The industry is rife with rumors regarding the 'son born to former wife Saeko.'
A fashion model has debuted. The 16-year-old boy, named Ren Dokyu, has an unfamiliar name. However, the industry is intensely interested due to the assumption that he comes from an extraordinary family.
At the end of last month, Fashion Week was held in Milan, Italy. Various Japanese media are focusing on the event, which continues until 3rd (Korean time). This is due to the many famous celebrities attending.
Particularly, the appearance of one individual draws attention. It is actress and talent Saeko, 38. She is a graduate of the prestigious Waseda University and was once a top model.
Her past romantic link is also well-known. She attracted attention with a surprise marriage to her same-age partner, Yu Darvish (San Diego Padres), whom she met at 21. After four years together, they have been living their separate lives.
The reason interest in her trip to Milan, which has been quiet for several years, is focused on Ren Dokyu.
Rumors are already widespread in the industry. It is whispered that Ren is indeed Saeko's son. Interestingly, this new model, shrouded in mystery, is attending Fashion Week.
Coincidentally, the two share a particular interest in the same brand (N21) event. Ren observes the runway of the company diligently, as if for a 'class visit.' Saeko also made an appearance holding a handbag from N. There are speculations that she came to see 'her son's first stage.'
Meaningful posts also appear on her social media. She boasts, 'It's been a long time since I attended a fashion show. I came to Milan to shop with my son.'
Ren's debut occurred this January. He became known when he appeared on the cover of a famous fashion magazine. Since then, rumors have been rampant.
Various media inquiries flood in. The parties involved remain tight-lipped. Neither confirms nor denies.
The agency's response is ambiguous. A press release states, 'There is no information to confirm beyond what is already known at this stage.' There are claims that this is a high-level mystique strategy.
However, the public is already convinced. Ren was born in 2008. This coincides with the year when Darvish and Saeko's first child was born. The couple had two sons during their four years together, and after their divorce, the mother took care of them.
Fans have also captured circumstantial evidence through digital forensics. Among 50,000 social media followers, they uncovered the accounts of Yu Darvish and Saeko.
Above all, there is something that cannot be hidden. It is genetics.
First, there is his 182 cm tall and slender physique. Especially when looking at his face, it becomes clear. They resemble each other too much. He bears a striking similarity to Darvish's teenage years. Darvish is of mixed heritage, between an Iranian father and a Japanese mother. Such an exotic image is also strongly apparent in Ren.
Darvish married his current wife in a second wedding in 2014. She is Seiko Yamamoto, a wrestling athlete who is six years older. The couple is currently raising four sons and one daughter.
However, he is reported to still actively communicate with his two sons from his former wife.
[OSEN = Baek Jong-in, contributing reporter]