“Love Next Door” marks Jung So-min’s return to the genre that made her famous, giving fans the chance to revisit some of her most acclaimed romantic comedy K-dramas. In the series, she plays Bae Seok-ryu, a character who unexpectedly returns to South Korea after quitting her job abroad. Although “Love Next Door” begins to take a more dramatic turn with the confirmation of a theory about Bae Seok-ryu, it maintains the healing path that fans appreciate so much in the actress’s other works.
Jung So-min first stood out in 2010 with “Playful Kiss”, a romantic comedy based on the manga “Itazura na Kiss”. She continued to shine in the genre with titles like “The Sound of Your Heart” and “My Father is Strange”, considered some of the most entertaining K-dramas of her career. Jung So-min’s return to romantic comedies with “Love Next Door” was warmly received, with her performance as Seok-ryu highlighting her at her best. Known for her distinctive comic style, Jung So-min is also praised for roles that demand a different approach.
Why Because This Is My First Life is one of Jung So-min’s best romantic comedy K-dramas
Compared to her performance in “Love Next Door”, the actress’s performance in the 2017 romantic comedy K-drama “Because This Is My First Life” is notably distinct. Jung So-min plays Yoon Ji-ho, a reclusive screenwriter who enters into a marriage of convenience with her landlord, Nam Se-hee (Lee Min-ki). This cliché is revitalized in the romantic drama, where the reserved stance of the main couple offers a fresh perspective that sets the series apart among Jung So-min’s best performances.
“Because This Is My First Life” addresses several pressing issues in Korean society, despite its gradual development. The series highlights sexism and challenges gender and marriage stereotypes. The gradual romance between Ji-ho and Se-hee is at the heart of the plot, and the excellent chemistry between Jung So-min and Lee Min-ki makes the narrative engaging. The talented supporting cast also presents compelling storylines that expand the horizons of romantic comedy, making “Because This Is My First Life” a valuable addition to the list of must-watch K-dramas.
Jung So-min’s roles in ‘Love Next Door’ and ‘Because This Is My First Life’ are very similar!
At first glance, Yoon Ji-ho from “Because This Is My First Life” and Bae Seok-ryu from “Love Next Door” may seem distinct. Seok-ryu is determined and often chaotic, keeping her emotions reserved for fear of hurting others. Ji-ho, while equally resilient, is more restrained, contrasting with Seok-ryu’s boldness. Despite initial differences, the situations they face in their stories are remarkably similar.
Both are the eldest daughters with younger siblings, which puts them in the background of family priorities. Ji-ho, for example, moves in to live with Se-hee after her brother and pregnant wife occupy the house she was financing. Seok-ryu, in turn, deals with high family expectations while her brother has freedoms due to a childhood health condition.
Moreover, both leave their jobs under similar circumstances. Ji-ho is underestimated and has her work as a screenwriter altered, in addition to facing an attempted sexual assault, which leads her to a critical point. Seok-ryu, before “Love Next Door”, suffers contempt and mockery at work. These events, combined with her cancer diagnosis and the end of her engagement, culminate in her return to South Korea. These adversities, although painful, serve as a foundation for the growth and overcoming of the characters played by Jung So-min.
Why Because This Is My First Life is a great alternative to “Love Next Door”
Beyond the similarities between the characters played by Jung So-min, there are several factors that make “Because This Is My First Life” an excellent choice for fans of “Love Next Door”. Both series are seen as therapeutic K-dramas, with main characters who heal wounds from the past. In “Because This Is My First Life”, Ji-ho returns to writing scripts and builds a life with Se-hee in a genuine relationship, rather than a facade marriage. Similarly, in “Love Next Door”, the rekindling of passions gives Seok-ryu renewed vigor, while she also acknowledges her feelings for her best friend Seung-hyo (Jung Hae-in).
Although there are similarities, the K-dramas have their distinctions. “Love Next Door” approaches the narrative with a more traditional K-drama perspective and maintains vibrant energy, even with its dramatic twists. In contrast, “Because This Is My First Life” finds its charm in introspection. Both series employ distinct tropes to present