Episode 10 of Love Next Door begins with the emotional revelation of Seok-ryu’s illness. Her mother is the first to discover the truth, and Seung-hyo is devastated after seeing her hospital report. He shares the news with the rest of the family, leaving everyone in shock and sorrow. Seok-ryu tries to reassure them, but it’s clear she’s overwhelmed.
Through flashbacks, we learn that when Seok-ryu was first diagnosed, Seung-hyo had been in the US. After seeing her with Hyeon-jun, he ghosted her, leaving Seok-ryu to face her illness alone. Now, Seung-hyo is consumed with guilt for not being there for her.
The next morning, the family struggles to hide their sorrow. Seok-ryu’s parents go out of their way to care for her, and even her brother Dong-jin, feeling regretful, begins to adjust to the new reality. Mo-eun finds out about Seok-ryu’s surgery and rushes to her side, determined to support her best friend. Meanwhile, Seung-hyo is deeply upset, and his father promises they’ll do everything possible to help Seok-ryu.
Later, Mo-eun has an unexpected encounter with Dan-ho, where she accidentally uses her black belt skills to throw him to the ground, thinking he was a threat. After realizing her mistake, they talk, and Mo eun who had been hiding her pain about Seok ryu’s illness opens up. Dan-ho opens up about losing his wife in a tragic accident and nearly loosing his daughter in that same accident. In a moment of vulnerability, Mo-eun kisses him, only to panic and headbutt him before running off.
Seung-hyo’s mother, Hye-suk, faces her own struggles as she’s pressured to resign from her job. Meeting with an old college friend, who is now the vice minister, she confronts the challenges ahead.
Meanwhile, Seung-hyo and Seok-ryu have a heated argument at the playground. Seung-hyo accuses her of selfishness for hiding her illness and pushing him away, but their conversation is interrupted when Seok-ryu storms off. Hyeon-jun, who overheard them, admits to Seung-hyo that he, too, failed to be open with Seok-ryu and regrets how his actions may have contributed to her struggles.
The next day, after hearing her parents’ regrets, Seok-ryu disappears, leaving behind her phone. Worried, Mi-suk calls Seung-hyo, who searches for her and finally finds her at the beach. Seok-ryu humorously explains she just needed time to reflect. Seung-hyo encourages her to embrace her emotions and stop bottling up her pain. Seok-ryu finally breaks down and releases her long-held feelings especially how upset she was that Seong hyu ghosted her all that time. He apologizes for it.
In a heartwarming twist, Seok-ryu’s biopsy results reveal that her hospital scare was due to inflammation, not a life-threatening condition. Relieved, Seung-hyo hugs her tightly.
In a separate storyline, Seung-hyo’s father, Gyeong-jong, decides to visit Hye-suk at work, hoping to rekindle their relationship. However, he finds her with the vice minister and hears rumors about them, leaving him heartbroken. That evening, he tells Hye-suk he wants a divorce.
As the episode winds down, Seok-ryu’s family, along with Seung-hyo and Mo-eun, throw her a cheerful welcome-home party. Seok-ryu promises to keep no more secrets, and the family enjoys a warm, heartfelt celebration. Hyeon-jun calls Seok-ryu to say he’s returning to the US, and they part on good terms, cherishing their memories.
The following day, Seung-hyo takes Seok-ryu to the airport so she can say a final goodbye to Hyeon-jun. As Seok-ryu tearfully watches him leave, Seung-hyo stays by her side, offering his support as she lets go of the past.
Love Next Door Episode 10 delivers an emotional rollercoaster as Seok-ryu’s illness takes center stage, unraveling deep family dynamics and unresolved emotions. The episode balances heartache and healing, with Seung-hyo’s guilt from ghosting Seok-ryu and her struggles with vulnerability providing the core conflict. The episode beautifully shows how family, friends, and love can offer strength during tough times.
The dramatic moments are balanced with lighthearted humor, like Mo-eun’s accidental martial arts move on Dan-ho, adding a refreshing touch to the heavy emotional themes. Seok-ryu’s final confrontation with her feelings, combined with Seung-hyo’s unwavering support, is heartfelt and satisfying.
The subplot involving Seung-hyo’s parents adds another layer of complexity, hinting at a possible divorce while addressing professional and personal challenges. Overall, Episode 10 brings strong performances, emotional depth, and the perfect mix of family love, friendship, and romantic tension. It’s a turning point for the characters and leaves viewers eager to see what’s next.