Love Next Door's ratings drop as fans complain about tragic twist between Jung Hae In and Jung So Min

'Love next door' debuted on August 17th and has been enjoying considerable popularity for several weeks. Fans were excited about Jung Hae-In And Jung So Min's charming chemistry and playful camaraderie. However, the latest Plot change left fans frustrated.
In episode 8, it was revealed that Bae Seok Ryu (Jung So-min) was suffering from stomach cancer. This development angered fans, who soon compared it to the cancer subplot from “Queen of Tears,” one of the most successful K-dramas of 2024. The disappointment was reflected in the ratings for episode 9.
According to Nielsen Korea, the nationwide ratings for “Love Next Door” on September 14 were 4.5 percent, down about 1.9 percent from episode 8 (6.4 percent). The episode was full of emotions and tension between the main cast. “Love Next Door” started the second half on a low note, but it remains to be seen if the romantic drama can catch up in the coming episodes.
The romance between the main cast in “Love Next Door” was celebrated by fans, leading many to speculate that Jung Hae In and Jung So Min were dating in real life. In response, Jung Hae In explained their professional relationship, saying, “There is only a one-year age difference between Jung So Min and me. Since we are childhood friends in the story, I thought that if we don't get closer, there might be awkward moments. So, before filming began, we all made an effort to get along with each other. None of us are particularly outgoing, but when introverts become friends, there is a certain vibe. It's true that we are very comfortable with each other, and that childhood friend vibe came through.” The final episode of “Love Next Door” is scheduled to air on October 6.