[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] This time, they admitted it.
Actors Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin have become a couple in real life. They denied the three previous dating rumors, but acknowledged their relationship on the fourth rumor.
On the 1st, Dispatch reported that Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin have been dating for eight months. They revealed photos capturing the two enjoying a date at a golf course in Gangwon Province, where Hyun Bin was teaching Son Ye Jin how to play golf.
The official statements from both agencies differed regarding the fourth dating rumor. On that day, Hyun Bin's agency VAST Entertainment stated, "Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin became connected through their work, and after the drama ended, they developed good feelings for each other and became a couple," acknowledging their relationship.
Son Ye Jin's agency MSTEAM Entertainment also expressed the same position, saying, "The two built a friendship through their work, and after the drama ended, they developed mutual affection and started dating, eventually becoming a couple."
Both Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin's sides agreed that they became a couple after the tvN drama 'Crash Landing on You' ended, but since rumors about their relationship had been circulating for two years, there is growing interest in the background behind their official acknowledgment.
Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin met through the 2018 September release film 'Negotiation.' In the movie, they played the roles of a hostage taker and a negotiator, respectively, mostly interacting via monitors or phone calls, so they had few opportunities to work closely or converse directly. They became closer as the release approached, showing a warm relationship during the production presentation, press screening, interviews, and regional fan meetings.
Son Ye Jin and Hyun Bin created a pink-toned atmosphere at the 'Negotiation' press distribution screening, attracting significant attention. After the press conference, reporters covering the event speculated that "the two might actually be dating." In subsequent interviews with media outlets, both did not hide their fondness for each other. Both actors are known to be shy and not particularly close during filming, but there was a subtle chemistry between them.
At that time, in an interview with this publication ahead of the 'Negotiation' release, Hyun Bin said, "I want to meet Son Ye Jin again in a romantic comedy genre." Son Ye Jin also smiled and said, "It's a pity we only met briefly through the movie. I want to try acting in a romance together."
Their words were not mere 'lip service' to attract attention to the movie before its release. The interview conveyed a strong sense of excitement and affection toward each other, which was enough to reasonably fuel the dating rumors that followed.
Their dating rumors began to simmer among fans during the regional fan meetings for 'Negotiation.' Son Ye Jin posted a selfie on her SNS, seemingly taken while riding a bus with Hyun Bin on the way to the fan meeting venue, creating a warm atmosphere. Their affectionate behavior throughout the fan meetings attracted attention.
Eventually, after the 'Negotiation' promotions ended, Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin were caught up in dating rumors again when photos surfaced of them shopping together at a foreign supermarket. However, both sides dismissed the rumors, saying, "They are just colleagues, not a couple."
Despite the burden of dating rumors, Son Ye Jin and Hyun Bin boldly appeared together in a romance drama. They starred as chaebol Yoon Se Ri and North Korean agent Ri Jeong Hyuk in the tvN drama 'Crash Landing on You,' which ended on February 16 last year, delivering passionate romantic performances. Early in filming, they were again caught up in dating rumors, this time about marriage. Rumors spread that they planned to marry after the drama, with a hotel in Seoul even mentioned as the wedding venue, sparking widespread discussion. Since marriage rumors about Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin had circulated for a long time, interest intensified. However, both sides strongly denied the rumors.
At the wrap party for 'Crash Landing on You,' Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin attracted attention again by wearing outfits reminiscent of couple looks. They appeared side by side wearing beige coats with waist ties, leading to speculation that they coordinated their outfits amid the ongoing dating rumors.
After the drama ended, 'Crash Landing on You' gained huge popularity in Asia, including Japan. Naturally, interest in Son Ye Jin and Hyun Bin grew. Fans who could not forget the drama's lingering emotions continued to support their relationship, which kept the two in the spotlight.
In 2020, a reporter claimed dating rumors, but both sides maintained their stance. The two attended the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards in June that year, receiving the male and female popularity awards, and once again showed a warm appearance, attracting attention.
On January 1, 2021, Son Ye Jin and Hyun Bin officially acknowledged their relationship. After numerous dating and marriage rumors, the two who had denied their relationship revealed they were a couple. Both busy with their respective film shoots, they admitted their relationship amid public interest. Asia is abuzz with the news of the top Hallyu stars' romance on the first day of the new year. Many voices of support hope that the two, who finally admitted their relationship after many twists and turns, will nurture both their careers and love healthily.
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