Actor Lee Dong-gun (45) has stepped back into the spotlight with rumors of a romance with actress Kang Hae-rim (29), 16 years his junior, after overcoming the pain of a divorce five years ago. Although unofficial, testimonies have emerged that Lee Dong-gun is not hiding the fact of his relationship from those around him, drawing the attention of fans.
According to a report by Sporty News on the 1st, Lee Dong-gun recently introduced Kang Hae-rim as his "girlfriend" to acquaintances, and in response to their congratulations, he indirectly acknowledged being in a relationship by saying, "Thank you" and "I am happy."
However, both parties' agencies have taken a cautious stance. Lee Dong-gun's agency, W Plus, stated, "It's difficult to confirm as it's a private matter," while Kang Hae-rim's agency, Andmark, also noted that they "cannot confirm anything." Recently, in the entertainment industry, a response of "confirmation not possible" rather than a denial or rebuttal is being interpreted as an acknowledgment of the romance. Reactions on social media include remarks such as, "At this point, it's an official couple," "I'm surprised but supportive," and "They seem to look alike."
Lee Dong-gun married actress Jo Yoon-hee in 2017 and welcomed a daughter the same year, but they divorced by mutual consent in 2020. The daughter is being raised by Jo Yoon-hee, and Lee Dong-gun has shown a dedication to his responsibilities as a father, revealing a warm paternal love on SBS's "My Little Old Boy."
Particularly, he had previously stated on "My Little Old Boy" that "dating seems like something I shouldn't do," so this romance rumor has garnered even more attention.
Recently, he opened a large cafe in Jeju Island, starting a second life. At the cafe, which has emerged as a hot spot, he has been engaging with fans by directly hosting docent events. Even right after the dating rumors, he continues to provide unwavering fan service and maintains his daily life quietly.
Kang Hae-rim debuted in the web drama "Idol Acting Agent" and gained recognition with her lead role in Netflix's "Somebody." After a three-year hiatus, she is returning to the film industry with the movie "Lobby," indicating an active resumption of her activities.
There has been no official acknowledgment, but the excitement-filled activities of Lee Dong-gun and Kang Hae-rim have already captured the public's attention.
[Photo] OSEN DB
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