'EXO Next Door' Is A Must-See Web Series

The web drama “EXO Next Door” premiered on April 9 to great fanfare. The first episode of the show, which is under 15 minutes, drew an overwhelming response from audiences. According to a report from MyDaily, 5 million viewers tuned in to the first episode within 12 hours of its premiere. “EXO Next Door” is broadcast through LINE, Naver TV and through the Chinese video service iQIYI. The show was officially broadcast to fans in 9 Asian countries including Korea, China and Japan.

“EXO Next Door” coincides with the successful comeback of EXO, who recently broke the record set by Big Bang, to become the best-selling K-pop act on the Billboard chart. The youthful group has exceeded the expectations of critics, demonstrating their ability to effectively bounce back from the 2014 departure of former EXO-M members Kris and Luhan.

While the web series clearly targets fans of the group, there are entertaining moments for K-Drama fans who are unfamiliar with the 10 member act.

The first episode comedically unfurls with an introduction to Yeon Hee, an introvert who has never dated. Moon Ga Young (Salut d’Amour, Mimi) brilliantly portrays the role. Yeon Hee is bashful and timidly approaches the counter of a convenience store to purchase feminine hygiene products. K-Dramas are notorious for gross-out scenes and her purchase sets the stage for a comical exchange with the members of EXO. Their faces are obscured by face masks and she mistakes them for harmful street thugs.

Yeon Hee is aware that she has new neighbors but does not know their identity until the second episode. She visits their house to deliver a gift from her mother, completely unaware of who has moved in next door. She quickly discovers that Chanyeol, D.O., Baekhyun and Sehun are living in the house which was previously occupied by Chanyeol’s grandfather.

Jeon Su Jin (The Heirs) adds comedic effect as her best friend. One of the best moments of the second episode occurs when Baekhyun, Sehun and D.O. decide to play a prank on Yeon Hee, who was spying on the EXO members from her window. It is reminiscent of the peeping scene involving Park Shin Hye and Yoon Shi Yoon from the 2013 tvN series, “Flower Boys Next Door” but with a very naughty twist. This similarity could be due to the fact that the series is produced and written by the Oh Boy Project. Previous K-Dramas from Oh Boy include “Flower Boy Ramyun Shop,” “Flower Boys Next Door” and “Dating Agency: Cyrano.”

“EXO Next Door” is a fanciful web drama which provides short bursts of the mega group and their quirky personalities. The mini-series is a must-see for EXO fans and K-Drama viewers who enjoyed the hu