Even before its premiere, tvN’s upcoming Monday–Tuesday drama 'Nice to Not Meet You' has become a hot topic for its star-studded cast and bold “30% viewership” pledge. With both the production team and cast publicly declaring their ambitious goal, many in the industry are calling it “a new challenge for tvN’s drama history.”
The 'Nice to Not Meet You' press conference was held online on October 28, featuring director Kim Ga Ram and lead actors Lee Jung Jae, Lim Ji Yeon, Kim Ji Hoon, and Seo Ji Hye. As one of tvN’s most anticipated year-end dramas, the event drew major attention ahead of its first broadcast.
Written by Jung Yeo Rang and directed by Kim Ga Ram, 'Nice to Not Meet You' follows a once-beloved national actor who’s lost his way and an entertainment journalist with a strong sense of justice as they chase the truth in their own ways. Described as a “prejudice-breaking romance,” the show blends the glitz and chaos of the entertainment industry with an honest look at love and rivalry — setting it apart from traditional melodramas.
Director Kim Ga Ram shared his excitement, “I’m so happy to be part of this project. I’m deeply moved that we were able to gather such talented people for this show. I hope everyone enjoys it when it airs next week.” He added, “'Nice To Not Meet You' isn’t just about pretty romance — it’s about the emotional warmth that blooms between hate and understanding. I wanted to depict how two people who despise each other gradually come to love through empathy.”
The collaboration between Kim Ga Ram — known for 'Good Partner' and 'Nevertheless' — and Jung Yeo Rang, who created the hit series 'Doctor Cha,' has also raised expectations. Industry insiders have commented, “With Kim’s stylish direction and Jung’s sharp, witty dialogue, this will be a highly relatable and emotionally resonant romance.”
Director Kim further stirred excitement by announcing a daring promise: “Even if I get criticized, I’ll go for it — our target viewership is 30%. I want to make history for tvN. If we achieve it, we’ll all go out and dance to 'Nice To Not Meet You' together, and I’ll even make a music video myself!”
Lim Ji Yeon immediately joined in: “I’ll participate too. If we hit 30%, I’ll star in the music video and sing.” Kim Ji Hoon and Seo Ji Hye added that they would dance in it as well, creating a cheerful atmosphere. Meanwhile, Lee Jung Jae joked, “I already made a ratings promise on 'You Quiz on the Block' — you’ll have to check the broadcast to see what it was,” prompting laughter.
In the drama, Lee Jung Jae plays Im Hyun Joon, a nationally loved actor specializing in detective roles who dreams of becoming a romantic lead. Lim Ji Yeon portrays Wi Jung Shin, a political reporter demoted to the entertainment department after getting caught up in a major corruption scandal. Kim Ji Hoon plays Lee Jae Hyung, a former baseball player turned sports agency CEO, while Seo Ji Hye stars as Yoon Hwa Young, the youngest-ever head of an entertainment division — forming the core ensemble.
Lee Jung Jae and Lim Ji Yeon, who have an 18-year age gap, are drawing buzz for their unexpectedly natural “love-hate chemistry.” As labelmates, their real-life dynamic as “agency CEO and actress” has added even more intrigue. When asked about their age difference, Lee quipped, “It was fine at first, but the teasing has only gotten worse as filming went on.” Lim laughed and replied, “He’s actually easier to work with than most actors my age,” lighting up the room with laughter.
Lim added, “There’s a lot of bickering in the script, but Lee Jung Jae always goes along with it. Our chemistry feels real.” Lee responded playfully, “I just let her do whatever she wants — it’s easier that way.”
With the cast’s chemistry, daring promises, and confident production team, 'Nice To Not Meet You' is already generating tremendous buzz. The live-streamed press conference chat was flooded with comments like “This lineup is insane,” “Let’s hit 30% ratings!” and “A new rom-com legend is about to begin.”
Director Kim Ga Ram and the cast concluded by saying, “Nothing beats a romantic comedy for the end of the year. We promise a drama that gets more fun with every episode. We hope viewers will love it enough for us to fulfill our ratings pledge.”
tvN’s new Monday–Tuesday drama 'Nice To Not Meet You' premieres on November 3 at 8:50 PM — ready to deliver laughter, romance, and buzz to year-end viewers.
SEE ALSO: Kim Ji Hoon reflects on 23-year acting career at 'Drama Talk Concert'
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