When asked to define their relationship, Ji Changwook, describing his character's motivation, was brutally honest. "To Taejoong, Yohan is the goal," he said, before adding with a laugh, "He's a guy I want to beat to a pulp." Ji Changwook even joked, "I am still avoiding looking at Doh Kyungsoo right now." Ji Changwook further explained the dynamic, noting that from Yohan's perspective, Taejoong is "a very cockroach like being. His resilience is incredible. Long and tenacious. Even though he keeps getting stepped on, he survives and crawls back up."

Doh Kyungsoo, who plays his first villain character, described Yohan as someone who "doesn't see people as people."

Ji Changwook, who was drawn to the fun script and unique characters, insisted he is not repeating his performance. "I didn't match the two characters at all," he said. "The writer gave me one piece of homework... ‘I want Taejoong to be like a tree.’ That was my biggest challenge."

Director Park Shin Woo explained that the drama uses its episodic format to keep viewers hooked. "Each episode unfolds like a new stage," he said, and he "tried to bring out the charm of the series" with "new developments and unpredictable clashes between characters."

Stream The Manipulated starting November 5, exclusively on Disney+.
 

Prime Video has announced the premiere date for Nice to Not Meet You, an upcoming Korean rom-com series starring global star Lee Jung-jae (Squid Game, The Acolyte, Hunt) and acclaimed actress Lim Ji-yeon (The Glory, The Tale of Lady Ok, Lies Hidden in My Garden). Blending a witty behind-the-scenes look at the entertainment world with heartfelt romance, Nice to Not Meet You follows the unlikely connection between Lim Hyeon-jun (Lee Jung-jae), a typecast actor yearning for a fresh start in melodramas, and Wi Jeong-sin (Lim Ji-yeon), a decorated political journalist suddenly reassigned to the entertainment desk. What begins as a clash of personalities unfolds into a story full of charm, laughter, and unexpected chemistry. The series will premiere on November 3, with new episodes released weekly in over 240 countries and territories, exclusively on Prime Video.

Lee Jung-jae, following his breakout international success in Squid Game, portrays Hyeon-jun, a seasoned actor stuck in the role of Kang Pil-gu—the beloved protagonist of a hit detective series now heading into its fifth season. While Hyeon-jun’s career is thriving, he dreams of breaking free from the mold and proving himself in a more emotionally rich role.

Lim Ji-yeon stars as Wi Jeong-sin, a hard-hitting journalist whose award-winning political coverage is abruptly sidelined. Relocated to entertainment reporting mid-investigation, Jeong-sin must navigate a world she never intended to join—only to find herself drawn into the orbit of the very actor she’s reluctant to cover. 

Furthermore, Nice to Not Meet You is directed by Kim Ga-ram (Good Partner, Nevertheless) and written by Jung Yeo-rang (Doctor Cha), delivering a refreshing mix of humour, heart, and industry satire.

Adding to the excitement, we sat down with Lee Jung-jae and Lim Ji-yeon for an exclusive interview. Watch the interview here:

Don’t miss the heart-fluttering, laugh-out-loud moments of Nice to Not Meet You, premiering November 3 on Prime Video, with new episodes every Monday and Tuesday. 

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