Nice to Not Meet You Review: Lee Jung-jae & Lim Ji-yeon Shine in a Loud, Chaotic Rom-Com

Nice to Not Meet You arrives with a burst of energy that instantly sets it apart from the usual polished K-drama romances. Instead of soft lighting, dreamy gazes, and gentle misunderstandings, this show charges in with noise, mess, and outrageous awkwardness — and it seems proud of that choice.

The series opens with a chain of chaotic events that serve as the perfect introduction to its leads. Actor Lim Hyun-joon, played by Lee Jung-jae, is a tired but talented celebrity stuck in repetitive roles and an image he’s outgrown. Opposite him is journalist Wi Jeong-sin, played by Lim Ji-yeon, a once-respected reporter now pushed into entertainment coverage after a professional setback. Their first encounter is not a moment of chemistry but a spectacle of disaster — an accident, a red-carpet stumble, a confrontation gone wrong, and a very public embarrassment.

Instead of easing into the story, the drama immediately embraces chaos as its central flavour. Miscommunication becomes the default mode of interaction. Ego clashes fuel hilariously unnecessary conflicts. And with both characters constantly under public scrutiny, every small mistake threatens to go viral. From Jeong-sin breaking into Hyun-joon’s car by accident to his wardrobe malfunction exploding on social media, the show revels in the absurdity of celebrity life.

One of the series’ strengths is its willingness to lean into its loudness. The comedic timing is sharp, and the writing cleverly highlights how fame, gossip, and the internet amplify even the smallest missteps. The actors play their roles with surprising restraint amid the noise: Lee Jung-jae delivers a charismatic, self-aware performance, while Lim Ji-yeon brings a believable mix of frustration and humour.

Directed by Kim Ga-ram — known for Nevertheless — the series maintains a tricky balance between exaggerated comedy and emotional undercurrents. However, in its opening episodes, the show prioritises screwball humour over deeper character exploration. The emotional layers are hinted at but not yet unpacked, which may make the first episodes feel overwhelming for viewers who prefer subtler storytelling.

Still, the commitment to its own identity is undeniably fun. Nice to Not Meet You doesn’t pretend to be calm, cute, or quiet. It knows it’s ridiculous and embraces the chaos with confidence. For viewers who enjoy awkward humour, ego-driven clashes, and satire of celebrity culture, the series offers a wildly entertaining start.

Currently streaming on Prime Video for Indian viewers, the show drops new episodes every Monday and Tuesday. Based on the first two episodes, this rom-com earns a strong 3.5 out of 5 — bold, chaotic, and refreshingly unfiltered.