Nice to Not Meet You Kdrama: Lee Jung-jae and Lim Ji-yeon Return With a Fresh Romantic Comedy on Prime Video?
Have you ever wondered what happens when a superstar actor tired of playing the same detective roles meets a fierce political journalist who refuses to bow down to pressure? That’s exactly what the new Korean drama Nice to Not Meet You explores — and trust me, it’s every bit as dramatic and funny as it sounds.
The series stars Lee Jung-jae, yes, the Squid Game legend, and the ever-charming Lim Ji-yeon in a romantic comedy that’s already winning hearts. The first episode dropped on Prime Video on November 3, 2025, and fans are already calling it one of the best new K-dramas of the year.
What’s So Special About “Nice to Not Meet You”?
Before we dive into the story, let’s talk about why this drama is creating such a buzz.
Lee Jung-jae, who is known for his intense and serious roles, takes a refreshing turn here. In interviews, he said he wanted to do something “lighter and more playful” after years of dark thrillers. On the other hand, Lim Ji-yeon — famous for her sharp, emotional acting — brings a strong yet humorous side to the show.
The chemistry between the two is instantly noticeable. It’s awkward, chaotic, yet somehow… perfect.
Why the Title ‘Nice To Not Meet You’?
The title might sound strange at first, but it perfectly captures the irony of their story. Both characters didn’t want to meet each other. In fact, their first encounter is awkward, chaotic, and borderline disastrous. But as the show unfolds, it becomes clear that not meeting would’ve meant missing out on the one person who truly understands them. It’s a beautifully layered concept, wrapped in humor and emotion.
The Story Begins: A Second Chance
The first episode of Nice to Not Meet You opens with Lim Hyeon-jun (played by Lee Jung-jae), an actor who’s now working at a small print shop. His fame is long gone, and life seems dull — until his friend hands him a delivery job that changes everything. He must deliver a movie script to none other than his ex-girlfriend, Se-na, a top actress who once threw him under the bus to save her own career.
Fifteen years ago, Hyeon-jun took the blame for a scandal to protect Se-na. She rose to fame, while his acting career collapsed. Now, face-to-face again, the awkward tension is unmissable.
Meanwhile, in another part of town, we meet Wi Jeong-sin (Lim Ji-yeon), a fearless political reporter investigating a powerful congressman. When she tries to expose a scandal, she’s suddenly reassigned — from political journalism to the entertainment beat. Basically, from breaking corruption cases to covering celebrity gossip.
Sounds unfair, right? She thinks so too.
Lee Jung-jae’s Unexpected Comeback
Seeing Lee Jung-jae in a romantic role feels like a breath of fresh air. Known globally for his intense performance in Squid Game, Lee surprises viewers here with a softer, more relatable side. His portrayal of Hyeon-jun brings out moments of vulnerability, warmth, and even self-deprecating humor that fans rarely get to see from him.
Critics have already praised his chemistry with Lim Ji-yeon, calling it “magnetic and mature.” It’s not the kind of puppy-love romance we see in most K-dramas—it’s more grounded, filled with real-life awkwardness, misunderstandings, and emotional growth.
When Their Worlds Collide
Here’s where things get hilarious. By pure coincidence, Hyeon-jun and Jeong-sin cross paths — in the most awkward way possible. A drunken misunderstanding leads to Jeong-sin thinking she’s been kidnapped by Hyeon-jun. The scene ends with both of them at a police station, confused, embarrassed, and fuming.
From that moment, you can tell the two are destined to clash — and maybe fall in love.
From Failure to Fame (and Frustration)
Soon, Hyeon-jun gets an unexpected opportunity. A young college director recognizes him and insists he star in his indie film, Good Detective Kang Pil-gu. The film turns out to be a hit, reviving Hyeon-jun’s career. Within a few years, he became famous again, starring in multiple seasons of the detective series.
But fame isn’t everything. After seven long years of playing the same role, he’s tired of being typecast. He wants to do something new — maybe even a romantic drama.
At the same time, Jeong-sin continues to chase the truth behind a mysterious death she once investigated. Her fearless attitude keeps getting her into trouble, but that’s what makes her story gripping.
Lim Ji-yeon Shines as Wi Jeong-sin
After her impactful performances in The Glory and Lies Hidden in My Garden, Lim Ji-yeon continues to prove her range. As Jeong-sin, she plays a strong yet wounded woman—someone who’s been forced to rebuild her life in an industry that values looks and popularity over truth.
Her chemistry with Lee Jung-jae is nothing short of electric. Their interactions range from witty banter to quietly emotional moments that linger long after the episode ends. Together, they make the drama feel authentic and engaging.
Their Paths Cross Again
In one chaotic evening at a high-end club, Hyeon-jun and Jeong-sin meet again. She’s there for an undercover story; he’s there to meet producers. When security catches on to Jeong-sin’s presence, she hides in the men’s restroom — and literally climbs over Hyeon-jun to escape.
If that doesn’t scream awkward, what does?
But destiny isn’t done with them yet. A few days later, Jeong-sin storms into an awards show to question a powerful businessman, and once again, Hyeon-jun steps in at the worst possible moment — thinking she’s attacking the man. Cameras flash, chaos erupts, and poor Hyeon-jun ends up tumbling down the red carpet, exposing more than just his confusion!
The Humor and the Heart
The tone of Nice to Not Meet You is playful but layered. While you laugh at the absurd situations, you also feel the frustration of two people fighting to reclaim their identities. Hyeon-jun wants to prove he’s more than a washed-up actor, and Jeong-sin refuses to let the truth be silenced.
It’s not just a rom-com — it’s about second chances, integrity, and rediscovering yourself in a world that’s quick to judge.
The writing keeps you curious, and every scene leaves you wondering, “What could possibly go wrong next?”
When and Where to Watch Nice To Not Meet You
The first episode of Nice To Not Meet You premiered exclusively on Prime Video on November 4, 2025. New episodes are expected to drop weekly, following the platform’s pattern for most K-dramas. So if you’re a fan of slow-burn chemistry, unexpected twists, and heartfelt storytelling, mark your calendar—it’s time to binge something different this season.
Cast and Crew Details
- Main Leads: Lee Jung-jae and Lim Ji-yeon
- Supporting Cast: Kim Ji-hoon, Seo Ji-hye, and Park Byeong-ki
- Director: Kim Ga-ram
- Episodes: 16 total
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
- Schedule: Mondays & Tuesdays, from November 3 to December 23, 2025
Episode 1 Review
Episode 1 perfectly sets up the tone — part romance, part satire, and a dash of slapstick comedy. The pacing is quick, the dialogues are sharp, and both leads deliver chemistry that feels effortless.
Some viewers might find the humor a bit over-the-top (yes, there’s some toilet humor too), but Lee Jung-jae’s timing and Lim Ji-yeon’s fierce expressions make it work.
It’s a fresh direction for both actors and gives fans a break from the darker thrillers dominating K-dramas lately.
Audience Reaction and Ratings
After just one episode, Nice To Not Meet You has already received rave reviews. Fans are praising its unique premise, natural dialogues, and the lead pair’s chemistry. On IMDb, the show currently holds a solid 8.9/10, while Korean viewers have taken to social media to call it “refreshingly human” and “a drama that heals without trying too hard.”
What’s interesting is how the series subtly comments on fame, loneliness, and the blurred line between personal and professional identities. It’s not just a love story—it’s about rediscovering yourself when the world pushes you into roles you never chose.
What Makes This Drama Stand Out
Unlike most romantic K-dramas filled with clichés, Nice To Not Meet You focuses on emotional maturity. The conversations feel real, the conflicts make sense, and the humor lands naturally.
There are no forced tropes—no accidental kisses or predictable misunderstandings. Instead, you get two complex characters learning to trust each other in a world that constantly judges them. The writing is crisp, the cinematography is soothing, and the background score adds a soft emotional touch that enhances every moment.
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Conclusion
So, is Nice to Not Meet You worth watching? Absolutely yes.
It’s not just about romance or comedy — it’s about how two people from completely different worlds collide, clash, and maybe fall in love while rediscovering their dreams.
If you’ve been waiting for something light-hearted yet meaningful this winter, Nice to Not Meet You might just be your perfect binge. With Prime Video dropping new episodes every week, it’s safe to say fans have found their next obsession.
