WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for Love Next Door.I was not expectingLove Next Doorto confirm a popular Bae Seok-ryu (Jung So-min) fan theory while also answering one of the K-drama’s biggest unanswered questions in its latest episode. The new Netflix K-drama from the creators ofHometown Cha-Cha-Chahas been a joy to watch, particularly as it delves into the antics of childhood best friends Bae Seok-ryu and Choi Seung-hyo (Jung Hae-in). However, as a rom-com with a lot of heart, I did not realize thatLove Next Doorwould follow in the footsteps of one of2024’s best K-dramasand deliver such a dramatic cliffhanger.
Yun Ji-on
Kang Dan-ho
Up until this point,Love Next Doorhas had an upbeat tone. The slow burn of thefriends-to-lovers K-dramahas kept me on my toes as Seung-hyo and Seok-ryu’s relationship slowly drifts into something more than friendship. Though Seok-ryu and Seung-hyo’s future romance is almost certain,there are many thingsLove Next Doorhas yet to address. I’m happy we’ve finally gotten answers to one of Seok-ryu’s big mysteries, but I’m also scared about how it will implicate the future of the K-drama.
Bae Seok-ryu’s Leave of Absence Was Due To Illness
She Was Diagnosed With Stage 2 Stomach Cancer While In The US
Episode 8 ofLove Next Doorrevealed thatSeok-ryu’s mysterious leave of absence from work was due to a cancer diagnosis,in a shocking plot twist that solidifies its status as potentiallythe next best K-drama afterQueen of Tears. For weeks, there had been speculation that Seok-ryu’s sudden absence was due to illness. I initially thought this to be far-fetched, but in hindsight, it makes sense. She consistently abstained from drinking and only ate healthier foods. She also had a nosebleed in episode 6 that appeared to come from nowhere, further hinting at what was to come.
Love Next Door Revives 1 Of The Best Things About Jung So-min’s Greatest K-Drama Role
Two years after the release of her last show, Jung So-min’s latest K-drama brings back one of the best things about her fan-favorite role.
The biggest suggestion that this fan theory would come true came in episode 8 of theromance K-drama. Seok-ryu confronted her parents about the different treatment she received compared to her brother, who was ill as a child. Her parents see her as the perfect child, but burden her with the inability to make mistakes, while her brother is free to live as he pleases. During this argument, Seok-ryu made an off-handed comment about how being ill isn’t that important, which, in retrospect, gave us all the information we needed ahead ofLove Next Door’s next episode.
What Bae Seok-ryu’s Illness Could Mean For Love Next Door’s Next Episodes
Seok-ryu’s Relationships With Her Friends And Family Will Shift
Though her prognosis is unknown, I’m certain thatSeok-ryu’s situation will impact the upcomingLove Next Doorepisodes. It’s assumed that Hyeon-jun (Han Jun-woo), Seok-ryu’s ex-fiancee, is the only person who knows about her illness. This is bound to significantly affect her relationship with Seung-hyo, who sees her as one of his best friends. The impending reveal of her illness will also affect otherLove Next Doorcharacters, especially as Seok-ryu’s last interaction with her family was an argument. This will be heartbreaking to watch as her family has been pushing for her to return to the USA.
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Some theories also suggest that paramedic Mo-eum (Kim Ji-eun) could attend a call about Seok-ryu in the future. There’s even speculation that Seok-ryu could succumb to her illness, with Seung-hyo suggesting inLove Next Door’s early episodes that he’s always wanted to design a memorial hall. I hope this isn’t the case, asLove Next Doorhas already established itself as a lighthearted rom-com, and it would be a shame to see it end in tragedy. Though whatever does happen, I’m excited to see how this Bae Seok-ryu theory is enacted now thatLove Next Doorhas confirmed it.
Love Next Door
Cast
A woman returns to Korea to restart her life and becomes involved with a childhood friend, sharing a complicated history.
