Nice to Not Know (얼미운 사랑) is a Korean romantic comedy series that captures viewers' hearts from the first episode with a plot that is both funny and awkward. When an older actor making a hot comeback meets a female journalist who hates him intensely, she unknowingly becomes his devoted fan. A chaotic love story of an antagonistic couple that will make you smile at their cuteness.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Im Hyun-jun (played by Lee Jung-jae) is an actor who took a break from the industry but made a miraculous return. He dreams of becoming a master of drama but is typecast as a detective in investigative series. Meanwhile, Wi Jeong-shin (played by Lim Ji-yeon), a political journalist forced to transfer to entertainment news, meets him and they clash immediately. However, Jeong-shin becomes a devoted fan of Hyun-jun after watching his investigative series. Their relationship begins with misunderstandings and turns into a heartwarming and hilarious romantic comedy.
Acting and Characters
Lee Jung-jae as Im Hyun-jun perfectly portrays the charm of an older actor who is both playful and mature. He can switch from irritable to gentle in an instant, making viewers invested in the character. Lim Ji-yeon as Wi Jeong-shin does equally well, naturally expressing the confusion between love and hate. The chemistry between the two is excellent; every scene together is powerful and makes viewers smile.
Supporting characters like Kim Ji-hoon as Lee Jae-hyung, Hyun-jun's close friend, and Seo Ji-hye as Yoon Hwa-young, the secretary who secretly likes Hyun-jun, add color and fun to the story. Additionally, Choi Gwi-hwa as Hwang Ji-soon, the personal manager who acts as a glue, and Kim Hyun-jin as Im Seon-woo, Hyun-jun's younger brother, create more chaos.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
The director does a great job creating a perfect romantic comedy atmosphere. Camera angles and editing effectively highlight the humor and awkwardness of the characters. The cinematography is beautiful, especially scenes shot on location in Seoul and provinces, giving a sense of traveling with the series. The soundtrack fits the story well, especially the main song that deeply conveys the characters' feelings.
Editorial Analysis
Nice to Not Know is not just a typical romantic comedy; it also offers insights into the lives of people in the entertainment and media industries. The main characters facing career pressures and societal expectations add depth to the story. Moreover, the development of their relationship from hate to love is portrayed naturally, without rushing, allowing viewers to gradually absorb and connect with them.
The series' strength lies in balancing comedy and romance without being over-the-top or unrealistic. Sharp dialogue and chaotic situations make viewers laugh in every episode, while sweet scenes make hearts flutter. Overall, it's an enjoyable series perfect for relaxation.
Verdict
Nice to Not Know is a fun and heartwarming romantic comedy series, perfect for those looking for light and relaxing entertainment. The chemistry between the leads is excellent, the script is fun, and although the plot may not be groundbreaking, the acting and cuteness of the cast make it worth watching. If you like this genre, don't miss it.
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👍 Pros
- +The chemistry between the leads is excellent, they match perfectly.
- +Fun script, with a perfect balance of comedy and romance.
- +All supporting actors are great, adding color to the story.
👎 Cons
- −The plot follows typical romantic comedy formulas, making it predictable.
- −Some emotional moments are disrupted by uneven editing.
Top Cast
FAQ
The series has a total of 16 episodes, concluding in one season.
It is currently available on Netflix and VIU in Thailand.
The series is an original script, not based on a novel or webtoon.
Starring Lee Jung-jae, Lim Ji-yeon, Kim Ji-hoon, Seo Ji-hye, Choi Gwi-hwa, and Kim Hyun-jin.
