Heo Nam-jun Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Secret of His Viral Slap Scenes With Lim Ji-yeon
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Heo Nam-jun is winning attention not only for his romantic comedy performance, but also for the hilarious action scenes that have turned him into one of the most talked-about K-drama leading men of the season
The actor recently shared behind-the-scenes stories from the SBS weekend drama ‘My Royal Nemesis,’ opening up about his chemistry with co-star Lim Ji-yeon and the physical comedy scenes that have gone viral among viewers.
During an interview held in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on June 22, Heo Nam-jun spoke about playing Cha Se-gye, his experience working with Lim Ji-yeon, and why he actually wanted her to hit him harder during filming.
Heo Nam-jun Praises Lim Ji-yeon’s Professionalism
Heo Nam-jun expressed deep respect for Lim Ji-yeon, who plays the energetic female lead Shin Seo-ri in 'My Royal Nemesis.’
According to Heo Nam-jun, once he heard that Lim Ji-yeon had been cast in the role, he immediately felt confident about the drama’s direction. He said watching her work on set made him realize how much effort already-successful actors continue to put into their craft.
He was especially impressed by how prepared she was despite the drama’s demanding filming schedule. Even with little time to rest, Lim Ji-yeon reportedly arrived on set fully ready for each scene.
Lim Ji-yeon Helped Shape Key Scenes
Heo Nam-jun also revealed that Lim Ji-yeon often looked at scenes from a wider perspective rather than focusing only on her own performance.
He recalled one important scene from episode 9, where he was focused mainly on delivering his own lines correctly. Lim Ji-yeon, however, suggested adjustments to the camera flow and emotional movement of the scene.
According to Heo Nam-jun, she advised him to make the moment feel rougher and more direct by grabbing the character more firmly and locking eyes with Shin Seo-ri. He said her guidance helped make his character appear more appealing and effective on screen.
The story highlighted the teamwork behind the drama’s romantic tension and showed how the actors worked together to improve each moment.
The Viral Slap Scenes Took Careful Planning
One of the biggest talking points from ‘My Royal Nemesis’ has been the chaotic physical comedy between Cha Se-gye and Shin Seo-ri.
In the drama, Heo Nam-jun’s character is often flicked on the forehead, pushed around, or slapped by Lim Ji-yeon’s character. The scenes quickly became a fan favorite, with many viewers joking that they had never seen a romantic comedy male lead get hit so often by the heroine.
Heo Nam-jun laughed while discussing the reactions, explaining that the scenes were just as funny to film as they were to watch.
“Noona, Hit Me for Real”
Heo Nam-jun revealed that Lim Ji-yeon initially found it difficult to hit him properly because she felt bad.
However, he explained that in action or slapstick scenes, hesitation can actually make the hit more painful. When someone pulls back awkwardly, the movement becomes less controlled and can hurt more than a clean take.
Because of that, Heo eventually encouraged Lim Ji-yeon to hit him properly.
He said he told her, “Noona, just hit me for real. Let’s do it properly and finish it in one take.”
The actor added that their goals ended up matching perfectly. Lim Ji-yeon wanted the comedy to work by hitting him more convincingly, while Heo wanted to be “beaten up” as much as possible because he believed the scene would become funnier that way.
Their shared commitment turned the physical comedy into one of the drama’s most memorable elements.
Heo Nam-jun’s Comedy Timing Draws Attention
Heo Nam-jun’s performance in ‘My Royal Nemesis’ has helped show a lighter and more playful side of the actor.
Although he has appeared in a wide range of projects, including ‘The Matchmakers,’ ‘Sweet Home’ Seasons 2 and 3, ‘Your Honor,’ ‘When the Phone Rings,’ and ‘A Hundred Memories,’ his current role is giving viewers a new reason to watch him.
The combination of romantic chemistry, comedic reactions, and physical humor has helped him stand out as a prime-time leading man.
With ‘My Royal Nemesis,’ Heo Nam-jun is proving that he can handle both emotional acting and sharp comedy.
His behind-the-scenes comments about Lim Ji-yeon also reveal why their on-screen chemistry feels so natural. The viral slap scenes were not random moments, but the result of trust, timing, and careful collaboration between two actors willing to commit fully to the comedy.
As the drama continues to draw attention, Heo Nam-jun’s performance is strengthening his position as one of the Korean actors to watch in 2026.