Now here comes my favourite Park Shin-hye series. The only downside to this drama is that I’ve not seen this tale since Drama Fever ceased service in October 2018. It’s also called My Cute Guys. Cute as in small (you know not as tall as Lee Min-ho) or cute as in good-looking? But then there is so-called good looks and then there is charm or magnetic appeal.
Flower Boy Next Door also seem a superficial label to attach to a drama that tackles the effects and repercussions of bullying and reclusion. Despite being a frugal, baggage-carrying recluse, Go Dok-mi (PSH) is an interesting character. She works at home as a copy writer, have her groceries delivered and limits her interactions with people. It took the efforts of an hyperactive extrovert of a love interest for this young lass to explore the outside world. Yoon Shi-yoon as Enrique, the main cute guy and flower boy is too animated for comfort. He talks, talks and talks. The times he’s quiet and serious are the moments I seriously crave.
Enrique is a genius game designer. Dok-mi is a writer. He has the ability to bring her out of her shell and make her interact with people. He could see the hidden beauty underneath the layers of winter clothing.
I couldn’t recall the conflicts anymore since it has been so long since I’ve seen this drama. Was it the jealous high school best friend, the trigger for the forlorn reclusion? What was the glitch of the
second lead, the next door neighbour, ably portrayed by Kim Ji-hoon? This is my first introduction to Go Kyung-pyo (the second lead sidekick), who I’m so impressed with in Dare to Dream or Jealousy Incarnate, a melodrama that really tugs on the emotions.
Flower Boy Next Door may not pull me as much as say, Heirs or Pinocchio or even Heartstrings. But there was a bit of poetry in motion, in dialogues and conversations, in the coming of age of young people in their twenties, in simply living life. I would have loved not to be a breadwinner in those days. I’m going to watch this again. Maybe pray for Netflix UK to add this series to their massive list or buy the DVD? Are DVD’s still in vogue in the age of streaming?
