A new K-drama is coming this October on tvN. It’s called Yalmiun Sarang, which means “Mean Love.” This show brings together romance, humor, and a little bit of chaos.
The story centers around two people from very different worlds. One is an actor who dreams of mastering romantic comedies. The other is a former political reporter now stuck in entertainment journalism. Their paths cross, and things start to get messy—and funny.
A Fresh Romantic Comedy Concept
Mean Love offers an intriguing premise. The story revolves around two unlikely leads—a seasoned detective actor aspiring to master melodrama and a determined journalist demoted to entertainment reporting. Together, they embark on a journey filled with humor and unexpected connections.
The project brings together talented creators. Jeong Yeo-rang, writer of the widely popular Doctor Cha Jung-sook, collaborates with director Kim Ga-ram, known for the 2024 box-office hit Good Partner. Production will be spearheaded by Studio & New, under NEW, promising high-quality storytelling and production value.
The Cast
Lee Jung-jae is playing the role of Lim Hyeon-jun, a once-passionate actor stuck in repetitive detective roles. His character longs to break free from the mold and showcase his skills in melodrama. It is Lee Jung Jae’s first return to romantic comedy in 15 years, with his last being Triple in 2009.
Lee Jung-jae plays the male lead. He usually takes on tough detective roles on screen. But now, he wants to try something lighter. He’s tired of serious roles and wants to show a softer side. That’s where romance comes in. Lim Ji-yeon plays Wi Jeong-sook, the female lead. She used to be a sharp political reporter. It is quite similar to her role in The Glory, but there she was a weather reporter and a bully!
Here, she was respected and known for chasing the truth. But something happened. Now she’s been pushed into covering celebrities. She doesn’t enjoy it, and she’s not afraid to say what she thinks. Her blunt style often causes trouble. But she’s real, and that’s what makes her interesting.
This new romantic comedy K-drama 2025 also features Oh Yeon-seo as Se-na and Park Hae-lin as Ban Soo-jeong. Kim Ji-hoon joins as Joo Jae-hyeong. Kim Ji-Hoon’s last role was in the Haunted Palace as the king. Each of them adds something different. Their characters create tension, support, and sometimes chaos. But they all help the main story move forward.
Kim Ga-ram has directed Mean Love K-drama & Jung Yeo-rang is the scriptwriter. It will have 16 episodes and air every Monday and Tuesday at 8:50 PM KST. The first episode is set to air on October 27, 2025. That’s still a few months away, but many K-drama fans are already curious.
What Makes This Drama Different?
Mean Love is not trying to be too deep or too heavy. It knows what it wants to be—a light, funny, but smart love story. It plays with the idea of roles. The actor wants to play a romantic guy in real life, not just in front of the camera. The journalist wants to find the truth, even in a world full of gossip. Their worlds clash, but that’s what makes the story fun.
Unlike many romance dramas, the characters in this one are older and more experienced. They’ve been through hard times. They’ve made mistakes. They’re not perfect. That adds a realistic layer to the story. It’s not about high school crushes or first love. It’s about two grown-ups figuring out what love even means now.
Another nice thing is the setting. A lot of the story happens behind the scenes of the entertainment world. That means we get a peek into how people make news, how actors struggle with fame, and how the industry builds public images. It’s a fresh twist that most other dramas haven’t tried often. The drama also uses humor in a clever way. It’s not just slapstick or silly jokes. The comedy comes from the characters themselves. Their personality clashes, awkward moments, and misunderstandings all feel natural. Even when things go wrong, it feels real, not forced.
And of course, the romance builds slowly. No rushed confessions. No dramatic music after one hug. Instead, we see the two leads fight, talk, laugh, and start to understand each other. The pacing is simple and believable. That makes it easy to connect with them.
Conclusion
As a new romantic comedy K-drama 2025, this show offers something both fresh and familiar. Fans who like stories about love and life with some laughs in between will probably enjoy this one. It’s still too early to say if it will be a hit. But the cast is strong, the concept is clear, and the tone looks easygoing. Sometimes that’s all a show needs.
Lee Jung-jae is currently focused on the release of Squid Game Season 3, which premieres on Netflix on June 27. Meanwhile, Lim Ji-yeon’s last K-drama was The Tale of Lady Ok, where she had a role in historical settings.
If you’re tired of heavy dramas or fast love stories, you might want to check this one out. Keep an eye on it as October gets closer. There’s a good chance Yalmiun Sarang will find its audience. With tvN’s strong track record in romantic comedies, expectations are quietly growing. Let’s see how it goes.
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Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
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