Nice to Not Meet You Episode 9: Did Hyun-Jun Just Discover His Online Best Friend?

Episode 9 of Nice to Not Meet You delivered the major moment viewers had been waiting for. Actor Lim Hyun-jun finally solves the mystery of his anonymous online friend’s identity. To his shock, the person he’s been sharing his deepest thoughts with on the Onion app is none other than Wi Jeong-sin, the reporter he believes hates him in real life. This revelation completely changes the dynamic between the two leads and sets the stage for new romantic and personal challenges.

The Big Reveal and a Painful Date

The episode focuses on the aftermath of Hyun-jun discovering that Jeong-sin is his online confidante, “Soulishere”. He had been posing as his manager, Byung-gi, to meet her. The date, however, ends in disaster. Still unaware of Hyun-jun’s double identity, Jeong-sin believes she is meeting her crush. To push her away and protect his friend’s secret, the real Byung-gi makes up a story, suggesting her crush could never return her feelings. His fabricated rejection leaves Jeong-sin visibly heartbroken.

Back at work the next day, Jeong-sin’s sadness is clear. Her colleague, the former baseball player turned CEO Lee Jae-hyung, notices and offers her a small but meaningful gesture of kindness when she gets caught in the rain. Meanwhile, Hyun-jun struggles with his newfound knowledge. He is frustrated and confused, unable to reconcile the woman who seems to dislike him with the supportive fan he knows online.

Testing the Truth and Changing Feelings

Doubts begin to creep in for Hyun-jun. His manager suggests that Jeong-sin might not be the real “Soulishere” and could be a stand-in for someone else. Determined to find the truth, Hyun-jun decides to test her. He visits Jeong-sin and her editor, gifting her rare, limited-edition items and even reenacting famous scenes from his past dramas.

Her genuine, flustered reactions to these specific fandom moments convince Hyun-jun beyond doubt. The woman he thought was his critic is, in fact, his most devoted fan. This confirmation acts as a major turning point. Hyun-jun’s attitude toward Jeong-sin begins to soften, and he starts to treat her with a new warmth.

His manager scolds the actor for befriending a stranger and meeting him without discussing it first.

Despite his growing feelings, real-world complications arise quickly. Rumors surface that Hyun-jun is dating his co-star, Se-na. He panics and publicly denies the dating claims, which only creates more tension. Hoping to reconnect, Hyun-jun tries to restart his conversation with “Soulishere” on the Onion app. Jeong-sin, still hurting from her recent rejection, gently puts up a boundary. She explains she is recovering from heartbreak and suggests they remain just friends for now.

Professional Wins and Personal Struggles

While navigating this personal chaos, Jeong-sin achieves a significant professional victory. At an open press interview with a famous actor, she stands out by asking thoughtful, intelligent questions while other reporters focus on gossip. Impressed by her professionalism, the actor personally thanks her and promises her the first interview for his next movie.

Hyun-jun, however, faces a series of setbacks. While filming a difficult action stunt, he pushes himself too far and gets injured. A more personal shock comes when his younger brother joins the cast of his drama, a career move Hyun-jun strongly opposed. This development rattles him deeply, adding to his sense of frustration and helplessness.

A Light-Hearted Ending and a Promising Ride

The episode concludes on a lighter, sweeter note. Jae-hyung learns that Jeong-sin was recently rejected and offers her a ride home. Their drive together leads to a genuinely funny and charming moment, ending the episode with a smile and hinting at a growing connection between the two. This closing scene provides a perfect counterbalance to the episode’s emotional turmoil and leaves viewers curious about where this new dynamic might lead.

Nice to Not Meet You is available for global audiences on Amazon Prime Video. New episodes air every Monday and Tuesday on tvN in Korea. The series is directed by Kim Ga-ram and written by Jung Yeo-rang.

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