In a recent interview commemorating the end of Love Next Door, Jung So Min opened up about her experience and a heartening moment with her mom.
Jung So-min expressed her deep satisfaction with the character she portrayed, Bae Seok-ryu, a woman struggling to rebuild her life after a series of personal challenges. She said, “I was happy to have met a character that I personally wanted to root for. It’s not easy to find a set with such a good atmosphere. I was glad to have found a set where we could share laughter and energy.” Jung emphasized how fortunate she felt to work in an environment that was both creative and positive, making the filming process enjoyable and fulfilling.
Love Next Door centers on the romantic and emotional entanglements of Bae Seok-ryu and Choi Seung-hyo, played by Jung Hae In. The storyline follows Bae Seok-ryu as she tries to reboot her life, while also confronting her past in the form of Choi Seung-hyo, a childhood friend and the son of her mother’s friend.
Jung So Min delivered a compelling performance as a “broken daughter” who, despite her struggles, strives for personal growth and the pursuit of her dreams. Her portrayal of Seok-ryu’s romantic bickering with Choi Seung-hyo and her journey toward self-discovery brought warmth and empathy to viewers, many of whom found comfort and solace in Seok-ryu’s relatable struggles.
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The drama not only highlighted the romantic tension between the main characters but also focused on the family dynamics, including the often humorous relationship between Seok-ryu and her younger brother, Dong-jin. This sibling relationship, filled with lighthearted bickering and playful exchanges, added a layer of charm and humor to the show. Jung So-min, who has a younger brother in real life, reflected on her ability to connect with this aspect of the character. She said, “Dong-jin and Seok-ryu are not exactly the same, but since I have a younger brother, I can relate to them. In real life, we don’t fight like that, but there are moments when I feel annoyed or wonder why I’m carrying such a burden. I tried to maximize those aspects in my performance.”
The actress also touched on the emotional feedback she received from her parents, especially her mother, who related deeply to her character’s journey.
According to Jung, her mother commented, “Seok-ryu went to a faraway country and struggled alone. Although she seemed socially successful and had gained a lot, she must have struggled alone for so long.” This reflection made Jung realize how much her portrayal of Seok-ryu resonated with her family, and it brought forth emotions that paralleled Jung’s own experiences in her life. Her mother added, “I always feel the same way when I see you. I wonder if there are many moments when you can’t tell me about things in a world I don’t know about, doing things that are difficult to understand.” This observation deeply touched Jung So-min, drawing parallels between her personal life and her character’s emotional isolation.
Throughout the interview, Jung So Min expressed her deep affection for *Mom’s Friend’s Son* and reflected on how much the role meant to her.
“I think Love Next Door will remain as a work that I miss. I think about it from time to time, want to see it, and miss it.” For Jung, the experience of working on the drama wasn’t just about filming—it was a healing process in itself. “It was healing while filming, but after filming, it felt like we were sharing the results in the same space and time, so it was a precious time,” she said, revealing how the project left a lasting impression on her both personally and professionally.”
The drama offered a blend of romance, humor, and family themes that captivated its audience, and Jung So-min’s heartfelt portrayal of Bae Seok-ryu left a lasting mark on viewers and her own career. As she looks back on the experience, it is clear that Love Next Door will remain a cherished project for the actress, one that she will continue to reflect on fondly in the years to come.
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