Kapanlagi.com - The latest Korean drama MEAN LOVE is currently generating significant controversy among K-Drama fans due to the stark age difference between the main actors. The 18-year gap between Lee Jung Jae and Lim Ji Yeon has sparked intense debate about casting suitability in the South Korean entertainment industry.
The controversy intensified when it was revealed that the actress playing Lee Jung Jae's mother is only 11 years older than him. This ironic situation has made MEAN LOVE a hot topic on social media and discussion platforms like Naver, with various pro and con reactions.
What is the controversy about? Here is the controversy surrounding the Korean drama MEAN LOVE due to the significant age difference. Let's check it out, KLovers!
1. Controversial Casting That Shakes the Industry

(credit: instagram.com/from_jjlee, instagram.com/limjjy2)
The latest Korean drama MEAN LOVE is currently a hot topic, but not because of its interesting story. The age difference between the main actors Lee Jung Jae and Lim Ji Yeon is quite striking. Lee Jung Jae was born in 1972, while Lim Ji Yeon was born in 1990. This means there is an 18-year gap between them.
Many Korean drama fans are shocked by this casting decision. Even more bizarre, Na Young Hee, who will play Lee Jung Jae's mother, is only 11 years older than him. Na Young Hee was born in 1961. This means the "mother" in this drama is closer in age to her "son" than to his "girlfriend".
The latest Korean drama MEAN LOVE also features another cast member, Seo Ji Hye (born 1984), playing the second female lead, with a 12-year difference from Lee Jung Jae. Then there is Kim Hyun Jin (born 1996) portraying Lee Jung Jae's younger brother. And Jin Ho Eun (born 2000) plays Lim Ji Yeon's younger brother, with a 28-year gap from Lee Jung Jae.
2. The War of Opinions on Social Media

(credit: instagram.com/from_jjlee, instagram.com/limjjy2)
Since its announcement, the latest Korean drama MEAN LOVE has immediately become a trending topic on social media. K-Drama fans are divided into two large groups. The first group supports this casting decision. They say that what matters is chemistry and acting ability, not age. "If the acting is good, it can definitely work," said one netizen on Twitter.
The second group disagrees. They feel that an 18-year age gap is too far for a romance story. "It's hard to believe they can be a romantic couple," wrote another fan on Instagram. On the Naver platform, many people are asking for opinions about the casting of the latest Korean drama MEAN LOVE.
Most responses show doubts about the chemistry between the two main actors. Even industry critics have weighed in. "This is not about age discrimination, but about believability in storytelling," said Kim So Young, a leading SBS drama critic. "MEAN LOVE is testing the audience's tolerance for experimental casting." she added.
3. The Future at Stake

(credit: instagram.com/from_jjlee, instagram.com/limjjy2)
Now Lee Jung Jae and Lim Ji Yeon have a lot of pressure in delivering this drama. They must prove that they can have great chemistry despite the significant age difference. The production team also has to work extra hard to keep the story engaging.
If the latest Korean drama MEAN LOVE is successful, there might be other dramas in the future that dare to use a similar concept. But if it fails, the Korean drama industry will likely be more cautious in choosing actors with significant age differences.
Interestingly, the controversy surrounding the Korean drama MEAN LOVE has actually made this latest drama even more famous. Many people are curious and want to see how it turns out. This drama is planned to air at the end of 2025.
One thing's for sure, everyone is now waiting for the latest Korean drama MEAN LOVE. Can Lee Jung Jae and Lim Ji Yeon prove that age is not a barrier to good chemistry? We'll just have to wait and see!
4. Synopsis of the Korean Drama MEAN LOVE

(credit: instagram.com/from_jjlee, instagram.com/limjjy2)
The Korean drama MEAN LOVE tells the story of Im Hyeon Jun, a famous detective actor who wants to transform into a melodrama master and romantic comedy prince. He is better known by his character name, Kang Pil Gu, than by his real name.
Wi Jeong Sin was once an accomplished political reporter who won the Reporter of the Year award. However, she was demoted to the entertainment department after being involved in covering a corruption case that harmed her career.
The meeting between the frustrated actor and the downgraded reporter creates a romance full of hatred. Jeong Sin, who secretly admires Hyeon Jun, must face the dilemma between journalistic professionalism and her feelings as a fan.
5. Q&A About the Korean Drama MEAN LOVE
Q: Why has the casting of the drama MEAN LOVE become controversial?
The controversy arises for two main reasons: first, the 18-year age gap between the lead actors is considered too far for the romance genre. Second, the irony where Na Young Hee, who plays Lee Jung Jae's "mother," is only 11 years older than him, makes the "mother" age-wise closer to the "child" than to the "child's girlfriend."
Q: What is the reaction of Korean netizens to the age gap between Lee Jung Jae and Lim Ji Yeon?
Public opinion is divided into two camps. The supporting camp (about 32%) argues that acting chemistry is more important than biological age. The critic camp (about 68%) considers the 18-year gap too extreme and worries that the romantic chemistry will feel forced.
Q: When will the latest Korean drama MEAN LOVE air?
MEAN LOVE is scheduled to begin production in mid-2025 with a target airing at the end of 2025. The production team has intentionally allowed more preparation time to address the casting controversy.
Q: Has there ever been a Korean drama with such a large age gap before?
Although age gaps are not new in K-Dramas, an 18-year difference is among the most extreme for contemporary romance genres. Typically, Korean dramas with age gaps range from 8-12 years, as seen in dramas like SOMETHING IN THE RAIN, MY MISTER, or SECRET LOVE AFFAIR.
Q: What is the response of Lee Jung Jae and Lim Ji Yeon to this controversy?
Both actors have not yet made an official statement, but the production team has confirmed that they are undergoing intensive chemistry coaching and special workshops to prepare for their roles. They are reported to be very serious about preparing themselves to face public skepticism.
That is the controversy regarding the age difference between Lee Jung Jae and Lim Ji Yeon in the drama MEAN LOVE. Those of you who want to see other celebrity news can read other articles on kapanlagi.com. Because, if not now, when?
(kpl/dhm)
Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.