Tragic 'Love Next Door' plot twist leaves fans upset
The popular ongoing K-drama Love Next Door, which premiered on August 17, 2024, has been met with significant viewer backlash following an unexpected plot twist in its eighth episode. The series stars Jung So-min and Jung Hae-in and centers around the return of Bae Seok-ryu (Jung) to Korea and her relationship with her childhood best friend Choi Seung-hyo (Hae-in). The sudden revelation of Bae's stomach cancer diagnosis has left many fans frustrated due to its abrupt nature.
'Love Next Door' expected to continue 'Queen of Tears' success
Following the immense success of Queen of Tears, anticipation was high for Love Next Door from the same production house. The drama features Jung as Bae, a young woman who returns to Korea after working as a project manager for the prestigious American firm Greip. Her return sparks a reunion with her childhood friend Choi, portrayed by Hae-in, who now runs a promising start-up architectural firm named Atelier.
The show's unexpected turn has left viewers dismayed
In a shocking twist, Bae experiences severe stomach pains in Episode 8 (aired on Sunday), leading to the revelation that she had been suffering from stomach cancer in the US. This resulted in the removal of 70% of her stomach. The sudden and severe nature of this plot development has stirred up a significant backlash among fans who are upset by the abrupt introduction of such a life-threatening illness in a supposed rom-com.
'Love Next Door' compared to 'Queen of Tears'
The abruptness and gravity of the new twist in Love Next Door have led some viewers to express their frustration openly, with a notable number considering abandoning the show altogether due to this unsettling development. Many fans are drawing comparisons to the cancer subplot in Queen of Tears. In that series, the female lead also had a similar cancer diagnosis with a very slim chance of survival.
