Lee Jung Jae is finally making his long-awaited return to television! The ‘Squid Game’ star has been confirmed to lead tvN’s upcoming romantic comedy ‘Annoying Love,’ set to premiere in the second half of 2025. This will be his first K-drama role since ‘Chief of Staff’ in 2019.
In ‘Annoying Love,’ Lee plays Im Hyun Joon, a well-known actor famous for his serious detective roles. However, deep down, he dreams of becoming a romantic comedy king. Opposite him, Lim Ji Yeon takes on the role of Wi Jung Shin, a sharp journalist who has just switched from political news to entertainment reporting after a career setback.
The story follows their unexpected journey as they try to find new meaning in their lives—and maybe in each other. Both characters start off skeptical and stuck, but as they challenge each other’s views, they grow and change together.
Fans are especially curious about the chemistry between Lee Jung Jae and Lim Ji Yeon. Although the two actors belong to the same agency, some viewers have raised eyebrows over their 18-year age gap. Lee was born in 1972, while Lim was born in 1990.
But the veteran actor isn’t worried. In a recent interview, Lee shared,
“Success is great, but actors shouldn’t chase it. I’ve had ups and downs, and I want to focus on making every project better. With Annoying Love, I’m looking for ways to make it truly fun for everyone.”
Lee Jung Jae gained global fame with Netflix’s ‘Squid Game’, even winning an Emmy for Best Actor. While he continues to work on its third season (coming in 2025), his shift to a lighthearted love story shows a refreshing new side of his acting career.
Can the rom-com charm match his action-packed legacy? Fans will soon find out as ‘Annoying Love’ gears up for release.
