Director Kim Garam aims for tvN history with 'Annoying Love' premiere November 3

[OSEN=Yoo Soo-yeon Reporter] The romantic comedy "Annoying Love," set to adorn the end of the year, has unveiled its first look.

On the afternoon of the 28th, an online live production presentation for tvN's new Monday-Tuesday drama "Nice to Not Meet You" took place, with Director Kim Garam and actors Lee Jung-jae, Im Yi-joon, Kim Ji-hoon, and Seo Ji-hye in attendance.

"Nice to Not Meet You" is a drama about a dis war, fact bombings, and breaking prejudices between a national actor who has lost his initial passion and an entertainment reporter desperate to achieve justice. The antagonistic chemistry between a top star and an entertainment reporter entangled in an annoying rivalry in the spectacular entertainment industry, where incidents erupt almost daily, is expected to deliver fresh laughter, empathy, and excitement.

Director Kim Garam introduced the work, saying, "As the title suggests, there's a linguistic temperature to the word 'annoying.' It's a story about human emotions that lie between 'lovable' and 'annoying.' I believe it's a story that breaks the prejudice that love is simply beautiful. They start as sworn enemies, with hatred turning into understanding, and that understanding into love, creating a story of our shared empathy. I hope viewers enjoy the moment when an annoying person becomes an annoying love."

He added, "I've been told I'm good at romantic comedies, but 'Annoying Love' wasn't a simple story. It wasn't just a love story -- it was about breaking prejudices, including those about myself, and I was determined to show that through the drama. The actors became a great motivation for this resolve. I had a competitive spirit to elevate their existing charms into something new."

He also shared behind-the-scenes stories about the star-studded cast. "The casting was so perfect that I always felt pressured. I just thought, 'If I do my part well, it'll be fine.' Lee Jung-jae was surprisingly cute -- almost embarrassingly so. Im Yi-joon was genuinely lovable; it was chaotic. Kim Ji-hoon was so sweet he could give you diabetes. Seo Ji-hye is usually soft-spoken, but she's terrifying when she raises her voice. No one revealed their true colors in the drama -- they immersed themselves so completely in their roles that I wondered, 'Is this really them?' It was a set with no NG takes," he said, conveying the warm atmosphere.

Lee Jung-jae, who previously appeared in intense projects like Squid Game, chose this romantic comedy as his next work. When asked why, he joked, "First, Im Yi-joon 'cast' me, and I'm grateful to be part of such an excellent project." He continued, "Second, my previous works were heavy. I wanted to try something light and lively, and thanks to Im Yi-joon, the opportunity came, so I jumped at it," drawing laughter.

He also discussed his chemistry with Im Yi-joon, who is 18 years his junior, saying, "On set, we bicker a lot. How she scolds me! Maybe that's why she cast me. When I ask, 'Why do you bother me so much?' she says, 'It's fun!' So I realized, 'Ah, she cast me for fun.'" Im Yi-joon clarified, "I recommended him. The script was so funny, and I thought Lee Jung-jae would be the perfect fit for the character. I sent him a shy message saying, 'I'd love to work with you,' after he read the script first. I didn't 'cast' him."

She added, "The characters' relationship is complicated. While immersing myself in the role, I ended up scolding him on set. I feel catharsis every day -- and probably tomorrow too. Acting was so comfortable because he accepted everything I did. It felt like our real chemistry went beyond acting." Lee Jung-jae retorted, "I'm not comfortable. She bombards me with harsh truths, and I just endure it to keep the set atmosphere from worsening," sparking more laughter.

Regarding their age difference, Lee said, "I don't think age is something to overcome. Despite the gap, she scolds me relentlessly. It wasn't like that on the first day of filming, but it got worse over time." Im Yi-joon countered, "I felt more comfortable with him than with any peer actor," to which Lee responded, "You're comfortable because you do whatever you want," eliciting laughter.

Im Yi-joon described her character: "She loves her job and has a strong professional spirit. She charges headfirst for scoops. In her 30s, she's neither a fresh rookie nor a seasoned veteran -- just growing. I tried to portray that growth. When I interviewed journalists, each had unique charms, so I started by thinking, 'If my job were journalism, not acting, how would I be?' I aimed to blend casualness with sophistication."

She added, "My previous roles were often dark or struggling, so this time I wanted a lighter, funnier character fitting my age. The audience will see her evolve from someone indifferent to pop culture to a journalist studying top stars and gradually maturing through various content."

Kim Ji-hoon explained his choice: "The drama itself was fun, and working with Lee Jung-jae, Im Yi-joon, and Seo Ji-hye -- actors I deeply respect -- was an exciting challenge. Recently, I've played aggressive or law-breaking roles, but I wanted to show a different side. What if I revisited my earlier acting style now?"

Seo Ji-hye described her role: "She's ambitious, passionate about scoops as a department head, and has charisma and skill -- a 'Teto-nyeo'-like character. I tried to channel my inner 'Teto-nyeo.' Though I'm not loud, I screamed in scenes. I drew on pent-up frustration to show a ruthless side. I've never met journalists like that, so I referenced images. It reminded me of Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada -- charisma without words."

The team shared their target rating and pledges. Director Kim said, "I'll aim for 30%, even if I get criticized. I want to make tvN history -- and I'll take the flak. If we achieve it, I'll make a music video for 'Nice to Not Meet You.'" Im Yi-joon added, "I'll also aim for 30% and star in the music video, singing." Kim Ji-hoon and Seo Ji-hye vowed to dance in it. Lee Jung-jae hinted, "I recently appeared on You Quiz on the Block (unreleased yet). Joseho asked for a rating pledge, so check there," drawing laughs.

Kim Ji-hoon highlighted the show's appeal: "Every actor delivered their characters brilliantly. Each scene is entertaining, with constant funny moments. It's a lighthearted, enjoyable drama."

"Nice to Not Meet You" premieres on November 3rd and airs every Monday and Tuesday at 8:50 p.m.

Lee Jung-jae, Im Yi-joon Defy Age Gap in 'Annoying Love'