Japanese actor Mei Nagano (25) and actor Kei Tanaka (40) denied the affair rumors.
On the 23rd, Tanaka Kei said in an interview with the Japanese weekly magazine "Shūkan Bunshun," which reported the affair rumors, "(I cannot be in a romantic relationship with Mei Nagano)." However, he also noted, "(If a romantic relationship happens) it could happen, and there are times I think I want it to happen." Tanaka Kei also responded to the question, "Were the two together during Halloween?" by saying, "It wasn't just the two of us."
"Shūkan Bunshun" reported that the two developed a connection while filming a movie together in 2021 and that it has since evolved into an affair. Tanaka Kei got married in 2011 and has two daughters.
"Shūkan Bunshun" also reported that there were signs of Nagano Mei inviting a Korean male actor from the drama she is currently appearing in to her home. This raised speculation that Nagano Mei was "two-timing" between Tanaka Kei and Korean actor Kim Mu-jun, who is currently appearing in TBS's Sunday Theater "Caster."
Nagano Mei's side stated, "Both Tanaka Kei and Kim Mu-jun are close seniors and colleagues, and there is no fact of dating," adding, "However, we recognize that actions have occurred that have caused misunderstandings this time, and we have been strict with ourselves about this." They also expressed, "We apologize for causing great concern and trouble to the fans who support us."
Kim Mu-jun's agency 9ato Entertainment also denied the dating rumors, stating, "Nagano Mei is just a close colleague."
Nagano Mei debuted in 2009 with the movie "Hard Revenge, Milly Blood Battle." Since then, she has appeared in works such as "Meteor at Noon," "My Story!" "Half, Blue," and "Someday, When I Remember This Love, I Think I Might Cry." Kei Tanaka, who has been identified as Nagano Mei's alleged affair partner, gained popularity locally through the BL drama series "Ajusshi's Love."