'Bitter Love' – a Rom-Com People Want, But Might Not Like
Coming in late 2025, tvN’s upcoming drama Bitter Love is already making waves – and it hasn’t even premiered yet. Set in the dazzling world of Korea's entertainment industry, the romantic comedy stars Lee Jung-jae as a national heartthrob actor, and Lim Ji-yeon as a sharp former entertainment reporter who lost everything due to a corporate scandal she tried to expose.
The show revolves around the two main characters' journey from bitter rivals to unlikely lovers as they confront personal traumas and overcome mutual biases. Amid a flurry of glitz, gossip, and grudges, viewers can expect not just laughs and romance but also commentary on fame, media manipulation, and the personal cost of public life.
Why People Are Excited — And Why They're Nervous
High Hopes
Lee Jung-jae is back on Korean television for the first time in six years. After making headlines globally with Squid Game, he's now taking a huge left turn—as a romantic lead. Fans are eager to see this new side of him, one that's soft, emotional, and lovably flawed.
Lim Ji-yeon, known for her powerful roles in thrillers and dramas, steps into a more emotionally flexible character arc here. Her portrayal of an ambitious yet bruised journalist trying to reclaim her career is expected to create the perfect emotional foil for Lee’s aging superstar character.
The entertainment world setting also adds a meta-layer of fascination. Audiences love a peek behind the curtain, and Bitter Love delivers just that—scenes of magazine cover shoots one day and reputation-destroying scandals the next. It promises to be juicy (full of drama) and emotionally satisfying.
Red Flags
Still, not everyone is sold. Some worry that dramas set in the celebrity world often slip into exaggeration, feeding stereotypes and glamorizing toxicity. Bitter Love may be walking a fine line between satire and soap opera.
There’s also chatter about the age gap between the leads—Lee is nearly two decades older than Lim. While age-gap romances aren’t new in K-dramas, a 18-year difference feels like a stretch to some viewers, especially without careful handling of the characters’ development and mutual respect.
Others are concerned that the drama might prioritize tabloid-like scandal over character depth. If the show leans too heavily into shock value or contrived plot twists, it could dilute its message and alienate viewers looking for authentic storytelling.
Behind the Scenes: Why It Matters
Written by Jung Yeorang and directed by Kim Garam, Bitter Love comes with a notable creative team. Their goal? To portray human flaws with humor while acknowledging how fame complicates everyday emotions. Early script readings were reportedly full of laughter and instant chemistry among the cast – an encouraging sign.
The drama is also strategically timed. Romantic comedies have seen a resurgence in Korean TV, and this one introduces older leads with more complex emotional baggage, offering a fresher take compared to the usual happy-go-lucky lovers in their 20s.
Audience Reaction: Cautiously Optimistic
Online communities are buzzing. Many fans are counting the days until they get to see Lee Jung-jae shed his stoic gangster image and play a man vulnerable to love—and probably a few pratfalls. Lim Ji-yeon's casting is equally applauded, especially by those eager to see her tackle comedy with emotional grit.
That said, the drama faces pressure. Viewers have high expectations, especially given the star-studded cast and polished promotional materials. If Bitter Love falters—even slightly—it risks being dismissed as another formulaic, star-powered disappointment.
The Verdict? Wait and See
Bitter Love is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about dramas of 2025. Whether it becomes another instant classic or a forgettable misfire, only time and audiences will tell.
One thing’s clear: with big stars, emotional highs, and a setting full of real-world intrigue, it has all the ingredients of a hit—as long as it remembers to tell a heartfelt story beneath all the glitz.
