Jung So-min Portrays the Growth of a 'K-Firstborn' in 'Love Next Door'...
"Found Comfort Through Seok Ryu"

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Actress Jung So-min, who plays Seok Ryu in tvN’s drama Love Next Door, shared her personal reflections and attachment to the character she portrayed.

The drama, which goes beyond simple romance, has resonated with viewers by portraying the growth of a 'K-firstborn' in modern Korean society.

Seok Ryu, played by Jung So-min, is the eldest daughter who bears the weight of her parents' expectations.

She suppresses her true desires and lives to meet the expectations of others until she faces a personal crisis. The line, "Mom, my future is my decision, and that's cooking.

I'm not straying; I'm going the right way," showcases the peak of her journey toward self-discovery.

Jung So-min expressed a deep affection for the character Seok Ryu, stating, "I was happy to meet a character like Seok Ryu, someone I wanted to cheer for," and added, "Getting to know Seok Ryu brought me comfort and healing."

This suggests that Jung's immersion in the character also contributed to her own personal growth.

Jung further revealed that there were parts of Seok Ryu’s experience that resonated with her personal life.

"I also have a younger brother, and as the eldest daughter, I could relate to some aspects," she said, adding, "I used to wonder why I was carrying so much responsibility, and I channeled those feelings into creating Seok Ryu." This highlights how the actress’ personal experience added depth to the character.

The drama addresses the themes of burnout and self-discovery, which many in modern society can relate to.

Jung So-min shared that she had gone through similar experiences. "I used to push myself too hard, and it led to stress.

In my late 20s and early 30s, I decided to let go and fill my life with things I enjoy," she said.

This personal experience led to a deeper understanding and empathy for the character of Seok Ryu.

"It’s not easy to do what you love in this world, is it? I loved dancing, but I’m grateful to have found something I love even more," she said, reaffirming her decision as an actress.

For Jung So-min, Love Next Door was more than just a project.

Through the drama, she connected with fans and found warmth, and she even discovered a new hobby in cooking.

"I had no interest in cooking, but thanks to meeting a great chef, I’ve developed a passion for it. Now, I can even assist my mom in the kitchen," she shared.

The drama delicately addresses the social pressures and challenges of self-realization faced by many, particularly women, in modern Korean society.

Jung So-min's performance effectively conveyed these themes, earning the empathy of many viewers.

Jung So-min’s recent interview not only showcased her growth as an actress but also her personal reflections.

By bonding with her character, she was able to reflect on her past and affirm her current choices, leaving a lasting impact on many.

Fans are eagerly waiting to see what new projects and characters Jung So-min will take on next, and how she will continue to grow as an actress through them.

Her deep understanding and portrayal of characters like Seok Ryu are likely to positively influence her future work.