Lee Jung-jae Returns to Rom-Coms After 15 Years with ‘Ugly Love’
A new chapter unfolds for the globally recognized actor as he steps into the lighter genre, aiming to connect with audiences through a charming love story.
Lee jung-jae,celebrated for his roles in the international hit “Squid Game” and his directorial debut “Hunt,” is set to star in the upcoming tvN romantic comedy “Ugly Love,” marking his first foray into the genre in 15 years.The 16-episode series, slated to premiere on November 3, promises a fresh outlook on the actor’s versatility.
Did you know? – Lee Jung-jae’s return to romantic comedies is a significant event. His last role in the genre was in the 2009 drama “Triple.” Since then, he’s focused on more serious roles, showcasing his range as an actor.
The drama centers on the evolving relationship between Lim Hyeon-jun, a beloved “national actor” portrayed by Lee Jung-jae, and Wi jeong-shin, a reporter played by Lim Ji-yeon. Their initial encounters are marked by misunderstanding and conflict, setting the stage for a compelling love story. Notably, the two actors, despite being colleagues at the same agency, are collaborating for the first time.
A key draw of “Ugly Love” is Lee Jung-jae’s return to Korean television. While he has recently appeared in acclaimed series like “Squid Game” and “Acolyte,” access to these productions was limited to subscribers of streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+. “Ugly Love,” airing on tvN,offers broader accessibility,possibly allowing Lee Jung-jae to reconnect with a wider domestic audience.
Reader question: – What are your expectations for Lee Jung-jae’s performance in “Ugly Love”? Do you think he will successfully transition back to the romantic comedy genre after such a long time? Share your thoughts!
According to sources, this marks a significant shift for the actor, who last tackled romance in the 2009 MBC drama “Triple.” As then, his roles have largely focused on more serious fare, including the political drama “Aides – People who move the world” in 2019, the action thriller “deliver Us from Evil,” and his directorial effort, “Hunt.”
The narrative of “Ugly Love” also mirrors aspects of lee Jung-jae’s own career trajectory. His character, Lim Hyun-jun, is a star grappling with being typecast after achieving widespread recognition for his role in the long-running drama “good Detective Kang Pil-gu.” “The production team presents a comedy about a famous actor struggling to escape from reality,” a release stated. This parallel resonates with Lee Jung-jae’s own experience navigating the aftermath of his global success with “squid Game,” where he embodied the iconic Sung Ki-hoon.
The series boasts a strong creative team, with Jeong Yeo-rang, the writer behind “Doctor Cha Jeong-sook,” and Kim Garam, director of “Good Partner,” at the helm. Their combined expertise in crafting engaging romantic comedies has generated anticipation for the series’ success.
A scene from ‘Ugly Love’ starring Lee Jung-jae. [Image provided by tvN]
Lee Jeong-jae (right) and Lim ji-yeon co-star in ‘Ugly Love’. [Image provided by Amazon Prime]
“Ugly Love” promises a refreshing and lig
