tvN’s weekend drama ‘Love Next Door‘ (written by Shin Ha Eun, directed by Yoo Je Won) concluded on the evening of the 6th with a tightly wrapped ending. The final episode achieved a nationwide viewership rating of 8.5% (based on Nielsen Korea’s paid platform) — a series high, closing the show on a successful note.
After airing for over two months, the love story of childhood friends Choi Seung Hyo (Jung Hae In) and Bae Seok Ryu (Jung So Min) has finally reached a happy conclusion. Additionally, all the supporting characters also found happiness in their own ways.
The final episode opens with both Seung Hyo and Seok Ryu’s families enjoying a meal together after settling past conflicts. Afterward, Seung Hyo enters Seok Ryu’s room, embracing her and reassuring her that he will be very busy for the next week. Just then, Seok Ryu’s younger brother, Bae Dong Jin, walks in and is stunned to find himself unintentionally witnessing their affectionate moment. Unbothered, Seok Ryu declares that their relationship has been accepted by both sides of the family, so it’s Dong Jin who should leave the room. Seeing his sister’s stubbornness, Dong Jin jokingly advises Seung Hyo to reconsider marrying her, but a small bribe quickly convinces him to call Seung Hyo his brother-in-law.
Not only the young couple, but also the parents of both families, are now enjoying peaceful and happy times. No longer arguing, Mi Seok teaches Hye Seok how to cook, and in return, Mi Seok agrees to let Hye Seok teach her English in preparation for their upcoming trip. Meanwhile, the two fathers enthusiastically bond over learning photography, something they had previously been too busy to do.
In this episode, only the secondary couple faces a minor issue. Mo Eum, afraid of worrying her partner, doesn’t tell Dan Ho that she’s being transferred to Antarctica. However, when Dan Ho visits her workplace, he overhears her colleagues discussing it. Instead of getting upset, he takes Mo Eum to relax and enjoy some leisure time. Later, back home, he expresses his wish for her to do what she loves, assuring her that he and their child will fully support her. Touched by his understanding, Mo Eum tears up, and their child, Yeon Du, encourages her to take pictures of emperor penguins in Antarctica, comparing them to Dan Ho. Overwhelmed with happiness, Mo Eum hugs them both.
Returning to the main couple’s story, it turns out that Seung Hyo had been unable to spend time with Seok Ryu because he was busy renovating the Root Snack Bar at her father’s request. Her father, feeling inadequate for not doing much for his daughter, hoped that his future son-in-law could help him fulfill his dream of opening a restaurant for his little princess.
In the following days, Seok Ryu became busy with building and developing the restaurant, but she didn’t forget to go wedding dress shopping with her fiancé. Although it seemed like they were heading towards a perfect wedding, typical of tvN’s “wedding universe” in 2024, there was a twist. At the dress fitting, Seok Ryu suddenly suggests postponing the wedding for a year because she’s too occupied with the restaurant, Mo Eum is still abroad, and most importantly, she wants to make up for “30 years of missed romance.” Faced with this reasonable request from his soon-to-be wife, Seung Hyo agrees. Instead, they organize a small wedding for Seung Hyo’s mother, giving her the chance to experience a full wedding atmosphere. Watching the middle-aged guests laugh and enjoy themselves, the young couple feels the warmth and joy surrounding them. At that moment, Seung Hyo and Seok Ryu share a sweet kiss.
The story then shifts to ten months later. The mothers still bicker, but now it’s about whose children (in-laws) love them more. The fathers remain inseparable, continuing their healthy routines together. As for Dan Ho and Mo Eum, she’s still working overseas but frequently checks in on Yeon Du and her partner. Dan Ho announces that he plans to visit her at “the most beautiful place on earth” during an upcoming work trip.
Bae Dong Jin, Seok Ryu’s younger brother, has successfully become a fitness trainer and gained his first client, Na Yun. But Dong Jin, being career-focused, is entirely unaware of Na Yun’s romantic interest in him.
The final moments reveal the current situation of the main couple. Both are busy with successful careers and separate projects. Although they’ve reached the end of their story, while heading to view a new house, Seung Hyo sulks because Seok Ryu arrives late, nonchalantly telling him to go alone since he’s skilled in this area. Despite their playful banter, they agree to hold hands and call each other “darling” to lighten the mood.
The last episode of Love Next Door ends with the happy couple arm-in-arm, walking forward into the future.
