Lee Jung Jae, a veteran A-list actor celebrated for his roles in both K-dramas and films, is facing unexpected backlash following his recent appearance in the romantic comedy Nice To Not Meet You. Despite gaining global acclaim for Squid Game, the 52-year-old star is being criticized for his choice to take on a cringeworthy, ill-fitting rom-com role.
Fans had anticipated a weightier, more mature role worthy of Lee’s talent and reputation. Instead, his romantic pairing with actress Lim Ji Yeon has left viewers puzzled. Many feel the age gap and overly sentimental plot make the performance awkward and forced, especially as Lee seems to be “trying too hard to act young,” with what some are calling a “greasy” acting style.
One particularly controversial scene involves Lee’s character, Im Hyeon-jun, arguing with his mother played by veteran actress Na Young Hee. The issue? Na is only 12 years older than Lee, and viewers found their on-screen dynamic jarring. Without subtitles, many thought they were watching a couple argue rather than a mother-son interaction.
Comments from Korean netizens included:
“Thought it was a newlywed couple fighting.”
“So greasy. Why is he doing romantic comedy at his age? The jokes are bad, and the styling is tacky doesn’t feel like a star at all. If it were Kang Dong Won, I’d believe it.”
“When the son looks as old as the mom… I thought it was a husband and wife fight.”
“Maybe he’s just doing this show for fun, to relieve stress. The script is greasy from the start.”
“Told y’all this uncle doesn’t suit rom-coms.”
Nice To Not Meet You is a romantic comedy centered on actor Im Hyeon-jun, who is trapped in his image as a righteous detective and eager to reinvent himself. Opposite him is Wi Jeong-sin, a justice-driven reporter demoted from politics to entertainment. She becomes an unwilling fan of Hyeon-jun based on his TV persona only to discover his real-life character is far from ideal.
As the drama unfolds, audiences are grappling with the odd casting choices and tonal mismatch. While some defend the series as light entertainment, many agree that Lee Jung Jae’s presence feels out of place, and that he would be better suited to more serious roles.
This rom-com misstep serves as a reminder that even seasoned stars aren’t immune to poor casting and fans aren’t afraid to say when a role just doesn’t fit.
Sources: kenh14
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