Jung Hae In and Jung So Min officially leave their friendship behind in tvN’s Love Next Door, marking a major turning point in their relationship.
In episode 12, viewers saw Choi Seung Hyo (Jung Hae In) and Bae Seok Ryu (Jung So Min) dive headfirst into romance. The transition from friends to lovers comes with its fair share of awkwardness, as they try to adjust to their new dynamic. The episode achieved an 8.3% average viewership in the Seoul metropolitan area, peaking at 9.1%, while nationwide numbers hit a 7.3% average, with a high of 8.1%. This marks a new all-time high for the series, securing its spot as the No. 1 show in its time slot (based on Nielsen Korea’s data).
A kiss shared between Seung Hyo and Seok Ryu confirmed their feelings for each other, further defining their relationship. When Seok Ryu shyly asked, “What are we now?” Seung Hyo playfully replied, “I don’t kiss my friends,” causing hearts to flutter across living rooms. Back at home, they decide to reveal their romance only to their mutual friend, Jung Mo Eum (Kim Ji Eun), while promising to keep things hush-hush from everyone else—for now.
Their first official date, however, doesn’t go as smoothly as Seok Ryu had hoped. While she was buzzing with excitement, Seung Hyo’s indifferent attitude left her feeling a bit let down. But the tension quickly dissipates when Seung Hyo, still awkward in his new role as a boyfriend, admits, “I like you so much, I don’t know how to act around you,” prompting a collective swoon from the fans.
The episode’s climax saw the couple share a steamy and intense bed kiss, sending viewers’ pulses racing. The story of Seung Hyo and Seok Ryu is no longer innocent puppy love—it’s a full-blown adult romance that has audiences hooked.
tvN’s Love Next Door airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:20 PM KST.
>> Jung Hae In Playfully Addresses Romance Rumors with ‘Love Next Door’ Co-Star Jung So Min
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