'Love Next Door' Guest Actor Criticized Over Controversial English Dialogue Scene Responds: 'I'm Super Korean..'

The new K-drama 'Love Next Door,' also translated as Mom's Friend's Son, has been making headlines lately, mainly due to the outstanding performances of the leading characters and the chemistry between Jung So Min and Jung Hae In. 

However, the first critiques of the drama arose due to the use of English by guest actor Avalon Won, also known as Hayden, who played the role of Chris.

The short clip provided, showing the fourth episode, may illustrate the main point of the drama. Seok Ryu and Chris used to work in the same company but were not befriended because the latter partly caused the former to quit their prestigious job in a U.S. company. 

When the characters meet again, they engage in a verbal fight, and Chris states, "Your English still sucks."

The first critique of this seems to be a little out of character, as even many viewers claim that Hayden's English was not understandable. Thus, some of the comments posted pointed out,

"I don't know if it's the sound, but I'm struggling to understand what they're talking about. Having 2 increase the volume and subtitles in English and still struggling."

On the one hand, it may demonstrate how little Korean people understand English, or that their English is poor, as Hayden stated, and this should align with the character's role. 

SEE:  Jung So-min Crowned Most Talked-About Actress Right Now For Riveting Performance in 'Love Next Door'

On the other hand, English-speaking people also struggle to comprehend many of the lines; thus, the actor may have had problems with fluency in the scene. The actor, however, was critical of his own character's scene and even posted a rather personal message on his Instagram account.

"I'm super Korean, my English is not still good. But I'm making it better today and tomorrow."  It could also be a message to the critics and an invitation for more critical comments about his scene. 

Here's the full text translation of his post in his instagram:

Watching this drama, I saw my past self. Four years ago, I sat alone in my room, struggling to pronounce English words thousands of times. There were countless moments when I wanted to give up, but I pushed through day after day. Each small achievement became a sticky note, and I eventually used them to build a Hollywood sign on my wall.

Those experiences built the person I am today-Chris.

Some people still laugh at my dreams and dismiss them as foolish, but compared to four years ago, I've proven myself little by little, and those skeptical looks have significantly decreased. Now, there are far more people who support, encourage, and want to join me. Isn't that what life is about? Constantly learning and growing. The journey ends with death, so until that day comes, I'll keep living every day with my best effort, just as I did yesterday and today. Watching this drama, I was reminded of the strength I had back then. I'm incredibly grateful to those who gave me the opportunity and helped me bring this character to life.

I'm super Korean, my eng is not still good. But I'm make it better also today and tomorrow. Go forward.

SEE: Jung So Min, Jung Hae In Display Chemistry in 'Love Next Door' Script Reading 

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This article was written by:

Rovelyn Barba