Fans started debating all over social media over the age gap between the two leads after actress Lim Ji Yeon was reported to star opposite 51-year-old Lee Jung Jae in her next K-Drama project.

On November 20, it was reported by Korean media outlets that Lim and Lee are currently in talks to star in a new drama tentatively called Yalmiun Sarang (The Cheeky Love). Written by Heong Yeo Rang, it follows up on the success of Doctor Cha, her previous script.

The leading role of superstar Im Hyun Joon, an acclaimed and serious actor dreaming of stardom in romantic comedy, is reportedly being considered by Lee Jung Jae, a star of both screen and film.

Lim Ji Yeon would play Wi Jung Sook, a successful political reporter forced to move to the entertainment department after she dug too far into corruption.

Though the show is much awaited and everyone on the show is a gem, netizens have raised doubts about casting.

A large age gap is, of course, a well-established hot button in the romance genre, and many believe that it makes the romantic dynamics of the characters impossible.

"Isn't Lee Jung Jae a bit too old to be considering a rom-com?" one user commented.

Another added, "The age gap is just too much," echoing what many had to say in various discussions on the web.

Here are other comments from the Korean online community forum, theqoo:

If this future pairing comes to fruition, this marks the return to K-Dramas for Lee, who has not been in one since 2019's Chief of Staff, his only appearance in the past five years being his work in Netflix's Squid Game. Yalmiun Sarang will start filming next year.