Lee Jung-jae, Lim Ji-yeon starts 'Nice to Not Meet You' with comic flair, 5 pct viewership rating

연합뉴스 / 2025-11-04 15:41:25

▲ This composite still of tvN’s new Monday-Tuesday drama “Nice to Not Meet You," starring actors Lee Jung-jae and Lim Ji-yeon, is provided by the broadcaster. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Nov. 4 (Yonhap) -- Actors Lee Jung-jae and Lim Ji-yeon’s new romantic comedy drama “Nice to Not Meet You” got off to a solid start with nationwide ratings in the 5 percent range.

According to Nielsen Korea on Friday, the first episode of tvN’s new Monday-Tuesday drama “Nice to Not Meet You,” aired the previous night, recorded an average nationwide viewership rating of 5.5 percent and a peak of 6.5 percent.

The premiere opened with the story of Im Hyun-jun (played by Lee Jung-jae), a former actor who effectively retired following a dating scandal and now runs a print shop with his manager.

Hyun-jun is reluctantly persuaded by rookie director Park Byung-ki (Jeon Sung-woo) to star in his graduation film “Good Cop Kang Pil-gu.” The film becomes a surprise box-office hit, propelling Hyun-jun back into stardom as a “national actor.”

Meanwhile, he continues to cross paths with passionate reporter Wi Jung-shin (Lim Ji-yeon). She first meets him while investigating a corrupt lawmaker, then later encounters him at a bar, where he unintentionally helps her secure a crucial piece of video evidence.

The episode ends with Jung-shin protesting her reassignment from the political desk to the entertainment beat by crashing a red carpet event—only for Hyun-jun to dive in to stop her, leading to a public fiasco.

With fast pacing, comic timing, and lively performances, the drama effectively delivers cheerful humor.

A clever juxtaposition between Hyun-jun furiously declaring to the director, “Let’s never meet again!” during the film wrap party and his tearful acceptance speech at an awards ceremony adds comedic charm.

Lee Jung-jae, who recently portrayed intense roles in “Squid Game” seasons 2 and 3, and Lim Ji-yeon, known for her chilling performances in “The Glory” and “Lies Hidden in My Garden,” both draw attention for their lighthearted transformation.

Notably, Hyun-jun’s on-screen wish to “break free from being remembered only as a blue-collar detective and try a romantic comedy” mirrors Lee Jung-jae’s own career turn — choosing a comedic drama following his global success in “Squid Game.”