Actor Lee Dong-gun (45) is back in the spotlight with dating rumors involving actress Kang Hae-rim (29) five years after his divorce. The two are maintaining a cautious stance, but it's reported that Lee has introduced Kang to acquaintances as his 'girlfriend', lending weight to the dating rumors.
According to a report by Sports TV News on 1st, Lee Dong-gun recently acknowledged his relationship by introducing Kang Hae-rim as his 'girlfriend' to acquaintances. He reportedly responded to congratulatory messages from friends with expressions of gratitude and happiness, not hiding the excitement of being in a relationship. However, both parties' agencies are maintaining a cautious stance regarding the dating rumors. Lee's agency, W Plus, stated, 'It's difficult to confirm as it's a private matter,' while Kang's agency, Andmark, also stated, 'We cannot comment on the actor's personal life.'
Previously, Lee Dong-gun mentioned his thoughts on dating while appearing on the program 'My Little Old Boy' last July. At that time, he confessed during a meeting with Gu Bon-seung in Jeju Island that he 'hasn't thought about dating for a long time' and said, 'It seems inappropriate to pursue a relationship given that the child comes first,' demonstrating his sense of responsibility as a father.
In fact, he married actress Jo Yoon-hee in 2017 and has a daughter. Even after their amicable divorce in 2020, he has consistently met with his child, showcasing his sense of responsibility, which was revealed through 'My Little Old Boy.' Given his history, this dating rumor is attracting attention. Meanwhile, the production team of SBS's 'My Little Old Boy', in which Lee is currently appearing, stated, 'We learned about the dating news through the media and do not plan to cover it on the show.'
Meanwhile, Kang Hae-rim, who is at the center of the dating rumors, made her debut in the web drama 'Idol Authority' and became known as a re-enactment actress in KBS's 'The Truth of Love.' She gained attention by securing the lead role of 'Kim Seom' in the Netflix drama 'Somebody' after passing a competitive selection with a ratio of 600:1. After a three-year hiatus, she resumed her acting career with the recent film 'Lobby.'
Lee Dong-gun is also taking new steps by opening a large café in Jeju Island. Right after the dating rumors emerged on 31st of last month, he shared on social media a picture of himself arriving at the Jeju café without making any specific comments, revealing his unchanged daily life.
Although Lee Dong-gun has not personally commented on the dating rumors, as someone who left behind the famous line, 'You are in my heart,' fans are already reacting with comments like, 'Kang Hae-rim is in Lee Dong-gun's heart.' While it’s not an official relationship, the two are cautiously nurturing their love by sharing the fact of their relationship with close friends. It remains to be seen what stance the two actors will take in the future.
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