Pop culture critics argue it’s too early to pass judgment, with the series yet to premiere
| Lim Ji-yeon (left) and Lee Jung-jae (Amazon Prime) |
“Squid Game” star Lee Jung-jae’s upcoming tvN rom-com “Nice to Not Meet You,” in which he stars opposite “The Glory” actor Lim Ji-yeon, is sparking debate in Korea over the actors' 17-year age gap, though critics caution it’s too soon to judge.
"Nice to Not Meet You,” a 16-part series slated to premiere Nov. 3 on cable channel tvN, pairs Lee, an A-list celebrity in the series, with Lim, who plays the entertainment reporter Wi Jung-shin. The two characters find themselves romantically entangled after their paths cross.
Since tvN Drama uploaded the official teaser for "Nice to Not Meet You" on YouTube, the majority of top comments have focused on the 17-year age gap between the lead actors Lee, 52, and Lim, 35.
Some viewers argue that Lee and Lim’s on-screen chemistry as romantic partners is unsettling and difficult to immerse themselves in, likening it to an uncle-and-niece or father-and-daughter dynamic. Others suggest the series risks alienating the core rom-com demographic — young women — since it portrays a romance between characters in their 50s and 30s.
Comments point out that, unlike dramas where the age difference has played an essential narrative role, “Nice to Not Meet You” appears to center largely on the couple’s relationship without acknowledging the age gap, heightening skepticism.
| "Nice to Not Meet You," starring Lee Jung-jae (tvN) |
Still, pop culture critics urge caution against hasty condemnation.
“I’m not convinced the actual age gap is the key issue. What truly matters is how the relationship is depicted in the story, and since the drama hasn’t aired yet, it’s too early to make any judgments,” said pop culture critic Jung Duk-hyun.
Citing JTBC’s hit series “Secret Love Affair” (2014), which paired Kim Hee-ae and Yoo Ah-in despite a 19-year age difference, Jung noted that significant age gaps have been used effectively in some Korean dramas.
Jung explained that in "Secret Love Affair," the age disparity was integral to the storyline, with Kim’s older character rediscovering youthful innocence through Yoo’s much younger pianist.
"The heightened debate around 'Nice to Not Meet You' may stem from the perception that the age gap isn’t central to the storyline, and the series just appears to depict the romance between the two. Still, with the series yet unreleased, forming conclusions would be premature," he stressed.
The decision to cast Lee and Lim may also reflect the industry practice of pairing actors from the same agency, which can simplify cross-promotional efforts and scheduling logistics. Lee and Lim are both represented by Artist Company, where Lee is a co-founder and one of the largest shareholders.
