Will ‘Nice to Not Meet You’ break jinx of celebrity-themed dramas?

Actor Lee Jung-jae plays Lim Hyeon-jun in tvN's drama "Nice to Not Meet You." Courtesy of tvN

Dramas set in the entertainment industry have rarely drawn strong ratings. Many have explored relationships between stars and non-celebrities, yet few have connected with viewers. The new tvN series “Nice to Not Meet You,” led by Lee Jung-jae and Lim Ji-yeon, is now attempting to reverse that trend.

The series, which premiered on Nov. 3, follows a disgraced actor and an entertainment reporter locked in a battle of pride, facts and shifting perceptions. Director Kim Ga-ram, known for “Good Partner” and “Nevertheless,” teamed up with writer Jung Yeo-rang, who created the hit drama “Doctor Cha.”

Other dramas such as tvN’s “Sh**ting Stars,” “Call My Agent” and “No Secret” have spotlighted romance in the entertainment industry but struggled to win broad support. Despite their glamorous settings, they were criticized for lacking emotional depth.

Critics say the problem was not the theme itself but the distance created by unrealistic plots, surface-level portrayals of the industry and stories that felt detached from viewers’ experiences.

“Nice to Not Meet You” appears to narrow that gap. The story follows Lim Hyeon-jun, played by Lee, a longtime supporting actor facing financial struggles who suddenly becomes a global star after appearing in an indie film.

His loss of humility as his star climbs is portrayed with humor. Unlike dramas where the main characters are already famous, Lim’s rise from the bottom creates a more grounded narrative.

A scene from "Nice to Not Meet You" / Courtesy of tvN

Through its first three episodes, the show leans into storytelling rather than depictions of the industry.

One example is a scene in which political reporter Wi Jung-shin, played by Lim, causes a commotion on the red carpet. By embracing the comedic rhythm of a romantic comedy, the series avoids the realism trap.

Industry watchers say previous failures stemmed from an overemphasis on authenticity that came at the cost of entertainment value. Although reflecting professional ethics and real workplace dynamics is important, viewers ultimately want an enjoyable drama.

Attention is now on whether “Nice to Not Meet You” can help revive the entertainment-industry genre and break its longstanding jinx.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.