seung Hyo and Seok Ryu's relationship blossoms into something special, proving that love comes in many forms.
MIXED EMOTIONS:
The banter that forms the basis of Seok Ryu and Seung Hyo’s relationship felt childish at times rather than a mature adult relationship, considering their ages. Nonetheless this unique dynamic between them is still cherished.
I appreciate the unique portrayal of exes in this drama, avoiding the typical villain stereotypes. Seo Ji Hye nailed her role and her character, Tae Hui stood out because of her strong performance and charisma. She recognized the boundaries in her relationship with Seung Hyo, acknowledging the differences in his behavior towards her and Seok Ryu. Many viewers, like myself, were drawn to her relatable journey from seeking passion in her youth to desiring comfort as she grew older.
On the other hand, I disliked Seok Ryu’s ex, particularly his persistence and stalker-like behavior when he was introduced. His eating of her mother's food and his lack of awareness were irritating. Seok Ryu's attempts to end the relationship were futile as he refused to accept it. I believe he came to Korea due to guilt, as shown by a harsh argument where he brought up her illness and mental health. Seok Ryu’s cancer drained her physically and emotionally, but her ex seemed emotionally unintelligent when it came to her depression. For someone who claimed to love her, he failed to understand or empathize with her struggles. He disregarded her needs and made her feel like a burden.
It was the fact that he went along with the lies about her illness that raised a red flag for me; I believe if he truly cared, he would have told her family the truth and found a gentle way to break it to them so that Seok Ryu would have people to lean on and support her. While he appeared to care during her treatment, afterward Hyeon Jun failed to provide the support she desperately needed, leading to their breakup. I found his behavior selfish and felt he would have cheated on her if given the chance. His insensitivity was evident in his inability to empathize with Seok Ryu’s needs, resulting in their failed relationship. Despite this, Hyeon Jun is not irredeemable, as their breakup was handled maturely, with an appreciation for the good times shared. Even though he was not the right person for her, their relationship ended amicably. Seung Hyo, while protective, allowed Seok Ryu closure, showing maturity. Some relationships end, but her growth from it shows its value despite the breakup.
I think the cancer storyline was kind of unnecessary as conflict could have been created between the main characters in other ways, such as showcasing gender roles and expectations in society or exploring her ex’s toxic behavior (cheating) due her depression etc.
Controversial take, but I also think Seung Hyo was justified in confronting Seok Ryu for hiding her cancer. He expressed the thoughts many of us had - calling her selfish and saying she was only thinking of herself. Although his words were harsh, her silence for 3 years was even more painful. I believe his anger also stemmed from his guilt for not recognizing her struggles and pushing her away while dealing with his unreciprocated feelings (ignoring her texts and calls) Seok Ryu's reluctance to burden others is understandable, but her friends and family would have supported her. Her ex initially agreed to help with her illness, but later switched up, focusing only on her therapy and medication so they could “move on”. Because he lacked empathy for her emotional struggles she felt isolated and alone despite his supposed assistance.
I had mixed feelings about the emotional journeys these characters took us on. It was overwhelming and frustrating, yet added to the authenticity somehow. This mix of reactions brought relief and humor, reminding us of their humanity. Her family's dramatic responses, though exaggerated, show their care and reveal unhealthy coping mechanisms. Everyone handles tough situations differently so I think that breaking down those walls & being vulnerable is what led to them healing and mending their relationship.
DISLIKES:
The first 4 eps. moved slowly due to establishing the scene and characters with a focus on the uninteresting architecture company. The workplace scenes seemed like filler and didn't appeal to me.
Seung Hyo's mood swings and unpredictable behavior were challenging to handle, especially when he would quickly switch from being affectionate to distant toward Seok Ryu.
Seok Ryu has low self-esteem and always apologizes even when she’s not at fault. It was concerning because she did not choose to get cancer. During her reconciliation with Hyeon Jun, his failure to stop her and assure her she did nothing wrong was disappointing. He seemed oblivious to the fact that she wasn’t in control of her cancer or depression.
Seok Ryu's behavior with Seung Hyo's ex revealed her tendency to people please and seek approval from others. It is interesting to note the contrast between her reactions to seeing her ex in a compromising position with a woman in America compared to Seung Hyo with his ex and other women. I suppose this inconsistency suggests a stronger emotional connection with Seung Hyo, leading to increased jealousy.
I didn’t like how persistent they made Mo Eum's character in befriending Yeon Du, and felt that Dan Oh setting boundaries was crucial. Her jumping straight to wanting to be a mom seemed unrealistic to me. She skipped so many steps, it gave me a headache. Also, the delay in revealing that Dan Oh was Yeon Du’s uncle, not her father could have been clarified earlier on. The writers misled me to believe he was still grieving his wife, or assuming blame for his family’s accident.
Dong Jin's storyline was lacking, but I enjoyed episode 13 where he expressed feeling overshadowed by his sister and inferior as a son. I wanted to see more of his development and romance with Na Yun.
LOVES:
The emotional toll of this drama took me by surprise, evoking tears in both intense and tender scenes. The confession moments were especially romantic, thanks to the talented directors and actors involved. While the portrayal of an Asian mother may be exaggerated, it resonated with me on a personal level. The argument scenes in ep. 2 and then the big reveal in ep. 8 made me cry buckets. Episodes 11-15 stood out as particularly impactful. Episode 14 brought tears of joy, while episode 15 left me devastated. It was incredibly well-executed, breaking and healing my heart simultaneously.
The chemistry and banter between the leads was exceptional, despite their frequent arguments. I came to appreciate their dynamic and accepted it as part of their relationship. As a couple, they are becoming more comfortable, especially now that everyone knows and approves of them.
The side characters: Mi Seok, Hye Seok, Geun Sik, Gyeong Jong, Mo Eum, Dan Oh and Yeon Du added depth and emotion to the story so much so that I became invested in how their arcs would play out. When the main characters frustrated me (which was often) I found solace in rooting for Seung Hyo and Seuk Ryu’s parents, their friendship with eachother and the side couples. Dan Oh and Mo Eum’s relationship had ups and downs, but when they embraced their feelings, they won over my heart completely.
One of my favorite dynamics were the relationships between the parents. Mi Suk and Hye Suk's rocky relationship highlighted the challenges of misunderstandings and feelings of inadequacy in friendships. I also enjoyed Seung Hyo's parents' storyline, anticipating the cheating plot to be a misjudgment. Their relationship reflected the reality of marital ups and downs, ultimately bringing Hye Suk and Gyeon Jeong closer.
The dads stole the show with their amazing rapport. Jo Han Chul and Lee Seung Goon, the actors that you are! Their brotherly bond was heartwarming and I could not get enough. I also liked the contrast between the two parental couples and how they showed coexistence is possible from two very different families. I appreciate that Love Next Door showcases a messy yet intimate family dynamic that is impossible not to love, flaws and all.
I love the parallels and inverted moments that we saw as the drama progressed. This is shown by Seung Hyo finding Seok Ryu at the same beach she ran away to in the past, mirroring the past when Seok Ryu brought him out of his cave when he was depressed. The Jungle Gym represents shifting emotional dynamics, with Seung Hyo now expressing his feelings openly. Mo Eum's wingwoman tactics added humor, with a role reversal in her kiss with Dan-Ho. Seok Ryu reading Seung Hyo's letter brings their secrets into the open in the same way that she read the letter he placed in the time capsule years ago. The neighborhood community's gossip highlights the pros and cons of living in a small town, showing both the lack of privacy and the strong sense of support in times of need. These full circle moments and evolving relationships add depth to the story as characters navigate personal growth and romantic entanglements.
I also admired the characters' efforts to compromise with each other, even if they didn't fully understand. Their reconciliations moved me to tears. LND delves into themes like love, family relationships, grief, friendship, identity, isolation, determination, change versus tradition, and more. The drama exceeded my expectations with well-developed characters and a complex plot.
While the pacing could improve in some areas, conflicts were resolved swiftly, maintaining an engaging storyline throughout. The natural conversations added realism, and the progression from friendship to romance felt beautifully executed, with a perfect balance of slow burn and tension leading up to a poignant kiss in episode 11.
The cinematography was also stunning, particularly during the pool scene, bike ride, and the romantic kiss in the flower field. The evolution of Seok Ryu and Seung Hyo's relationship, from initial awkwardness to genuine connection, was portrayed beautifully. Small details like Seok Ryu calling Seung Hyo "babe" added a cute touch to the storyline, making this drama truly memorable.
The OST is amazing, with standout tracks like "Wall" by Kwon Jin Ah, "The Truth" by Jung Hae In (which imo is so impressive!) and “What are We” by Ha Sung Woon. Honorable Mentions are “Fantasy” by An Da Eun, “Reach For You” by ZEROBASEONE and “Any Day With You" by Muzie which built anticipation for the next episode.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Overall, this drama deeply touched my soul. Love Next Door is more than just a feeling, it's a genuine experience that shouldn't be missed. This drama healed something in me and I’m grateful that I committed until the end, as the characters made me cry, smile, and laugh all at once. The show strikes a perfect balance between seriousness and lightheartedness, handling tough situations with care while also bringing humor into the mix. I appreciate how it doesn't downplay hardships but still conveys meaningful messages.
One thing that struck me was the idea that being understood is more important than being loved. It is possible for someone to love you without truly understanding you, as shown with their ex’s Hyeon Jun & Tae Hui.
It reminded me of the quote “To love is to understand but to be loved is to be understood." Love may develop naturally over time, but making the effort to truly understand someone is a conscious and deliberate choice. It involves putting your own needs aside to focus on the other person, which is far more valuable. Real and unwavering love means knowing someone inside and out, accepting their flaws, and STILL choosing to stand by their side. Seok Ryu and Seung Hyo’s 30-year friendship laid the foundation for their romantic relationship, which ultimately led them to be woven into each other's lives and hearts forever.
The drama may have begun with some clichés, but I found it endearing for its heartfelt moments, emotional depth, and intricate relationships. This drama may not be suited for everyone, as it requires a certain kind of endurance and perceptiveness that may not be immediate. The complexity of the characters and their realistic portrayal can be frustrating yet captivating. Around ep. 7 or 8, you'll likely know if it's the right fit for you.
Would I rewatch this? Yes, in a heartbeat! I can see LND becoming a comfort drama for me. I’m so attached and I don’t want to let them go. Not gonna lie, I’m kind of salty we didn’t get the wedding however, I like the non-traditional ending that gives us a glimpse into post-credit scenes that we don’t usually see between the main couple, adding realism to the drama. The open-ended conclusion feels more like a new beginning, leaving the possibility of a season 2 or a spinoff which is different from typical dramas. A drama with Mo Eum & Dan Oh as the leads or Lavender / the parents travelling during retirement would be something I would eagerly watch.
I don’t think words can say enough… so just buckle up and hold on for the ride! If you’re someone who loves stories with a lot of heart at then you’ll enjoy this.
Despite some flaws, I gave this drama an 8.5/10 mainly for its emotional impact. Objectively, it is an 8/10. However, it made me feel so deeply, unlike anything in a while. I appreciate every character’s complexity in addition to the sincerity and warmth the actors brought to their roles. Love Next Door is a drama I won’t be forgetting for years to come!
Thanks for reading & happy watching!
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚
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Comparison with Chinese original "Go Princess Go"
Since I watched both the Chinese original "Go Princess Go" and this Korean remake, let me comment on some similarities and differences, and why you should watch both :)1. Completely different storylines
Other than the "modern playboy's soul enters ancient queen's body" setting, everything else is redone. The Chinese drama was in the early webdrama days and featured an imaginary ancient time, while the Korean actually corresponds to one of the real kings in history. The Koreans took this short-lived king and remade him into a different (more interesting) character in the drama, and based a lot of clan feuds / political conflicts around this time period. This is very different from the Chinese drama, which had much less politics and much more just pure slapstick comedy.
So if you're into period dramas, this one will give you everything you need -- history, politics, as well as a very gripping fight for what is right.
2. AMAZING costuming and set
The Chinese drama was made in the early webdrama days with obscenely low budget, so they took the low budget and made it into one of their jokes. They had one electric fan to do all special effects with, they didn't have money for realistic costumes so they remade a lot of modern dresses, and the set was just ???
(That is not to say the Chinese drama is poorly made -- as I said, they took the low budget and they ran with it; and they made SUCH A FUNNY DRAMA from it that the historical inaccuracies can be ignored)
This Korean one, on the other hand, is made with a standard drama budget, so they really made the whole scenery so much more exquisite. Standard period drama costuming and accessories, and standard period drama sets... etc. Pretty clothes, pretty backgrounds -- what's not to like?
3. The comedy is just as existent!
You'd think that with the politics and the real costumes, that the Korean drama would be much more serious and boring. Not true. Thanks to the scriptwriters' cleverness and the actors' amazing acting/adlibbing, we got just as funny of a story (if not more so). From the wild (history-friendly) re-explanations of common modern words in the "Queen's Dictionary" to the facial expressions and physical comedy, Mr. Queen will have you laughing on the floor and screenshotting all those ramyun references :0)
Basically you can treat Mr. Queen and Go Princess Go as two completely separate works. Both have their perks and charming points. Both are entertaining to watch. One requires a little bit more brain power than the other because of its extra enriched storyline (Mr. Queen), but the complexity is also what made this drama do as well as it did.
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What a difference an extra 10 minutes can make
Whether you've watched the original mini-series or if you're considering checking out this version, look no further because this is the version you should watch if you can. Why?1) Because this version has the entire content of the original mini-series. Not a single scene or dialogue or soundtrack has been changed or omitted. So, if you watch this version you'll miss nothing from the original mini-series. The only difference for those who watched the mini-series is that you will become extremely well-versed with the opening and ending theme songs because you'd have heard them 4 times within the 4 short episodes, while in this movie they only turn up once.
2) There is a 2-minute extra scene in this Director's Cut [it's at the 1:02:06 to 1:03:58 mark] not in the mini-series which provides additional context and explanation to the decision and action of one of the main leads.
3) There is an extra 8-minute ending in this Director's Cut which isn't featured in the mini-series. The extra 8 minutes were really what the whole show needed to round it off properly. The original mini-series felt a bit too rushed and cut-short at the end and while I still loved it, the ending never really properly satisfied me. But here... what a difference an extra 8 minutes made.
Personally for me, this show is the most balanced and complete BL show I've ever seen so far. I really liked it for its adorable beginning and subsequent realistic depth of struggle. It provided an introduction to our main characters from an early part of their life, and it tracked the growth of their relationship throughout the years that followed.
The show also efficiently depicted their ups and downs, whether it be internal insecurities, societal & familial pressure to conform, and the hurt and pain of bad decisions and mistakes. It's actually a surprisingly realistic and reflective representation of the everyday normal pressures of the average LGBT person living in society.
There are also not many BL shows where one can truly visualise or see the couple really outlasting the distance but here, it's all that and more. The ending here is one of the most satisfying endings ever and it will leave you with tears in your eyes but with a smile on your face.
ACTING/ CAST
Both actors did well in their roles but I was particularly impressed with Shirasu Jin in his portrayal of Itou Akira in this show. Itou Akira had the heavier weight and the bigger character development & personal growth in the show and I'm so glad Shirasu Jin was able to wonderfully portray Akira's nervousness, fears, anxieties, worries, sadness, pain, joy and happiness (it had not escaped my notice that all of Akira's biggest smiles were for Yuki) all in the right place and time.
MUSIC
Can I just say that I LOVED the soundtrack in this show. Some scenes were made extra memorable simply because they came paired with an amazing and catchy song whose lyrics were also very meaningful and fitting for the occasion. To me, the music score was one of the best things in this film, along with the story itself.
RE-WATCH VALUE
Considering that this Director's Cut is just under 2 hours long this movie is so very easily rewatchable.
But it's ultimately the realistic, moving and heart-warming love story, and the lovely couple, that really keeps me coming back to it again and again and again.
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1) The Characters and primarily their core relationships made this story extraordinary. Cha Dong Ju and Bong Woo Ri and their love story; once it began there was no wavering. It was a solid loving relationship that had the perfect mix of sweetnes, spark and friendship. Bong Woo Ri and her father and grandmother; when you watch, you will realize why this family is so special. Cha Dong Ju and Bong Ma Ru; their brotherhood, their bromance and the way they loved and looked out for each other. There were countless ways in which these core relationships and the love that sustained them, helped them overcome the trials they went through. Now that this show is over I feel like the message at the core of this drama is sometimes, in spite of blood ties or the lack of, your family is made up of the people you choose and those who have chosen you. It is sacrifice, loyalty and never giving up on or hoping for, the person you love with all your heart.
2) The writing was very solid. It felt like there was a real story line trajectory rather than on the fly, off the cuff script writing that sometimes takes place to appease the masses/ratings. I got the feeling this story was planned from the start and stayed on course. There were beautiful words brought to life on screen by the actors. My above raving about the characters and friendships wouldn't exist without this writer's insight and story telling ability. The themes of family, loyalty and love rose above the necessary story/drama propulsion of revenge, hate and hardships.
There were other things to love as well. The cinematography was great. It was a pretty sweeping story as 30 episode dramas tend to be, so the sweeping views and pretty color palette fit the story and scope.
I loved the way they handled Cha Dong Ju's deafness. He was such a strong character all throughout the story. He had moments of fear and uncertainty but mostly he was brave and wonderful. The "writing" always treated the physically or mentally challenged characters with dignity...even if some of the characters within the story didn't always do the same. Does that make sense?
It is a testament to good story telling the 30 episodes went by pretty quick. The angst wasn't so constant and prolonged that you felt wrung dry emotionally. Lots of light moments in between! There was never I time I felt I wanted to drop this show or give up. Actually, I'm kind of sad it is over. It is a wonderful Drama! Give it a try if you are hesitating.
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First I want to start by saying that if you are considering watching this series, then you need to know that this is not your usual fluffy drama with tons of comic relief. This is a very raw story and it's not so much about their relationship (them being together) as it is their emotions and how they handle the situation(s) they are put in.
This series is very heavy with the topics it brings up and is not a drama I would recommend for someone who's just looking for some cute relationships, because this is NOT that. This drama is more psychological and may be triggering if you have experienced violation of any kind. There's manipulation, lying, heavy drinking, dubious consent and very explicit scenes involved. I saw one of the reviews written for this show gave it a very low rating because I don't think they were expecting it to be as explicit as it was. Because it is very NSFW, and also again, NOT A FAIRYTALE LOVESTORY.
There is a lot of depth to this story, and I don't think everyone choosing to watch this will be able to see passed the cruel nature of a lot of the things that happens. This series requires the understanding that it isn't about the romance, because this isn't romantic. It's about the characters and how they deal with the situation they are put in, how they take into account the feeling of the other people involved, etc. Also, they do not romanticise the seriousness of the topics in this AT ALL, but then again some may think they do, but they don't. Just don't watch this with the mindset that this is going to be a fully functional and healthy relationship throughout with fluff and epic romance. Because, it isn't.
So, do I recommend this drama? Absolutely, I thoroughly enjoyed it! It is probably the best Japanese drama I've seen. The acting is on point, the emotion is raw and honest, the dialogue is natural, they have chemistry and are not shy to be doing the things they do for the performance to be truthful and believable. 10/10, honestly. However, I would be careful when deciding to watch it, because they do bring up topics and themes that could be very sensitive and triggering for certain people, so it honestly is not for everyone. So, I also DON'T recommend it for those looking for that cute fairytale BL, because again, this drama isn't really about that. And I would be careful if you have PTSD or similar mental health issues related to being subjected to manipulation, sexual and psychological trauma, or similar things.
I hope this helps some of you with deciding whether or not you should watch this. Also, watch this before Blue Indigo (this came out before anyway) because there's a few things you won't get with Blue Indigo in terms of character development if you watch that before this. Also, it makes Kijima's character a lot more mysterious and that is what makes the plot make sense. Kijima's character is supposed to be a wild card and unpredictable, so watching Blue Indigo first sort of ruins that.
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