Love Next Door Episode 10 Review: Unspoken Truths, Hidden Hearts

Episode 9 of Love Next Door delves deep into the emotional complexities of Seok-ryu’s relationships as her past with Hyeon-jun is revealed through a bittersweet flashback, showing how her diagnosis of stomach cancer strained their once hopeful engagement. In the present, Seok-ryu continues to hide her illness from Seung-hyo, despite his growing concern and affection for her, leading to confusion and heartbreak.

As Seok-ryu navigates family tensions, Hyeon-jun’s second proposal, and Seung-hyo’s feelings, she chooses to prioritize her personal ambitions over love. The episode culminates in a dramatic revelation when Seung-hyo discovers her cancer diagnosis, triggering an emotional confrontation that leaves both their families shaken.

Starring Jung Hae-in and Jung So-min, the series is helmed by director Yoo Je-won and penned by Shin Ha-eun.

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Love Next Door Episode 10 Recap

Seok-ryu’s parents come to terms with the shocking news of their daughter’s past battle with cancer. Despite her recovery, the revelation hits hard because they weren’t there for her when she needed them most. While Seok-ryu’s father is somewhat distant, her mother and brother have been, in their own ways, neglectful of her emotional needs. Her mother, though loving, has always been harsh on Seok-ryu, hoping to shield her from life’s hardships, ironically contributing to her suffering instead. Fearing their reaction, Seok-ryu kept her illness a secret, much like a perfectionist student hiding a less-than-perfect grade.

As the episode progresses, Seok-ryu’s family members struggle to process the news in their own ways. Even her brother, who has often treated her dismissively, begins to soften and treat her with more care. Her mother, who outwardly appears tough, reveals a sensitive side, turning to playing the drums to release her pent-up frustration. Meanwhile, Seok-ryu’s friend Mo-eum proves to be a strong source of comfort.

She reflects on how she should’ve noticed something was wrong when Seok-ryu, a lover of spicy food, suddenly couldn’t eat tteokbokki or drink alcohol. Mo-eum puts on a brave face in front of Seok-ryu, but after mistaking Dan-ho for a stranger and demonstrating her black belt skills, she opens up to him about Seok-ryu’s condition, letting out the emotions she had been holding in. Through their conversation, viewers also learn about Dan-ho’s tragic past, including the death of his wife in an accident—an event that makes him particularly sensitive to his daughter Yeon-du’s health.

Also read: Romance in the House Episode 12 Review: A Happy Ending for Those Who Find Themselves!

As the episode unfolds, Seok-ryu overhears her parents expressing regret about how they treated her in the past. Overcome with emotion, she runs away to the sea, where Seung-hyo finds her. Rather than confronting her with words, he impulsively tosses her into the water, urging her to finally open up about her depression. It’s revealed that Seok-ryu’s depression, not just her cancer, was the real cause of her breakup with Hyeon-jun.

Years earlier, Seung-hyo had visited Seok-ryu while in the U.S. but saw her with Hyeon-jun and assumed the worst. He distanced himself, ignoring her calls, unaware that she was fighting cancer. Now, filled with regret, Seung-hyo apologizes for not recognizing her cry for help and admits that his anger has been more about his own guilt than anything else. Finally, Seok-ryu breaks down and tells him how much she had feared telling her parents about her illness, worried that they wouldn’t be able to handle the truth.

Later in the episode, Seok-ryu learns from Seung-hyo’s father that her cancer hasn’t returned, offering some relief. Seung-hyo then surprises her with a heartfelt party at home, where her closest friends and family gather to celebrate her health and resilience—everyone except Hyeon-jun, of course. Hyeon-jun, realizing that Seok-ryu’s life has moved on without him, calls her to apologize for not loving her the way she deserved. He admits that in his focus on helping her recover physically, he failed to be there emotionally.

Another subplot in the episode revolves around Seung-hyo’s parents. His father, convinced that his wife has been unfaithful, confronts her with accusations that have more to do with her dedication to her job than any real infidelity. Unfortunately, just as she’s about to be forced into early retirement, her husband asks for a divorce. This subplot serves to highlight the strain that work and misunderstanding can place on relationships.

In the final moments of the episode, Seung-hyo rushes Seok-ryu to the airport after receiving a message from Hyeon-jun, who is about to leave for good. Though the message seems to suggest he’s letting go, it’s clear he wants to see Seok-ryu one last time. Seok-ryu, overwhelmed with emotion, says her final goodbye to Hyeon-jun at the airport. As she sobs uncontrollably, Seung-hyo quietly covers her with his coat, shielding her from the eyes of others and allowing her to grieve in peace. This poignant moment encapsulates the complex, bittersweet feelings of love, loss, and moving on.

Love Next Door Episode 10 Review

Episode 10 offers an emotionally charged exploration of familial relationships and the lingering impact of past choices. The focus on Seok-ryu’s parents, particularly their guilt over not being present during her battle with cancer, adds depth to the narrative. The episode masterfully portrays the tension between parents and children when expectations clash with reality. Seok-ryu’s mother, while tough on the outside, is shown to be deeply sensitive, struggling with the knowledge that her desire to protect Seok-ryu may have contributed to her suffering. The raw emotionality between Seok-ryu and her family, especially her brother’s subtle but significant shift in attitude, gives the story a grounded, heartfelt tone.

Seung-hyo’s developing arc stands out in this episode, particularly his growing understanding of Seok-ryu’s past and his own failures. His impulsive act of throwing her into the water might seem odd at first, but it serves as a symbolic moment of breaking down barriers and forcing Seok-ryu to finally confront her hidden pain. Meanwhile, the subplot involving Seung-hyo’s parents, though slightly unrelated, highlights the strain that misunderstandings and unspoken emotions can place on relationships. Overall, the episode successfully balances emotional revelations with lighter moments, including Mo-eum’s candid vulnerability with Dan-ho, bringing a well-rounded and satisfying blend of drama and heart.

Love Next Door is streaming on Netflix.

Also read: Romance in the House Episode 11 Review: Moo-jin’s Big Reveal!