tvN’s new romantic comedy series “Love Next Door” expands beyond its genre to also explore parenthood, friendship, growth and more, according to the show's cast and director.

“Though our series is called ‘Mother’s friend’s son’ [the translated Korean title of the show], the series [has stories of] mothers, fathers, sons and daughters,” actor Jung Hae-in, who stars in the series, said during a press conference held in Guro District, western Seoul, on Wednesday, ahead of the show's launch on Saturday.

The series’ Korean title “ Eommachinguadeul” translates to mother’s friend’s son, which is a common term used by Korean mothers when comparing their children to other kids, particularly in terms of academic or personal achievements. The phrase symbolizes the idealized version of another child who seems to excel in everything.

“Love Next Door” revolves around childhood friends Choi Seung-hyo and Bae Seok-ryu who know all about each other's past, even the bad parts, and their romance after they coincidently meet again as adults.

The 16-episode series will be aired every weekend on tvN. It will also be available on Netflix.

The series is directed by Yu Je-won, who also took the helm of tvN hit series “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” (2021) and “Crash Course in Romance” (2023), and written by Shin Hae-eun, who scripted “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.”

"There are times where you can't be 100 percent honest to your close ones, because they are close, which I wanted to showcase in the series," director Yu said.

Jung Hae-in plays Seung-hyo, the "mother's friend's son." Jung So-min plays Seok-ryu, who returns from the United States and is Seung-hyo's love interest. Kim Ji-eun plays the paramedic Jung Mo-eum and Yun Ji-on plays the reporter Kang Dan-ho.

All four actors said that they were highly in sync with their characters. Actor Jung Hae-in even said that Seung-hyo and himself are 99 percent identical.

“I won’t deny that,” Jung Hae-in said when asked if he heard people calling him the term mother’s friend’s son. “I personally want to give 99 points [out of 100] on the similarity [I have] with Seung-hyo. I hope that the character gets completed with Seok-ryu filling up the remaining one point.”

Jung So-min also said that she related a lot with her character in terms of being the eldest daughter in her household.

“Seok-ryu’s family structure was something that I am used to, as I also am the eldest daughter and have a younger brother in real life,” she said. "So I found the relationship with the mother most relatable, being the eldest daughter myself. There are times when I feel responsible as the eldest daughter, and sometimes the responsibility becomes too much, making it feel like a sense of debt, which I deeply sympathized with Seok-ryu.”

The series is Jung Hae-in’s first rom-com project. The actor admitted that he was really nervous about taking the role and thanked Jung So-min and the staff for helping him overcome it.

“There’s always a fear and a sense of hopelessness when trying something new, but thanks to the director, screenwriter and Jung So-min, I could quickly adjust to the environment and blend in with the team,” Jung Hae-in said.

“I found myself laughing so much on set, regardless of whether the cameras were rolling, and wondered if I have ever laughed this much while shooting,” the actor added.

The chemistry between the male and female characters is significantly important as it is a rom-com drama. However, actor Yun said to look out for another unexpected chemistry between him and Jung Hae-in.

“In the series, the chemistry between Seung-hyo and Dan-ho is very important,” Yun said. “Seung-hyo has something strange yet captivating.”

Another point to look out for is Jung Hae-in’s reactions, according to the director.

“From the beginning of the series, there are a lot of parts where the characters bicker with each other and, for Seung-Hyo, though he is a well-mannered and warmhearted 'mother’s friend’s son,' his childhood friend treats him with no mercy,” the director said. “In those scenes, Hae-in has good reactions."

As the series revolves around childhood friends, there were scenes where the actors had to wear school uniforms though they are over the age of 30 in real life.

“Since I entered my late 20s, every time I need to wear a school uniform, I think to myself that it will be the last time I will do it,” Jung So-min said. “But I didn’t know I would have that chance to do so again, which made me a bit concerned.”

“Though while shooting the scenes, I really enjoyed it. But it was a bit embarrassing as well,” the actor added. “I truly think that this will be my last time to get to wear such outfits.”

However, Jung Hae-in hopes that this won’t be his last chance to wear a school uniform, adding, “I really savored the moment.”

The cast and director also showed their confidence in the upcoming series.

“'Love Next Door’ is really fun,” Jung Hae-in said. "There is no other word to add to explain the series.”

"I sincerely hope that this drama can provide both big and small comforts and healing to the young people who are currently weary, as well as to mothers and fathers,” Jung So-min said.


BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]