The hit drama Love Next Door continues to shine, securing a spot in Netflix's global non-English TOP 10 for three straight weeks.

According to Netflix's global TOP 10 series rankings (non-English) released on September 4, covering the period from August 26 to September 1, the tvN drama Love Next Door (written by Shin Ha Eun and directed by Yoo Je Won) ranked 5th worldwide.

As of September 3, the show has also entered the TOP 10 in 65 countries according to FlixPatrol, a global OTT platform ranking service. It even claimed the number 1 spot in 9 countries, including Brazil, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Nigeria.

The drama has been receiving praise from international media. The American entertainment outlet Screen Rant highlighted Love Next Door as "a work that showcases Jung So Min's comedic strengths," adding that "Jung So Min makes the conflict between Seung Hyo and Seok Ryoo one of the best moments in K-dramas."

Singapore's largest daily, The Straits Times, called it "binge-worthy," pointing out "a strong lead cast, not just romance but themes of family and friendship, along with its fast-paced and realistic narrative" as key reasons for its appeal. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's South China Morning Post described it as "a vibrant healing rom-com."

Currently airing on tvN, Love Next Door is breaking its own viewership records each week, consistently topping its time slot. The sixth episode, which aired on September 1, achieved an average nationwide household rating of 6.8%, peaking at 7.6%. In the Seoul metropolitan area, it recorded an average of 7.6%, with a peak of 8.4%.

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Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

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