[Focus] If You Live on Popularity, 'Dating' Also Requires Etiquette

Actor Ryu Jun-yeol and Han So-hee Dating
7-Year Relationship of Hyeri Sparks 'Transfer Romance' Suspicion
Privacy and Denial No Longer Work
Public Expectations Rise, Responsibility Needed

While dating a lover, one falls for a new person of the opposite sex. They gauge the 'breakup angle.' Gradually, they drift apart with all sorts of excuses like "we don't match" or "for your sake." They set the mood and naturally break up at the right timing. Then, they start a new love. This is the 'transfer dating' scenario of our times.

Actors Ryu Jun-yeol and Han So-hee have been caught up in 'transfer dating' suspicions. It started with a dating rumor from Hawaii. A Japanese person spotted the two 'flirting' on a hotel poolside bed in Hawaii, USA. This quickly spread through social media (SNS). Both sides tried to brush it off as "private life." Han So-hee also posted photos of friendship bracelets with friends on SNS, emphasizing it was a 'friendship trip.' They subtly denied the dating rumors by acting 'cool,' but the public was not easily convinced.

Hye-ri, an actress who dated Ryu Jun-yeol for seven years and announced their breakup last November, reacted on SNS right after the dating rumors surfaced with "Interesting." She also posted a photo of palm trees that looked like Hawaii. Netizens sensed 'something is going on' from the meaningful reaction of an ex who had ended a long-term relationship.

Suddenly, Han So-hee got upset. She again played the 'cool' card. Han So-hee wrote on SNS, "I neither like someone who already has a partner nor give any leeway under the name of friendship." Then she abruptly targeted Hye-ri's post by adding, "I find it interesting too."

What had happened? They suddenly changed their stance from 'private life' to 'dating.' Ryu Jun-yeol and Han So-hee, who had consistently played dumb, admitted their relationship in less than half a day.

Han So-hee, who denied it and then changed her words, repeatedly expressed 'apology' and 'reflection' through her blog. She showed instability by replying to netizens' comments with further comments. Ryu Jun-yeol remained silent. Only he knows the reason. On the surface, Ryu Jun-yeol’s silence seemed like image management, but no one viewed it kindly. This is because Ryu Jun-yeol is at the center of the incident. The exact breakup timing is a matter only known to the two who shared their hearts.

Actor Ryu Jun-yeol [Photo by Yonhap News]

Entertainment media Dispatch captured Ryu Jun-yeol and Han So-hee together in Hawaii. The photos showed the two dining together. Han So-hee barely looked at Ryu Jun-yeol, focusing her gaze on her phone. Ryu Jun-yeol walked a step behind. Afterwards, Ryu Jun-yeol returned to Korea first. He entered Incheon Airport with his head bowed deeply. Han So-hee returned the next day, on the 18th. Both sides announced their intention to take legal action against malicious commenters.

Celebrities live off their 'image.' It is a profession that sells illusions to the public. Without a well-managed image, they can do nothing. They pay numerous 'opportunity costs' for this. They must manage themselves, give up many things, and endure to maintain their image.

Han So-hee was recently the hottest actress. She became known to the public as the mistress Yeo Da-kyung in the drama The World of the Married (2020), and since then, she has been rising as a 'leading' actress. She revealed various charms on SNS. With her beautiful looks and free-spirited, mysterious aura, she gained popularity especially among the young 10-30 age group. She actively communicated with fans through her online personal channel 'Labang' (live broadcast) and blog, putting effort into 'image management' and 'fan management.' Several directors she recently met named 'Han So-hee' as the actress they most wanted to work with, showing high industry interest.

Ryu Jun-yeol was a so-called 'leading' actor. With just his name, he could receive investments of tens to hundreds of billions of won for movies and dramas, making him an 'A-list' star. After rising to stardom with the drama Reply 1988 (2015), he took on several leading roles in films. Through variety shows, he revealed a cool and generous personality, building an image fitting for a 'youth actor.'

The 'transfer dating rumor' that spread like wildfire has subjected the two actors to criticism for three days straight. Ryu Jun-yeol was about to work on the drama Money Game directed by Han Jae-rim, and then planned to do Hyunhok together. Hyunhok was originally a webtoon serialized on Naver in 2019, planned to be adapted into a movie or series. Director Han had been planning this project for 4-5 years but decided to direct Money Game first. Ryu Jun-yeol was positively considering starring in Hyunhok, with his partner Han So-hee expected to co-star. Hyunhok has become awkward in many ways.

Actress Han So-hee [Photo by Yonhap News]

Unless they are married with families, young men and women dating and breaking up should be considered 'private life.' However, stars who live off the public's expectations must show courtesy even in dating. This is because there are works and people creating those works at stake. The public is strict. They no longer let things slide with the phrase 'private life.' They carefully scrutinize what they consume. This applies to content, celebrities, as well as the directors and producers who create them.

Korean popular culture industry has grown rapidly over the past decade. Now, there are many actors who receive 100 million to 1 billion won per episode. This is cited as one of the reasons for rising production costs, and there are calls for actors to 'earn their pay.' This is why image is as important as acting skills for actors. The high price stars command includes the 'responsibility' to protect the image the public holds of them.

We live in an era where 'covering up' doesn't work. Tens of thousands of closed-circuit TVs (CCTV) operate nationwide, and every car has a black box. Everyone carries a camera (smartphone) in their hands. The public's sense of betrayal explodes like a volcano on SNS. Those who live thinking 'no one will know' or 'it will be okay' end up facing disgrace. Those working in the popular culture industry, who live off popularity, must not forget this. At the very least, they should not cause harm to innocent people.