The series finale garnered an impressive nationwide viewership rating of 8.5% according to Nielsen Korea’s paid platform, marking a new high for the show and concluding its run on a triumphant note.
Having aired for over two months, the romantic journey of childhood friends Choi Seung Hyo (played by Jung Hae In) and Bae Seok Ryu (portrayed by Jung So Min) has wrapped up with a delightful ending. Additionally, supporting characters also found their own paths to happiness.
Jung Hae-in Shares Thoughts on Wrapping Up ‘Love Next Door’: “I Grew Along with the Character”
The finale begins with warm family scenes, where both Seung Hyo and Seok Ryu’s families come together for a meal, reconciling past disputes. Seung Hyo then steps into Seok Ryu’s room, embracing her and playfully mentioning a busy week ahead. At this moment, Seok Ryu’s younger brother, Bae Dong Jin, unexpectedly enters, catching them in a tender moment. Unfazed, Seok Ryu confidently states that their families accept their relationship, suggesting Dong Jin should exit instead. Observing his sister’s assertiveness, Dong Jin teasingly warns Seung Hyo to think twice before marrying her, but a small incentive persuades him to refer to Seung Hyo as his brother-in-law.
Not only the young couple but also their parents are basking in moments of joy. The tension dissipates as Mi Seok shows Hye Seok how to cook, and Hye Seok reciprocates by offering English lessons in preparation for their upcoming trip. Meanwhile, the two fathers enthusiastically connect through photography, a hobby they had previously set aside due to their busy lives.
In the finale, a slight issue arises only for the secondary couple. Mo Eum refrains from informing Dan Ho about her transfer to Antarctica, fearing it might worry him. However, Dan Ho learns about it while visiting her workplace when he overhears her colleagues discussing her move. Instead of reacting negatively, he whisks Mo Eum away for a relaxing day. Back at home, he encourages her to pursue her passions, affirming that both he and their child will support her fully. Moved by his support, Mo Eum tears up as their child, Yeon Du, playfully suggests she photograph penguins in Antarctica, likening them to Dan Ho. Overjoyed, Mo Eum embraces them both.
Shifting back to the primary couple’s journey, it is revealed that Seung Hyo has been preoccupied with renovating the Root Snack Bar at Seok Ryu’s father’s request. Her father, feeling he hasn’t contributed much to his daughter’s happiness, hopes that Seung Hyo can help him realize his dream of opening a restaurant for Seok Ryu.
In the following days, Seok Ryu dives into the development of the restaurant but doesn’t forget to indulge in wedding dress shopping with her fiancé. While it appears they are headed towards a picture-perfect wedding typical of tvN’s “wedding universe” in 2024, a surprise arises. At the fitting, Seok Ryu suggests postponing the wedding for a year due to her restaurant commitments, Mo Eum’s absence, and her desire to catch up on “30 years of missed romance.” Faced with this reasonable request, Seung Hyo agrees. Instead, they decide on a small wedding event for Seung Hyo’s mother to experience the joy of a complete wedding atmosphere. As they see the older guests laugh and enjoy, the couple feels a deep warmth and happiness, culminating in a sweet kiss between them.
The narrative fast-forwards ten months later. The mothers still engage in playful bickering, now over who is favored more by their children (or in-laws). The fathers maintain their close bond, continuing their healthy routines. Dan Ho and Mo Eum are still separated by distance, but she keeps in touch with Yeon Du and her partner. Dan Ho shares plans to visit her at “the most beautiful place on earth” during an upcoming work trip.
Bae Dong Jin has successfully embarked on a career as a fitness trainer, landing his first client, Na Yun. Nevertheless, he is completely oblivious to Na Yun’s romantic interest in him.
The concluding scenes illustrate the current lives of the main couple, both engaged in their flourishing careers and personal projects. As they near the end of their journey, while visiting a new house, Seung Hyo humorously sulks over Seok Ryu’s tardiness as she suggests he go ahead, playfully indicating that he’s capable of handling it alone. Amidst their lighthearted banter, they agree to hold hands and refer to each other as “darling” to keep the atmosphere cheerful.
Jung Hae-in and Jung So-min Share Thoughts and Key Points for “Love Next Door” Finale
The series finale of Love Next Door concludes with the loving couple walking hand-in-hand towards their future.
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