Actor Lee Dong-gun has emerged as the protagonist of a 'double celebration' in the entertainment industry in 2025. With a contract with a new agency, a successful café venture in Jeju, and rumors of a romantic relationship swirling, he is receiving considerable attention.
Lee Dong-gun announced a new beginning in his acting career by signing an exclusive contract with the new entertainment company W Plus (W+) in March. The agency noted, "We are happy to be working with Lee Dong-gun, who has a wide range of acting skills and charm. We will provide unwavering support for his future activities."
That promise quickly became a reality. In May, Lee Dong-gun officially opened his long-dreamed café in Aewol, Jeju. He secured the startup funds himself, and was caught on camera transforming into a barista, wearing an apron and making coffee, which captivated his fans. The image of Lee, the 'café owner,' wearing a baseball cap and smiling, generated buzz on social media and online communities.
The café operated by Lee Dong-gun quickly became the hottest spot in Aewol right after its grand opening. It was so crowded that takeout was necessary due to lack of seating. While customer reviews and photos circulated, conflicts with nearby merchants also arose. Some merchants expressed dissatisfaction over construction that continued late into the night and parking issues, and in the process, controversial responses referencing past romantic history fueled the controversy.
However, Lee Dong-gun continues to run the café quietly. Photos of him welcoming customers consistently for about two weeks have surfaced, showcasing that he has not lost his初心 (first intentions) and is, in fact, gaining support.
Another 'event to celebrate' has come to him. This is the rumor of a romantic relationship with actress Kang Hae-rim. On the 29th, reports emerged that Lee Dong-gun and the 16-year younger actress Kang Hae-rim are dating, making headlines once again. They were seen walking affectionately in the streets of Gangnam and swapping spots when cars approached, hinting at their romantic relationship. Although both sides kept quiet, stating it was "the actors' personal life," fans expressed support with comments such as "It seems like he's found a good person for a fresh start."
Lee Dong-gun previously confessed on SBS's entertainment program 'My Little Old Boy' that, considering his daughter Roa, he is still cautious about dating. He has shown a family-centered lifestyle by looking for a home in Jeju where he can live with his child, making this rumor even more noteworthy.
Meanwhile, Lee Dong-gun is a pioneer Hallyu star who gained popularity through dramas such as 'Lovers in Paris', 'My Dear Loser', and the movie 'B-Type Boyfriend'. Recently, he has continued his activities through the film 'Love That's Useless' and the entertainment program 'My Lovely Old Boy'.
[OSEN]