Episode 5 of Love Next Door aired on the night of August 31st, delivering plenty of chemistry-filled moments between Jung Hae In and Jung So Min. However, the show’s ratings were disappointing as viewership dropped from 6.5% to 4.7% compared to the previous week.
Specifically, episode 5 continued the story of the two neighboring friends working together. After sharing their feelings and understanding each other better, Seung Ho and Seok Ryu returned to Seung Ho’s company to cook. Seok Ryu unexpectedly fell into his friend’s arms, delighting viewers with their authentic chemistry.
It’s known that Son Ye Jin and Jung Hae In previously collaborated in Something in the Rain. The pairing of Jung Hae In and Son Ye Jin had once created a sensation with their incredibly sweet and natural “chemistry” on screen. The age difference between the two characters not only avoided feeling awkward but also added a special charm. Therefore, when this “ironic” reference to this special character arose, it brought back memories of the craze that left both Jung Hae In and viewers feeling nostalgic.
Furthermore, episode 5 of the series continued to showcase numerous interactions between Seung Ho and Seok Ryu. In this episode, Seung Ho realized that his inexplicable frustration towards his friend was actually jealousy and 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 she did not stand out much due to her somewhat “submissive” behavior towards the main couple’s love. Unlike the typical motif in other dramas, where the male lead’s ex is usually more scheming and determined to win him back to heighten the drama, Tae Hui’s appearance in this episode was too gentle and posed no real threat to the main couple. On the contrary, she even pointed out Seung Ho’s affection for Seok Ryu and explained to him that his recent strange attitude was proof of his jealousy and desire to be with the female lead.
However, despite all of this, the show’s ratings disappointingly dropped. Perhaps the series has been playing it too safe, without any dramatic elements or climaxes to tease the next episode, causing viewers to lose interest. Chemistry is also very important; each part of a series needs it to be well-received, but if there’s too much, with everything being too happy, too peaceful, and lacking excitement, it might not be enough to help the series break through.
Love Next Door airs every Saturday and Sunday night on tvN and Netflix.
Source: K14
