Thank you for the recap, @missvictrix! Mo-eum's mom being against her daughter's choice was very short but I like it that way. I can understand how Mi-suk felt about the trip abroad and Seung-hyo's mom could have phrased her offer better (in a way that Mi-suk won't get offended). But I think she was always like that - I remember how she said "Is this your first time in our car?" when they were going on a trip to the mountains.

I get that it's a cultural thing but the invasiveness and sharing other people's business is seriously grating. Why does it matter if she's a niece or a daughter if he's raising her as a single parent AND called her dad. In a culture that looks down on orphans and single parents already, why did that distinction need to be made? Would it have been completely wrong and unacceptable to normalize a biological dad and a woman choosing/willing to be a stepmom liking each other and getting together?

Korea report: I just returned from two weeks in Korea and was happy to watch real-time (w/no subs) for two full weekends. Then - surprise - Netflix (w/subs) was ALSO available w/out a VPN. So, altho it was always too late (midnight Korea time) to watch the entire Netflix episode, I eventually got caught up.

More report: when talking with our occasional guide about k-dramas, we discovered that Love Next Door [known as "Mom's Friend's Son" in Korea] was a favorite of his wife. So I asked him to try and find out why she enjoyed the drama. Answer: it was all about "love" - romantic love (she reportedly adored the main couple), family love, neighbor love. Was a bit of a stunner - but totally believable answer. My point - to the extent I have one - is that Korean's see this drama as a believable family drama with a big dose of romance, those of us in the west arrive and view through the "romance" filter.

Back in the US - Eps 13/14 were a disappointment. Seok-ryu's rejection rubbed me the wrong way - Jung So Min is my favorite kdrama actress but after 13-14 episodes, her character Has Not Evolved. Seung-hyo is carrying the romance on his manly shoulders.

But enough of the romance: the really good parts of the show are what my guide's wife said - it's also about neighbor love, friendship love, family love. Mi-suk and Hye-suk's complex relationship will eventually be resolved happily. And the two fathers are a riot. All four are veteran kdrama actors and their performance was worthy of the script.

I'm enjoying the drama - but sadly, there are few scenes that I would put on my re-watch list.

I must say. Become a single parent through divorce, death, or whatever and you are no longer eligible as a partner is an absurd standard.

Those lucky enough to have children should feed them, clothe them, and give them the best guidance possible as they grow to adulthood. But that does mean parents own their children's lives. Parents of 30-year-olds have no business emotionally or financially blackmailing their kids into living lives they would choose for them. However overbearing. know it all, and interfering parents are such a common theme in K-dramas it's almost odd not to see them depicted.

Re: "Her mother was struggling to eat during chemo but ate the whole serving of Seok-ryu’s recipe. Seok-ryu cries. I cry. This is the first time I actually feel touched by this show."

-- Yes, that's me. I actually teared in that part. I wish we have more of these moments that are raw and poignant

Honestly, reading this recap made me laugh more than this show did this week (and almost any other week). So, either this recap is just incredibly funny, or the show is just ridiculously unfunny. Take your pick, I guess.

Anyway, after 13 episodes, we finally have a good fake-out with the reveal that Dan-ho isn't Yeon-du's biological father. Was this necessary? Probably not. Was this done to make him more "socially acceptable"? Maybe. But honestly, Mo-eum doesn't treat him any differently, and that's what matters here. If other people have a problem with it, either get on board quickly, otherwise they can just go to Gehenna.

Also, marriage? Seriously? Already? Not that I care at this point, but you waited 11 episodes to get them together, and now you have them date for 2 episodes before immediately jumping to getting married? I know pacing is hard, but this feels ridiculous. How long have they even been dating? A week? Two? Also, when were they planning to tell their families exactly? When they got divorced? Speaking of, I know some good partners who can help with that, just saying.

OK, I want to wander down tangent boulevard with our secondary couple for a minute- Paramedic snarky heart Mo-eum and our part-time Clark Kent, Dan-ho. Bear with me...🙏

I loooveed them at the beginning. Their meet cutes were adorbs and they both seemed like great people💕.... but

The single dad stuff and the interest they have expressed in each other has felt really off at times for me (in terms of the emotional logic). After this weeks eps, I think I know why. 

It's a common problem for writers that they KNOW what is going to happen, so they can forget to ensure the preceding story works for the audience who DON'T KNOW that... for me that's what's happened here. 

I felt that Mo-eum's initial kiss was pretty grating as the guy had seemingly just talked about his trauma over his dead wife. When she pushed the issue on the camping trip, saying she wanted to be Yeon-du's mum, it also felt strangely insensitive. 😱

Equally, his abrupt choice to cut her out of their lives altogether (rather than saying he needed more time, or whatever) felt strange BUT I also didn't believe his sudden transformation into Man who cannot conceal his feelings any more. Basically we never really got told his reasons for why he couldn't date Mo-eum and the implication was that it was because he wasn't over his wife/thought it would be a betrayal or whatever. 

Now that the show has revealed she wasn't his wife after all, I don't think that really makes sense any more. 

If he had been really cautious about INTRODUCING his daughter to a potential GF because he knew she had lost so many people and wanted to make sure he was in a solid relationship first, that would have made sense. But this just... doesn't.

One last point whilst I'm having a whinge! I appreciated the gender reversal when he was paralysed with his eyes open when she kissed him, but the strange statue thing he was doing when she tried to hug him whilst drunk was.... just weird?? 

Ok, that's it. I think they are both great overall and love seeing their found family so all good in the end💖💖

My ridiculously trivial comment for this week is... (snark turned up to 11!)👀

You'll be pleased?? to know that it's not just English they massacre - the French speaking was similarly terrible and almost unrecognisable 😁😱🤣

(NB for the sake of fairness, foreign languages spoken in English speaking shows are often pretty bad as well - I only speak a handful of European langs, but no doubt that's true for any Asian languages too).

Let me start with my funniest moment... When SH's partner giving him proposal advice with the sound effects and all, I LOLed... he was too funny. Of course, his junior's advice was spot on. Though ultimately, that bangle was... hmm, just old-fashioned, a bit? It looked exactly like a piece my grandma gave me at my own wedding, that even I got reworked into a Cartier dupe much later (can't afford a real one hah). He could've given her the actual Love bracelet- way cooler, and great PPL too (better than EggDrop, or whatever).

SR still acts first, and tells why much later, after a lot of heartache all around. Shouldn't your partner be the first person to share your rejections and insecurities with? She needs to get out of her head, and actually learn to accept an offered shoulder. I'm just glad she's doing it faster now, and hopefully, SH's heartfelt words will make a lasting impact on her. I will give it to her though, that her ex-fiance may have scarred her when he didn't understand her depression, and of course, living with that insufferable woman she calls her mother has done a number on her. Still... If I had SHs forearm next to me, I'd be clutching it for dear life :P

They could have had Dan Ho's story like in One Spring Night, rather than backpedalling into whatever "socially acceptable" nonsense that was. I don't see any romantic chem between that couple though- I'd freeze into a statue too if someone shot pew pew Spiderman webs at me or kissed me out of sympathy.

Overall, eps 11-14 were much better than the few preceding, so it's not going to be a total slog to the end. I'd really like to see SR take over the cafe, run a successful vlog, and *please*--- shift out of this darn neighbourhood ASAP so that she can go to her own home at night with her husband, to some privacy!!

Thanks for the recap, @missvictrix!

Is it bad that I binged watched (and re-watched) No Gain No Love this weekend with my mom instead of Love Next Door? Oh dear.

Reading the recap makes me sort of confident that I should finish watching this drama. I'm sure I shall have other thoughts after watching them...maybe in a couple days. ^_^;;

Thanks for the recap @missvictrix
I am also convinced FL will turn it into a lively neighbourhood healthy restaurant maybe with cooking classes for carers or people at various stages of recovery who want their healthy food to taste good. Maybe even have a cookbook too. ML will redesign the restaurant to go with her healthy food theme.

I am looking forward to the happy ending. Will we get two weddings in the final episodes and or a time skip to the their kids being the new neighbourhood kids? Will there be a vlog from the cruise ship or somewhere in Europe. They have that European street somewhere in Korea and cruise ships dock there so it shouldn’t be too expensive to shoot. Will Moeum get to see the penguins?

I am not feeling the chemistry between the leads and I blame the writing in the previous episode. The lack of the romantic and sexual tension build up is really showing now. The ML is showing how deeply he feels for the FL but I am not able to feel much for him. The FL is also not reciprocating equally (She doesnt feel it either like the audience :P). This could be partly because she just bid farewell to her ex and partly because she is the one navigating professional rough waters. In all fairness, the drama does mention the latter. Overall very lack luster though. No butterflies being felt. What a waste of Jung Hae In!

Both romances in this show are extremely lopsided. Seung-hyo loves Seok-ryu waaaaayyyy more than she loves him. She's so weird around him like she can't even get herself to say the words "boyfriend" or "love." I don't buy that she wants to marry him. How long have they even been dating for him to propose already? She just broke off her engagement.

Now it's a dead wife and daughter fake out? I can't with this show. Does this mean that if Yeon-du were Dan-ho's real daughter, Mo-eum's mom wouldn't approve?

I cannot understand how Seung-hyo's rich family lives next door to Seok-ryu's poor family. Both Seok-ryu and Mo-eum's houses are homely, while only Seung-hyo's house is modern. It's like they live in a different neighborhood.

I thought that since Seung-hyo always started recording during their couply moments, their parents would accidentally watch one of Seok-ryu's cooking videos and discover their relationship that way. If Moms were not fighting, they would have accepted Seung-hyo and Seok-ryu's marriage, right?

I think the writer adds tragic events to make the characters' relationships moving forward when it's not necessary. The SH's parent divorce was enough to let them communicate, no need of stress, it's the same with SH's accident, SR heard her brother words and it was enough for her to realize she was wrong.

But I think the Korean title makes more sense with SR's doubts and lack of confidence. She always succeeded in whatever she undertook. Now, people don't come and offer her job but reject her. Even if she's healed, her illness left traces, she had a depression. At the opposite, SH loves his job and even if it's not easy, get jobs to do. SH always finds the words but it would be nice, he doesn't have to motivate her in every episode 😅 His proposal was so funny, poor boy. At least, he listenned his colleague's advices, not in public! I hate public proposals! TVN releases some thoughts of the characters, they gave the jewelry seller's ones who was happy to sell a very beautiful and expensive bracelet to this handsome man :p As a person who doesn't wear ring, I liked the idea of the bracelet!

For Mo-eun, it's kinda sad to watch the mum with her contradictions, she knows she's wrong but still thinks it's the best for own daughter. She belittles what she experienced with her daugthers.

For the fight between the 2 mothers, the question of money between friends is quite difficult. What is the solution? Without hurting pride, without letting people left alone... (in addition to not say is not so much money when the other can't afford it 😅 )

The thing that I like about this show is that there is no evil villains, serial killers, or scheming antagonists. It is about relationships—that’s why it is a different type of show than having an overriding chaebol power conflict or a murder mystery. Here, the conflicts come mainly from the characters who each have their strengths, egos and insecurities and things life throws their way. This is actually how most people’s lives are. Couples who have declared their love still face problems, even with each other, long time friends have simmering tensions that can burst into the open, and parents and children who love each other still can have issues. What might have seem disjointed plot points in earlier episodes have led to a lot of the stories this weekend—like life, things add up and come out at times as conflicts between people.

The conflict between Hye Suk and Mi Suk is a common one between friends who are at different financial situations. Money between people makes things weird. Here, Hye Suk paid Mi Suk for years for taking care of her son, which was the right thing to do as she needed a babysitter and Mi Suk’s work should be valued and recognized as worthwhile work. But that doesn’t mean that right thing didn’t cause problems. Seung Hyo felt left alone by his parents while they pursued their dreams and careers. Mi Suk felt like an employee of her high school friend, instead of a peer. Compounded with her frustrations about not having been able to go to college and pursue a career, Mi Suk sense of pride, which feels like the one thing she didn’t give away in becoming her employee, didn’t want Hye Suk to pay for her. Hye Suk wasn’t necessarily wrong to offer, but Mi Suk wasn’t wrong to refuse. Hye Suk being generous with other gifts seemed like friendship and appreciation to her, while Mi Suk felt it was more of an employer giving a bonus. Meanwhile, Mi Suk over the years was incredibly generous about feeding Hye Suk’s family—that’s part of her nature as she even fed Seok Ryu’s ex-fiancée even before she found out he did nothing wrong— and yet, it was not completely given without some resentment. Anyone who has been on either side of this situation knows how awkward it is—it sounds lovely, but it can be a minefield of emotions. So this bursting forth into the open felt real.

As to DongJin, the story of a seemingly indulged child because of a serious illness at birth v. a child driven to be perfect because she didn’t want to cause problems showed how this caused problems and tensions between the siblings. Each child thought mom loved the other more, which is actually how many siblings feel. It’s true that no matter how hard parents try (or don’t), each child is treated differently when growing up, and it can make each child feel less loved. Being indulged can feel like your parents don’t believe in you and being self-motivated can feel like your parents don’t care as long as you do well. None of this is the absolute...

Well two more episodes. Other beanies have said what needs to be said!!

My happy moments came through out these episodes so I was pleased overall and the forward movement was much appreciated. (Although the re-edit to show what "really" happened to Dan-ho was not! It's exactly the 2nd shoe drop that I keep waiting for this show to do to me that makes it so I couldn't quite trust what the show is showing me)

But onto the good-
It was short but I was glad to get little brother's development a bit. He felt mortified but it ended up being a good moment for reflection and a problem that he is going to solve for himself. And it meant that the siblings understand each other a bit better. And Dong Jin got to say the wise thing that moved Seok-ryu forward to talk about her own insecurities. When we feel insecure we get defensive, we don't listen, we shut others out or barge into things unwisely (all logical outcomes of compensating for feelings of shame and the need to prove we are "better than". )

Seok-ryu feels damaged and lesser-than after her illness and job trauma and that simmering insecurity will rear up in her relationship with Seungho who has found a job he loves, is making money, has his stuff together (at least from the outside). I can totally see how that would make her shut down real fast, which is her go-to. Which is why I was really glad to see that she called Seung-ho of her own volition wanting to talk before he got hurt. And he saw that call too which is great. It wasn't just him getting hurt that moved her. She was already starting to reach out.

But even more than I am glad that SH and SR are talking their issues out relatively honestly and quickly as they arise... I was so happy that finally Seok-ryu and Mo-eum had a heart to heart! I was getting frustrated that these besties were not talking much, especially as Mo-eum had such big stuff to talk about. That is what your best friend is for! And immediately Seok-ryu is helping as wing woman. Talk to each other people!! (As soon as Danho and Seung-ho talk a bit they immediately find a common interest in helping others and real project to help their neighbourhood comes to life, tying in to things we have already seen them care about!)

And the moments where Seok-ryu is talking about the overlap of food and illness and how hard it was to eat anything in treatment... that was pure gold. If the show can continue to be in that place I will be so happy. Seok-ryu's experience of cancer will work in very well with her new dream of cooking for others and also give her a special way to understand and help people through food. That is what she really has to offer that sets her apart. And she will find her place in part because of the struggles she has been through. Love those kinds of stories!

Newbie here both to forum and K-dramas (only started watching last year). Having a really hard time with this series: this episode I at least felt that ML was being assertive. Having a difficult time with FL whose character definitely doesn't seemed to have matured/evolved. Whilst waiting for next episodes have been watching '39' and wow what a mature series by comparison. Admittedly all characters are 39 instead of 34 but character development and female friendship is phenomenal compared to this one. Haven't seen FL in any other K-drama so can't say whether she's a good actress or not. Prefer the secondary couple they at least manage to actually discuss things. Also don't understand the cultural issue of being adopted/orphaned: noone can control that, why is it seen as such a stigma nowadays? Just my opinion - still can't really say that I like the series - I'll watch it til the end to see if it gets any better...

I read a couple of comments before watching Ep. 13 stating that SH-SR’s night felt cringey. It was awkward to say the least especially since SH is more into the relationship than she is (especially later after seeing the CIA brochure, SH got mad, clingy and turned on the pilot light to start to gas light her about her leaving him “again.”) One bad date and a sleepover does not make everyone on the same page.

Dan-Ho’s story is A LOT worse than we thought. The way it came out was too coincidental but it worked to get the back story out. The second leads story arc is much more believable and organic than the mains.

We also learn that SR’s dad’s business is not failing because of him, but a new snack shop next to the elementary school is killing all the neighborhood shops. I predict the turnaround point is SR and dad teaming up to makeover the restaurant.

The episode 14 “proposal” arc was awkward. It tried to be funny, but it was soooooo cliche. (And is an engagement bracelet a thing in Korea?) And when SR said no, I thought “good for you.” SH has been coming on too strong, too fast; taking his friend zone to the end-zone during a time-out). His one definition of love does not match hers. Her health concerns are still real and scary, but again SH puts his feelings ahead of her own. But another writer’s 180, after a bunch of metaphorical bad poetry, SH gets SR to capitulate to his proposal just before their fighting mothers arrive on the scene. Well then, one more mountain to climb.

I liked how ME’s mother processed her daughter’s situation. The simple flashback of ME growing up alone without a dad put her as an outcast. YD mirrors that childhood fate. That is why ME is drawn to her. ME’s mother was also drawn to YD for the same reason. Her acceptance of Dan-Ho by ordering different foods hit home on what a caring family does: sharing their bounty together.

I suspect the finale will be a mixed bag for our couples.

I mistakenly thought this was a 12 ep show and decided to earn my bean. Low and behold it's freaking 14 eps and I don't know if I can power through. I keep muttering "this stupid show" and telling the characters to just say it out loud, for pity's sake.
It helps to have the dedicated @missvictrix also finding the pacing, structure and character development off kilter. It also helped to learn that in So Korea the drama is beloved as slice-of-life but I would also agree that it is a condensed weekender.
After a few more days I may work up the ability to finish this makjang but the jury is still out on that.

Our lead couple... kudos for showing some skin under the covers.... now we know!!! LOL. The poor guy with all his mishaps with trying to propose... loved the flowers in the car and I would have still had a slice of cake! Hope our lead gal opens up a eats at her dad's shop!!!!

Our second leads.... good for the mom for coming around!!!! The stigma from Korean society about single parents is outdated in this day and age. Stop it!!!!!

Okay this is silly and I know it but I would enjoy if the brother and the gym owner became lovers and if that can't be... I do like the possible pairing the architects employee and the brother developing some feelings for each other. However a gay thread thrown in there as a possible romantic interest would be progressive in a Kdrama... not a big story, just as a like... Oh, Okay, didn't see that coming. Cool.

Mom's fighting.... stop it, stop it now!!!!!!! I love both moms and they have a long history together, I know they will work it out.

what is the dad going to do when he closes his shop? do they have enough money for this to happen and btw... how much does our first gal lead have at her disposal? her USA job must have paid well.

though I yell at them all while I am watching the episodes... I am really enjoying this show. I love the actors!!!!!

Architects firm partner... I like him. He is quite a lovely character. Goofy and fun but knows what he is doing, or so it seems.

Can someone explain to me why Dan Ho changed his mind and "accepted" Mo Eum ? Do Korean find drunk people overly cute ?

I started this for So-Min & Hae-In,
...but now...
I'm just watching for a bean!
3 hours to completion!

Great comments, fellow beanies. It is so nice to have this forum while watching this "messy" show, couldn't have done it without you. Hoping we can get an ending WITHOUT the ubiquitous time skip and WITH a logical, conclusion--not just an implied ending. (And I'm hungry for EGG DROP, looks more delicious than Subway.)

So in the language of flowers, sunflowers can represent friendship forever (thinking of SH's friendzone position) but they can also represent unconditional love and adoration (SH's love for SR).

BTW: Does anyone get Red Sleeve evil-court-lady-politics vibes while watching SR's mother? Although she has a cute, modern haircut, I still think of her in her Joseon court lady uniform, ha! And when SR's father has the bandana on, I keep thinking of him running the bar in Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha!

i know part of being a mature adult is that compromising with different viewpoints and choosing not to fight everytime someone says something meant to you... but wow, Mo-eum's mom said absolutely disgusting things to Dan-ho, whose only crime was checks notes being a single dad-uncle. No amount of post-flashback epiphanies are going to make me forget what she said lol. He's a better man than me to overlook this behaviour from his future MIL.

Regardless, I continue to be more on board with the Dan-ho and Mo-eum's budding found family with Yeon-du. And wishing the whole drama was about them or just given them more screentime. I do think the main leads were quite cute this week, but isn't a bit early for marriage? since they just started dating?

This synopsis is keep keeping me pressing on and preventing me from throwing stuff. ACK! This series is exhausting! Too far in, though, and will press on thanks to your heads up. LOLing on these lines: "...and they’re not wearing sweaters!" and the strike through on "because there are two more episodes." Thanks.