Son Ye Jin’s Surprise Cameo in Love Next Door Disappoints Viewers

Despite delivering numerous chemistry-filled moments between Jung Hae In and Jung So Min, the airing of Love Next Door’s fifth episode on the night of August 31st was met with disappointing ratings as viewership dropped from 6.5% to 4.7% in comparison to the previous week.

In particular, episode 5 further developed the storyline of the two close friends collaborating. Following their heartfelt conversation and increased understanding, Seung Ho and Seok Ryu headed back to Seung Ho’s workplace to prepare a meal together. In a heartwarming moment, Seok Ryu unexpectedly fell into his friend’s embrace, leaving viewers captivated by their genuine chemistry.

Later, Seok Ryu mentioned Son Ye Jin while showcasing his cooking skills, comparing himself to being as skilled as the “beautiful sister,” which caught Seung Ho off guard.

Son Ye Jin and Jung Hae In, who had previously worked together in Something in the Rain, were known for their amazing on-screen chemistry. Despite the age difference between their characters, their natural and sweet interactions created a sensation among viewers. This unique dynamic was not only refreshing but also added a special charm to the show. Therefore, when a nostalgic reference was made to their characters, it reminded both Jung Hae In and the audience of the craze they had once created together.

Moreover, the fifth episode of the series continued to highlight the various interactions between Seung Ho and Seok Ryu. During this episode, Seung Ho came to the realization that his unexplainable frustration towards his friend was actually rooted in jealousy and he finally understood that he had developed a secret affection for Seok Ryu. Additionally, a new character, Seung Ho’s ex-girlfriend Tae Hui, was introduced, but her presence was underwhelming due to her passive behavior towards the main couple’s romance. In contrast to the typical portrayal of exes in other dramas, where they are often portrayed as manipulative and determined to win back the male lead, Tae Hui’s appearance in this episode was too docile and posed no real

Despite all efforts, the show’s ratings have sadly declined. It is possible that the series has been too cautious, lacking any intense moments or cliffhangers to keep viewers hooked and causing them to lose interest. Chemistry is a crucial factor in a successful series, but an excessive amount of it, with everything being overly positive and calm, may not be enough to make the series stand out.

Every weekend, you can catch Love Next Door on both tvN and Netflix.

Reference: K14