In a move sure to delight fans across the globe, South Korean superstar Lee Jung-jae is trading his signature dramatic intensity for the lighter, more whimsical world of romantic comedy. The acclaimed actor, who shot to international fame with the smash-hit Squid Game, is set to star in the upcoming OTT series, Nice to Not Meet You, alongside the equally talented Lim Ji-yeon. This highly anticipated show promises to be a witty and quirky love story, blending the glitz of celebrity life with the fast-paced, high-stress environment of a newsroom.
Lee Jung-jae takes on the role of Lim Hyeon-jun, a seasoned actor who, despite his immense popularity, feels creatively trapped. For years, he has been synonymous with a single character, detective Kang Pil-gu, from a long-running series now in its fifth season. While the role has brought him sustained fame and success, Hyeon-jun yearns to break free from the mold and prove his acting prowess in a serious melodrama, seeking artistic validation beyond his well-known persona.
His co-star, Lim Ji-yeon, portrays Wi Jeong-sin, a sharp and accomplished political journalist. Mid-investigation into a high-profile case, she is unceremoniously transferred to the entertainment desk. Jeong-sin is a woman of serious purpose and high standards, and her new assignment, particularly having to deal with the likes of Hyeon-jun, leaves her feeling less than impressed. This unexpected career shift thrusts her into a world she neither understands nor appreciates, setting the stage for some serious sparks.
The series is described as a charming and laugh-out-loud affair, with its creators teasing an “unexpected chemistry” between the two leads. What begins as a classic clash of personalities and professional worlds gradually evolves into a captivating romance. The story is poised to explore the inherent tensions between the glamorous, often superficial world of showbiz and the grounded, unyielding reality of investigative journalism. Hyeon-jun’s desire for artistic freedom and Jeong-sin’s quest to reclaim her serious job collide, and in the midst of this chaos, an unlikely connection forms.
Directed by Kim Ga-ram and written by Jung Yeo-rang, Nice to Not Meet You promises more than just a typical romantic comedy. The show is set to delve deeper into themes of reinvention, ambition, and the journey of finding oneself when the world is constantly watching. Though no premiere date has been announced, the series is officially marked as one to watch out for.