tvN’s upcoming drama Mean Love (literal title) has sparked discussion among viewers as it pairs Lee Jung Jae with Lim Ji Yeon, who is 18 years his junior.
Set to premiere in the latter half of this year, Mean Love follows the story of an actor specializing in detective roles (Lee Jung Jae) who aspires to become a master of romance dramas, and a political journalist (Lim Ji Yeon) who gets reassigned to the entertainment beat. The series brings together writer Jung Yeo Rang of Doctor Cha and director Kim Ga Ram of Good Partner.
However, the revelation of the 18-year age gap between Lee (52) and Lim (34) has prompted concerns among viewers, with some suggesting it “might hinder the authenticity of the romance.” This reaction aligns with a growing preference among Korean audiences for age-appropriate on-screen couples.
Female viewers, who comprise the primary drama audience demographic, particularly value realistic emotional dynamics. Recent successful pairings with minimal age gaps, such as Han Ji Min and Lee Jun Hyuk in Love Scout and Lee Se Young and Na In Woo in Motel California, reflect this trend.
Some viewers have expressed reservations, questioning “why cast actors with an 18-year age gap when there are plenty of age-appropriate actors available” and noting that “it’s hard to immerse in a romance with a father-daughter age difference.” However, others defend the casting, arguing that “age gap isn’t an issue if the acting is good” and expressing excitement for “the fresh combination of Lee Jung Jae and Lim Ji Yeon.”
Both stars belong to Artist Company and will be working together for the first time. Lee Jung Jae gained global recognition through Squid Game, while Lim Ji Yeon has earned critical acclaim for her performances in The Glory and recently in The Tale of Lady Ok.
Meanwhile, the production team has expressed confidence, stating they will “dispel viewers’ concerns through the actors’ performance and the power of the story.”
>> Lim Ji Yeon Addresses Backlash Over Supporting Jung Woo Sung’s Love Child Revelation
Source (1)
