Lee Jung-jae trades thrillers for laughs in rom-com ‘Nice to Not Meet You'

Actors Lee Jung-jae, left, and Lim Ji-yeon pose prior to an onine press conference for tvN drama "Nice to Not Meet You," Tuesday. Courtesy of CJ ENM

After winning global acclaim for his intense performance as Seong Gi-hun in Netflix’s "Squid Game," actor Lee Jung-jae switches gears to take on a lighter and more playful role in the upcoming tvN rom-com "Nice to Not Meet You."

In the series, he plays Lim Hyeon-jun, a beloved A-list actor best known for his detective role in the fictional hit "Good Detective Kang Pil-gu" franchise. Despite his fame, Hyeon-jun longs to break out of the tough-guy mold and showcase his emotional depth in subtler melodramas.

With his magnetic screen presence, Lee is expected to bring both wit and vulnerability to a character navigating Korea's glittering yet unforgiving entertainment world.

“My previous works were quite genre-heavy, so I wanted to try something lighter, more vibrant and fun. At just the right moment, actor Lim Ji-yeon reached out and I jumped at the chance," Lee said Tuesday during the online press conference for the drama.

Co-star Lim — known for her chilling turn as the villain Park Yeon-jin in "The Glory" — humorously recalled how she was the one to reach out first.

“After reading the script, I instantly thought Lee Jung-jae would be perfect for Hyeon-jun, so I shyly sent him a text suggesting we work together,” Lim said.

Lee Jung-jae plays top actor Lim Hyeon-jun in the tvN rom-com "Nice to Not Meet You." Courtesy of CJ ENM

Lim plays Wi Jeong-sin, a sharp political journalist unexpectedly reassigned to cover the entertainment beat.

In the whirlwind world of showbiz, where new scandals erupt almost every day, the love-hate chemistry between a top star and an entertainment reporter — bound by an exasperating twist of fate — promises both laughter and sincerity.

Lim also was drawn to the project because she wanted to play someone bright and optimistic, "after portraying many characters burdened by hardship."

Her character was once hailed as a rising star on the political beat and the youngest ever to win a top journalism award, but her career takes an unexpected turn when she becomes entangled in a major corruption scandal, forcing her onto the entertainment desk.

“The most meaningful transformation in this story,” Lim explained, “is watching Jeong-sin — someone who once had no interest in pop culture — gradually open her heart to a new world after meeting a top star and being exposed to the chaos of media and fame.”

Director Kim Ga-ram, known for dramas "Nevertheless" (2021) and "Good Partner" (2024), described the new series as a "story that breaks down prejudice."

"It begins with dislike between the leads, but evolves into understanding and love,” Kim said. “This show offers a refreshing and accessible dose of comedy, showcasing sides of Lee and Lim audiences have never seen before. It’s a drama you can enjoy easily — just sit back, relax and get ready to laugh.”

The 16-part series will premiere on Nov. 3 and the global viewers can watch the show on Amazon Prime Video with new episodes to be released every Monday and Tuesday.