Lee Jung-jae and Lim Ji-yeon to Showcase Romance in 'Annoying Love' Despite Age Gap

Actors Lee Jung-jae and Lim Ji-yeon are set to showcase their romantic chemistry in the drama 'Annoying Love,' confidently overcoming their 18-year age difference.

On the 28th, an online production presentation for tvN's Monday-Tuesday drama 'Annoying Love' was held. Director Kim Ga-ram, along with actors Lee Jung-jae, Lim Ji-yeon, Kim Ji-hoon, and Seo Ji-hye, attended the event.

'Annoying Love' is a drama about the clash between national actor Im Hyun-joon (played by Lee Jung-jae), who has lost his initial passion, and entertainment journalist Wi Jung-shin (played by Lim Ji-yeon), who is obsessed with justice. The series explores the spectacular world of the entertainment industry, where a top star and an entertainment journalist are entangled in a love-hate relationship.

Director Kim Ga-ram explained, "The word 'annoying' carries a certain emotional temperature, ultimately reflecting human emotions. We aimed to portray love not just as something beautiful but as something that encompasses understanding and resentment, breaking down prejudices."

Lee Jung-jae described his character as "an actor who has lost his initial passion," adding, "He is caught in a dilemma, overwhelmed by the success of the role Kang Pil-gu, which he wanted to play."

Lee Jung-jae also shared why he chose 'Annoying Love' as his next project after the Netflix series 'Squid Game.' He said, "Lim Ji-yeon was the biggest reason I joined this project. My previous works were quite heavy, so I wanted to try something light, lively, and fun."

Despite concerns about their 18-year age difference, Lee Jung-jae stated, "I don't think the age gap is something to overcome. Even with the age difference, Lim Ji-yeon gives me a hard time. It wasn't like that during the first shoot, but it got worse over time."

Lim Ji-yeon commented, "He's much more comfortable than any actor of my age. There's nothing to overcome," to which Lee Jung-jae humorously replied, "Isn't it because you do whatever you want?"

When asked about their chemistry, Lim Ji-yeon confirmed, "I did recommend Lee Jung-jae for the role. After reading the script, I thought he would be the best fit for the character Im Hyun-joon in Korea. So, I shyly texted him, hoping we could work together."

Lim Ji-yeon plays a character who delivers 'fact bombs' to Lee Jung-jae's character. She explained, "The relationship between the characters involves Im Hyun-joon, who has a clumsy charm, and Wi Jung-shin, who delivers 'fact bombs.' As I got into character, I found myself giving Lee Jung-jae a hard time on set."

Lim Ji-yeon added, "I feel a sense of catharsis every time. I felt it yesterday and will feel it tomorrow. No matter what I do, Lee Jung-jae accepts it all, making it comfortable to act and creating real chemistry." Lee Jung-jae responded, "She throws 'fact bombs' at me, and I hold back from responding to keep the atmosphere on set positive."

tvN's new Monday-Tuesday drama 'Annoying Love' will premiere on the 3rd of next month at 8:50 PM.

Reporter Kim Se-ah, TenAsia haesmik@tenasia.co.kr