Lim Ji-yeon and Lee Jung-jae Shine in 'Nice to Not Meet You' as Ratings Soar

Lim Ji-yeon captivates audiences alongside Lee Jung-jae in the hit drama 'Nice to Not Meet You.'

The 8th episode of tvN's Monday-Tuesday drama 'Nice to Not Meet You,' aired on the 25th, showcased the complex emotions between Wi Jung-shin (played by Lim Ji-yeon) and Im Hyun-joon (played by Lee Jung-jae), who is torn between two identities. Unaware that they might be the same person, Im Hyun-joon sends Park Byung-ki (played by Jeon Sung-woo) in his place, only to be shocked by Wi Jung-shin's unexpected appearance at the meeting spot. The episode achieved an average rating of 4.1% and peaked at 5.0%, securing the top spot in its time slot across cable and general programming channels, according to Nielsen Korea's paid platform data.

In this episode, Wi Jung-shin, upon hearing about Yoon Jung-ho (played by Jang Kwang) and Kingsback Entertainment's contract, stormed into the office in anger. Confronting Im Hyun-joon, she learns his true intention: "I wanted to bury it safely with my own hands, so nothing could happen." This revelation leaves her feeling embarrassed for having misunderstood him.

Meanwhile, Hwang CEO (played by Choi Guy-hwa) teases Im Hyun-joon about being in a relationship, which he denies, but the question lingers in his mind. As he continues to share daily life details with 'Soulful,' he becomes increasingly concerned about Wi Jung-shin's discomfort and the article featuring him with Kwon Se-na (played by Oh Yeon-seo). Yoo Eun-kyung (played by Lee Mi-do) advises him, "If you're not going to stand still, why not choose a path and follow it? It seems like you've already made up your mind."

Wi Jung-shin feels a sense of emptiness from the less frequent and shorter messages from 'Melodrama Master.' Her brother Wi Hong-shin (played by Jin Ho-eun) mistakenly assumes 'Melodrama Master' is her romantic interest, which brings a smile to her face as she recalls the joy she felt during their conversations.

Determined to change their relationship, Wi Jung-shin sends a message: "Our beginning was a bit strange, but I want to know you better. Not just in the small world inside our phones, but in the real world. Will you meet me?" Im Hyun-joon, after much contemplation, asks for time to think. However, Wi Jung-shin remains resolute, and a message from 'Soulful' arrives, proposing to meet at the Namsan Lock Observatory in a week, deepening Im Hyun-joon's dilemma.

Meanwhile, former lovers Lee Jae-hyung (played by Kim Ji-hoon) and Yoon Hwa-young (played by Seo Ji-hye) continue to miss each other. Lee Jae-hyung decides to approach Wi Jung-shin and hands her an invitation, but Yoon Hwa-young shows up instead, having overheard their conversation. She confesses to Wi Jung-shin, "I want to try fixing what's broken." Additionally, the entertainment world is abuzz with news of the merger between Im Hyun-joon and Kwon Se-na's agencies, and Lee Dae-ho (played by Kim Jae-chul) finds an old photo of the two, his enigmatic smile adding to the tension.

Reporter Jung Se-yoon, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr