tvN’s Monday-Tuesday drama Nice to Not Meet You launched with a bang, immediately claiming the top spot in its time slot. Helmed by director Kim Ga-ram and writer Jeong Yeorang, this high-profile production by Studio Dragon, Studio&New, and Artist Company aired its first episode on November 3rd, recording an impressive average rating of 5.5% and a peak of 6.5%.

Nice to Not Meet You follows the turbulent yet intriguing relationship between Lim Hyun-joon (played by Lee Jung-jae) and Wi Jeong-sin (played by Lim Ji-yeon). Lim Hyun-joon, a once-forgotten actor, is striving for a life-changing comeback as a righteous detective named Kang Pil-gu, while Wi Jeong-sin, a passionate investigative reporter, becomes entangled in a massive corruption scandal.

The first episode sets the tone with Lim Hyun-joon’s seemingly mundane life taking a dramatic turn. The plot unfolds as he visits his ex-girlfriend Kwon Se-na (played by Oh Yeon-seo) to deliver a script, sparking a chaotic encounter that leads to his first meeting with Wi Jeong-sin. A misunderstanding quickly escalates, landing both at the police station a moment that kickstarts their unpredictable connection.

Following this incident, Wi Jeong-sin hands her business card to Lim Hyun-joon, hinting at a budding alliance. Lim Hyun-joon, meanwhile, reconnects with his passion for acting after watching a stage performance by Park Byung-gi (played by Jeon Seong-woo). Deeply moved, he agrees to an unexpected casting offer, signaling a new chapter in his life.

The show highlights not only the clashing pride and hidden vulnerability of Lim Hyun-joon but also the resilience of Wi Jeong-sin as she faces peril while investigating corruption. A particularly gripping scene sees Jeong-sin escaping danger with Hyun-joon’s help, building tension and chemistry between the leads.

Breaking away from traditional rom-com clichés, Nice to Not Meet You stands out for its fresh narrative and sleek direction. The strong performances of Lee Jung-jae and Lim Ji-yeon have already garnered praise, leaving viewers eager to see how the lead pair’s relationship will evolve.

Episode 2 of Nice to Not Meet You is scheduled to air on November 4th at 8:50 p.m. KST on tvN.

Sources: nate