"Non stop laughter"- Nice to Not Meet You premieres to positive fan reviews amidst casting controversy

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The new K-drama Nice to Not Meet You premiered its first episode on November 3, 2025. It faced widespread criticism ahead of release due to the notable age differences between its lead actors. However, following the release, the series managed to turn public opinion around with its debut episode.

Written by Cha Jung-sook, the series stars Lee Jung-jae and Lim Ji-yeon in lead roles. Prior to its release, the drama has faced criticism over the significant age gaps of 17-year between the two leads.

Despite these concerns, the show’s first episode of Nice to Not Meet You has sparked a wave of positive reactions online. The series seems to have won audiences over with its humor, chemistry, and unexpected tone. Social media platforms soon get filled with enthusiastic comments praising the series’ humor, unique tone, and strong performances from the lead actors.

The posts from viewers express curiosity about how the story and characters will continue to unfold in upcoming episodes. They have described it as a light-hearted and witty comedy that stands out for its sharp humor and strong chemistry between the cast. One viewer comments,

"Non stop laughter. Total chaos. #NiceToNotMeetYouEp1And just like that, my prime subscription is renewed."

Non stop laughter. 😅 Total chaos. #NiceToNotMeetYouEp1 And just like that, my prime subscription is renewed. 🙃 #NiceToNotMeetYou

Many viewers admitted they tuned in out of curiosity after weeks of debate surrounding the casting but were pleasantly surprised by the show's strong writing and comedic pacing. The drama’s combination of romance, meta-comedy, and mystery has been described by fans as “refreshing” and “one of the funniest premieres of the year.” Social media platforms, especially X, floods with posts praising the pilot episode and the performances of the leads of Nice to Not Meet You.

I've never laughed so much 😂😂#NiceToNotMeetYou

#NiceToNotMeetYouep1 was suuuuper fun! I didn't know what to expect but I was curious and well, I see that the pen is the one for Doctor Cha so they couldn't do it wrong and they didn't! It was such a pleasant hour, can't wait to watch ep2 tomorrow 😂 #NiceToNotMeetYou

Ok so first EP of #NiceToNotMeetYou was very funny. I'm here for KDrama screwball meta-comedy romance with a side of murder mystery. And very fun to see both of our leads with this script. Definitely seated.

Conversations around Nice to Not Meet You continue to grow online, with fans dissecting every detail of the first episode. Viewers have praised the show’s humor, creative storytelling, and clever use of nostalgic references, while also expressing excitement for what’s to come in the next episodes. With surprising cameos and cinematic tributes to its rom-com energy, the series has sparked a lively discussion among K-drama fans worldwide.

Only one episode out and it's already delivering! The romcom is romcom-ing already and the fun is assured! I laughed so much throughout episode 1, sincerely wishing for this drama to succeed both nationally and internationally. See you tomorrow for ep 2 ✨ #NiceToNotMeetYou

The flashback with the iconic rain scene from #theClassic movie (2003) 😁, this scene was so epic that many kdramas make parody of it. The detail.....love it, even Oh Yeon So wear pink cardigan like Son Ye Jin. #NiceToNotMeetYou

I did NAWT expect to see Daniel dae Kim as a cameo like whattttt. Also their actual first meeting was actually really sweet though they still don’t give me couple vibes


Lee Jung-jae and Lim Ji-yeon star in Nice to Not Meet You, a witty romance set in the world of Korean entertainment

Set against the backdrop of the Korean entertainment industry, the upcoming drama follows the story of Im Hyun-jun (Lee Jung-jae). He is a veteran actor renowned for his long-running detective series.

Despite his fame, Hyun-jun feels creatively confined and longs to take on roles that allow him to express deeper emotions. After years of portraying the same upright character, he finds himself trapped in repetitive mannerisms. Hr yearns to reinvent his image through a romantic or dramatic role.

His life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Wi Jung-sin (Lim Ji-yeon). She is an accomplished political journalist who finds herself reassigned to the entertainment desk after a scandal involving one of her reports.

Though initially disheartened by the transfer, Jung-sin begins covering celebrity news and soon encounters Hyun-jun. While she admires his performances on-screen, her impression shifts when she discovers the stark contrast between the actor’s real-life persona and his polished characters.

Their first meeting sparks a series of humorous and heartfelt interactions that gradually evolve into a story of self-discovery and unlikely romance. The drama weaves together sharp industry satire with emotional depth, exploring fame, reinvention, and authenticity within showbiz.

Joining the main cast are Kim Ji-hoon, Seo Ji-hye, Oh Yeon-seo, and others. Kim Ji-hoon portrays a retired baseball player who now runs a sports magazine. Though not a central romantic figure, his character develops feelings for Wi Jung-sin, adding a subtle layer of complexity to the narrative.

Blending wit, realism, and emotion, Nice to Not Meet You offers a reflective look at how people in the entertainment industry navigate personal aspirations, public expectations, and second chances. According to Nielsen Korea, the premiere episode of the drama has recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 5.5 percent.


With its lighthearted yet intriguing setup, Nice to Not Meet You has transformed from one of the most controversial dramas of the year into one of its most promising comedies, setting high expectations for the upcoming episodes. The drama airs every Monday and Tuesday at 8:50 pm KST on tvN and on tvN and is also available for streaming worldwide on Prime Video.

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Edited by Adrija Chakraborty

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