As expected, ratings for “Love Next Door” episode 9 continued to decline from the previous week (down about 1.9% from episode 8). This significant decline left many viewers wondering whether they should continue to support a drama with such a long-winded plot.
Specifically, “Love Next Door” has passed the halfway mark (9/16 episodes), but the development of the love story between the main couple Seung-hyo (Jung Hae-in) and Seok-ryu (Jung So-min) is proceeding at a snail’s pace, leaving viewers increasingly impatient. It is possible that this is the writer’s tactic to stretch out the plot and create suspense, but it backfired, causing the episode to become a flop.
Episode 9 provided emotional moments, bringing tears to viewers’ eyes as female protagonist Seok-ryu (Jung So-min) struggles alone with the pain of her cancer diagnosis. Seok-ryu isolates herself, refusing to share her suffering with anyone except her ex-boyfriend.
The episode reaches a touching climax toward the end, when Seok-ryu accidentally reveals his secret to his mother, Mi-suk, and Seung-hyo clears up previous misunderstandings. Seok-ryu’s actions are both pitiful and frustrating, revealing the complex emotional turmoil he is experiencing.
The main couple’s ongoing struggles, full of obstacles and final resolutions, demonstrate their chemistry and understanding of each other. Although they clearly understand each other’s feelings, they still have to fully face and resolve their problems. The writer overused psychological tension and overly focused on the individual emotions of each character, unintentionally making the plot boring and lacking in twists, disappointing the viewers.
Some reactions from viewers include:
– “This couple is too proud, it’s exhausting to watch.”
– “I can’t stand the screenwriter anymore, the protagonists have been chasing each other for almost 10 episodes!”
– “Oh my God, I’m tired! Hurry up and get together!”
– “Hold on tight, this love story will soon drag on into episode 11!”
– “The plot is too long, it’s so frustrating.”
– “The script is getting weaker, I thought it was something new but it actually just follows the old K-drama formula.”
– “The story seems really disjointed!”
– “The drama needs more intense moments, the writer does nothing but frustrate everyone, but I guess this is also a success.”
“Love Next Door” airs every Saturday and Sunday night on tvN.
Source: K14
