“Love Next Door” Episode 9 Ratings Plummet Due to Netizens’ Frustration with the Script

As predicted, the ratings for episode 9 of “Love Next Door” continued to decline compared to the previous week (approximately 1.9% compared to episode 8). This significant drop has left many viewers questioning whether they should continue supporting a drama with such a long-winded plot.

Specifically, “Love Next Door” has passed the halfway mark (9/16 episodes), yet the development of the romance between the main couple Seung-hyo (Jung Hae-in) and Seok-ryu (Jung So-min) is moving at a snail’s pace, leaving viewers increasingly impatient. It is possible that this is the writer’s tactic to stretch the storyline and build suspense, but this has backfired, causing the episode to flop heavily.

Episode 9 did bring emotional moments, bringing tears to viewers as the female lead Seok-ryu (Jung So-min) struggles alone with the pain of her cancer diagnosis. Seok-ryu isolates herself, refusing to share her suffering with anyone except her ex-fiancé.

The episode reached a touching climax near the end when Seok-ryu accidentally reveals her secret to her mother, Mi-suk, and Seung-hyo clears up previous misunderstandings. Seok-ryu’s actions are both pitiful and frustrating, revealing the complex emotional turmoil she’s experiencing.

The main couple’s ongoing struggles, filled with obstacles and eventual resolutions, demonstrate their chemistry and mutual understanding. Although they clearly understand each other’s feelings, they have yet to fully confront and resolve their issues. The writer has overused psychological tension and overly focused on each character’s individual emotions, unintentionally making the plot feel tedious and lacking in breakthroughs, disappointing viewers.

Some viewer reactions include:

– “This couple is too prideful, it’s exhausting to watch.”

– “I can’t stand the writer anymore, the leads have been circling each other for nearly 10 episodes!”

– “Oh my gosh, I’m tired! Hurry up and get together!”

– “Hang in there, this love story is dragging into episode 11 soon!”

– “The plot is too drawn out, it’s so frustrating.”

– “The script is getting weaker, I thought it was something new but it’s just following the old K-drama formula.”

– “The story feels really disjointed!”

– “The drama needs more intense moments, the writer is just making everyone frustrated – but I guess that’s also a success.”

“Love Next Door” airs every Saturday and Sunday night on tvN.

Source: K14