In the ever-evolving world of streaming, a new chapter is being written—and it’s got a distinctly Korean flair. Amazon Prime Video has just made a bold move, signing up two of the biggest names in K-drama royalty for a fresh series that’s bound to get fans buzzing. And yes, they’re both Netflix alumni.
Romantic comedy meets K-drama icons
Imagine this: the enigmatic Lee Jung-jae—yes, Player 456 from Squid Game—teaming up with Lim Ji-yeon, the unforgettable antagonist from The Glory, in a romantic comedy. That’s the unlikely but intriguing pairing at the heart of Nice to Not Meet You, Prime Video’s newest bet in the global drama race.
Lee, usually cast in tough-as-nails detective roles, is switching gears completely. In this new series, he plays an actor desperate to break free from his usual typecasting, yearning for deeper, more emotionally rich parts. Lim Ji-yeon, meanwhile, steps into the shoes of a political journalist whose next big scoop unexpectedly takes her into the chaotic world of film and entertainment.
A cheeky twist on the entertainment world
While the full plot remains under wraps, the tone has been teased: Nice to Not Meet You is being pitched as a romantic satire, poking fun at the inner workings of the entertainment industry. Expect sharp wit, quirky characters, and that distinctly Korean blend of heartfelt moments and deadpan comedy.
The series is directed by Kim Ga-ram, whose work on Netflix’s Nevertheless turned heads for its bold visual style and emotionally complex storytelling. Now, he’s back—this time on Amazon’s turf—ready to bring his touch to a genre-bending series that looks to entertain while pulling back the curtain on celebrity culture.
Amazon turns up the heat in the K-drama war
This move marks a significant escalation in the streaming wars, especially in the red-hot world of Korean content. For years, Netflix has had a near-monopoly on international K-dramas, churning out hits like Crash Landing on You, All of Us Are Dead, and of course, Squid Game. But with Nice to Not Meet You, Amazon is clearly signalling its intention to carve out a slice of that very lucrative pie.
And they’re playing smart. By casting familiar faces like Lee Jung-jae—who’s not only a household name thanks to Squid Game but also part of Disney’s The Acolyte—Amazon is hedging its bets on star power and fan loyalty.
Building a Korean portfolio
This latest project joins a growing slate of Korean productions on Prime Video, including The Fairy and the Woodcutter and Good Boy, as the platform steadily builds its presence in Asia. More titles are reportedly in development, with Amazon seemingly determined to cement its place in the global K-drama landscape.
It’s a clever pivot. K-dramas aren’t just a regional phenomenon anymore—they’re a global force, with fanbases stretching from Seoul to São Paulo. If Amazon gets it right, Nice to Not Meet You might just be their ticket into the hearts (and screens) of millions.
