South Korean superstar Lee Jung-jae is back on the small screen, but this time, he's swapping the deadly games of 'Squid Game' for a rom-com adventure. And it's not just any role; it's a playful twist on his own career trajectory!
At a press conference on October 28, Jung-jae joked about his co-star Lim Ji-yeon's motives for bringing him on board the K-drama 'Nice To Not Meet You'. But beneath the humor lies a fascinating exploration of actors' desires to break free from typecasting.
Fresh from his Emmy win for 'Squid Game' (2021-2025), Jung-jae is ready for a change. In 'Nice To Not Meet You', he plays Hyeon-jun, a top actor tired of his long-running cop role. He yearns for a melodramatic part that will let him showcase his emotional range.
This mirrors Jung-jae's own journey. After becoming a global icon in 'Squid Game', he's now seeking a lighter, more vibrant role. And Lim Ji-yeon, known for her merciless villain in 'The Glory', had the perfect project in mind.
Lim, 35, instantly envisioned Jung-jae as Hyeon-jun after reading the script. The two share a management agency but have never worked together before. Lim plays Jeong-sin, a political reporter forced into the entertainment world, a stark contrast to her recent dark roles.
The comedy and emotion in 'Nice To Not Meet You' stem from Jeong-sin's fish-out-of-water situation. Her lack of interest in pop culture and celebrity gossip creates hilarious friction with the top star she's assigned to cover.
Lim reveals the heart of the story: Jeong-sin's transformation as she embraces a new world. It's a powerful message about the impact of media and fame.
To prepare, Lim studied entertainment reporters, drawing inspiration from their unique traits. This approach added authenticity to her portrayal.
On set, the dynamic between Lim's aggressive reporter and Jung-jae's hassled celebrity became a playful reality. But the age gap between the leads, almost 20 years, sparked curiosity. Jung-jae and Lim, however, brushed it off, focusing on their on-screen chemistry.
A unique aspect of the drama is its show-within-a-show format, featuring the fictional action franchise that made Hyeon-jun famous. This allows Jung-jae to revisit his action roots from the 2022 film 'Hunt', which he directed and starred in.
Director Kim Ga-ram, known for K-dramas like 'Nevertheless' and 'Good Partner', admitted filming the action sequences was challenging. The stunt team from 'Hunt' was brought in to ensure Jung-jae's action scenes met fan expectations.
'Nice To Not Meet You' promises a refreshing take on the rom-com genre, blending humor with a deeper exploration of fame and personal growth. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this a bold step towards more diverse roles, or a mere detour before returning to the familiar? You decide.
