Nice to Not Meet You Season 1: A Fresh Rom-Com with Star Power and Satirical Bite

The South Korean drama landscape just got a dazzling new addition with Nice to Not Meet You season 1, which premiered on November 3, 2025, on tvN and is now streaming worldwide via Prime Video. This 16-episode romantic comedy is already generating buzz for its sharp writing, magnetic leads, and a premise that cleverly skewers the entertainment industry while delivering a heartfelt love story.

Plot Overview: When Headlines and Heartstrings Collide

At the heart of Nice to Not Meet You is Wi Jeong-sin (played by Lim Ji-yeon), a principled political journalist who finds herself demoted to the entertainment beat after a newsroom shake-up. Her first assignment? Covering the comeback of Lim Hyun-joon (Lee Jung-jae), a once-revered actor now struggling to stay relevant in a youth-obsessed industry.

What begins as mutual disdain slowly morphs into reluctant admiration, and eventually, a romance neither of them expected. As Jeong-sin navigates red carpets and PR spin, and Hyun-joon confronts his fading stardom, the two discover that vulnerability might be their greatest strength.

Why It Works: Chemistry, Commentary, and Comedy

Director Kim Ga-ram and screenwriter Jeong Yeo-rang strike a delicate balance between satire and sincerity. The show doesn’t shy away from critiquing the superficiality of celebrity culture, yet it also humanizes its characters with emotional nuance. Lee Jung-jae, fresh off global acclaim from Squid Game, brings gravitas and charm to his role, while Lim Ji-yeon (The Glory) delivers a performance that’s equal parts fierce and tender.

The supporting cast, including Kim Ji-hoon and Seo Ji-hye, add layers of intrigue and humor, rounding out a world that feels both glamorous and grounded. The show’s production values—courtesy of Studio Dragon and Artist Company—are top-tier, with slick cinematography and a soundtrack that perfectly complements the emotional beats.

Nice to Not Meet You Season 1 : Cultural Impact and Fan Reception

Within days of its premiere, Nice to Not Meet You climbed trending charts across Asia and beyond. Fans are already dissecting each episode for hidden meanings, behind-the-scenes nods to real-life scandals, and the slow-burn romance that’s become the show’s signature. Its blend of industry satire and emotional storytelling has drawn comparisons to Because This Is My First Life and Her Private Life, but with a sharper, more mature edge.