Lee Jung-jae, the breakout star of Netflix's global hit "Squid Game," is facing significant controversy in South Korea over his upcoming romantic comedy series "Nice to Not Meet You." The 52-year-old actor's pairing with 35-year-old Lim Ji-yeon from "The Glory" has sparked heated debates about their 17-year age difference, though entertainment critics are urging viewers to wait before making judgments.
The 16-episode tvN series, set to premiere on November 3, features Lee as an A-list celebrity who becomes romantically involved with Lim's character, entertainment reporter Wi Jung-shin, after their paths cross. Since tvN Drama released the official teaser on YouTube, the majority of top comments have focused specifically on the significant age gap between the two lead actors.
Many Korean viewers have expressed discomfort with the romantic pairing, arguing that the on-screen chemistry between Lee and Lim feels unsettling and makes it difficult for them to become immersed in the story. Critics have compared their dynamic to that of an uncle and niece or even a father and daughter, questioning whether such a relationship should be romanticized on screen.
The controversy has also raised concerns about the show's target audience, with some suggesting that the series risks alienating the core romantic comedy demographic of young women. They argue that portraying a romance between characters in their 50s and 30s may not resonate with viewers who typically expect to see relationships between characters closer in age.
What has intensified the skepticism is that "Nice to Not Meet You" appears to focus primarily on the couple's relationship without acknowledging or addressing the significant age gap as part of the narrative. Unlike other dramas where age differences have played essential roles in the storyline, this series seems to treat the age disparity as irrelevant to the plot.
However, pop culture critics are calling for more measured responses before the show airs. Jung Duk-hyun, a prominent pop culture critic, emphasized that the actual age gap may not be the main 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," Jung explained.
Jung pointed to successful precedents in Korean television, citing JTBC's critically acclaimed series "Secret Love Affair" from 2014, which featured Kim Hee-ae and Yoo Ah-in despite their 19-year age difference. In that drama, the age disparity was integral to the storyline, with Kim's older character rediscovering youthful innocence through her relationship with Yoo's much younger pianist character.
"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," Jung noted. "Still, with the series yet unreleased, forming conclusions would be premature."
The casting decision may also reflect common industry practices, as both Lee and Lim are represented by the same talent agency, Artist Company. This type of pairing can simplify cross-promotional efforts and scheduling logistics for production companies. Notably, Lee is not just a client but also a co-founder and one of the largest shareholders of Artist Company, which could have influenced the casting choice beyond purely creative considerations.
