One exhibition, a Hawaiian vacation, and several rumours later — Korean actors Han So-hee and Ryu Jun-yeol are confirmed to be dating. Here’s a closer look at the timeline of Han So-hee and Ryu Jun-yeol’s relationship.
The former took to her personal blog to relay the news to her fans, apologising to them for her ‘messy’ actions over social media. The latter’s agency released a statement regarding the same. We take a look at all the tea that surrounds the relationship.
On 15 March, actress, singer, television personality and member of K-pop group Girl’s Day Lee Hye-ri unfollowed actor, activist, and photographer Ryu Jun-yeol on Instagram. The two were deemed the ‘power couple,’ of the industry — having developed feelings for one another since they first met on the sets of the hit Korean drama Reply 1988 in 2017. However in November 2023 — seven years later — they called it quits, keeping details around their separation private. Soon after, Nevertheless actress Han So-hee — who was earlier linked to BTS Jungkook after starring in the steamy music video for his single Seven — was rumoured to be linked to Ryu Jun-yeol. These rumours were underlined by a shared Hawaiian vacation and a heated Instagram exchange, only to be confirmed recently. Here’s all about it.
A timeline of Han So-hee and Ryu Jun-yeol’s relationship
November 2023: The first ‘hello’ at an exhibition
In November last year, Han So-hee was spotted attending Ryu Jun-yeol’s photo exhibition titled, ‘A Wind Runs Through It and Other Stories.’ Rumours began swirling that the two had begun dating right after the latter had gotten out of a seven-year-long relationship with actress and singer Hyeri. In her blog post, the former confirmed this is when the two had first met, adding, “I went there through a friend who’s a photographer with the goal of viewing the exhibition, and because I’d heard the news that we might be doing a project together, I wound up saying hello,” Soompi quoted her saying.
Early 2024: The start of something new
The actress went on to explain that the two developed romantic feelings for each other in the beginning of 2024. “I heard that news reports of their breakup first came out in November [of last year],” she said, adding that based on this fact, she chose to confirm her feelings towards him and continue the relationship.
Early March 2024: Facing the heat of rumours in Hawaii
According to a report by Korea JoongAng Daily, a post in Japanese with the caption “popular Korean actors are next to me at the hotel pool” and the tags “Reply 1988” and “Nevertheless” sent the rumour mills on overdrive again. This, despite it not containing a picture of the two and being deleted later that day. Both the actors’ respective agencies did not confirm the news, while admitting they were in Hawaii respectively.
“It’s true that Ryu Jun Yeol is staying in Hawaii for photography work. We ask that you respect the fact that it’s the actor’s personal vacation,” C-JeS Studios noted, according to a report by News18. “They are not dating,” Han So-hee’s agency added, “[Han So Hee] went on a vacation to Hawaii with close friends. Because it’s her personal life, we ask for your understanding.”
During this time, Ryu Jun-yeol’s former partner and actress-singer Hyeri, who’d earlier continued to follow him on Instagram post their break up decided to unfollow him. She then posted a cryptic update which translated to ‘That’s funny.’ Soon after Han So-hee had seemingly clapped back with a message of her own. While sharing a picture of a dog with a knife she stated, as quoted by Times of India, “I don’t even like people who already have partners. I don’t leave them gaps under the guise of friendship. I have not shown care, formed relationships, or intruded into others’ relationships.”
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She further touched on the topic of ‘Transit Love’, which refers to a situation in which one person develops feelings for someone while already involved in a relationship. “I like ‘Transit Love’ dating shows, but it’s not part of my life.” She then added “It’s funny to me too,” according to News18. She also shared several pictures from her vacation, including one image of wrists adorned with friendship bracelets.
March 16 2024: It’s official
On March 16, Han So Hee took to her personal blog to issue an official statement to her fans, whom she acknowledged were possibly hurt by the rumours and heated Instagram interactions. “First of all, it is true that I’m seeing [actor Ryu] with good feelings but please exclude the word ‘rebound,’ Korea JoongAng Daily reported her as stating. She then went on to explain how the two had met, apologising for her post.
Third, my pathetic Instagram story. It’s true, it was pathetic and lame,” she stated, according to Soompi, adding that she didn’t want rumours of cheating to go around and lost ‘all reason’ because of them. “Fourth, of course there will be [official] articles published regarding this, but the articles will not represent all of my feelings and thoughts, and I’m sorry for suddenly coming here out of the blue because my only means of communicating with my fans is my blog,” she added.
She wrapped her post on a hopeful yet deeply apologetic note, stating that she would work on herself. “I have no doubt that I will become a better version of myself, and thank you for supporting me. I’m sorry and apologetic, but because of that, I want to do better. I will learn how to control my greedy self, and I will greet you as a more mature version of myself.”
Hours later, Ryu Jun Yeol’s agency released a statement confirming the news, “Ryu Jun Yeol and Han So Hee confirmed their positive feelings for one another and have been dating since the beginning of this year. Ryu Jun Yeol got to know Han So Hee after his breakup, and they recently confirmed their feelings [for each other],” Soompi reported.
The two actors have reportedly been offered roles in the upcoming drama Delusion, which is an adaptation of the eponymous webtoon.
All images: Courtesy Han So Hee and Ryu Jun-yeol
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Is Han So Hee in a relationship?
On 16 March, Han So Hee admitted to dating fellow actor Ryu Jun-yeol.
– What language does Han So Hee speak?
Han So Hee speaks Korean.
– How long did Hyeri and Ryu Jun Yeol date?
According to several reports Hyeri and Ryu Jun-yeol dated for seven years.
Eshita Srinivas
Senior Digital Writer - Entertainment and Food & Drinks
Eshita is a food, alcohol, travel, and entertainment writer who spends her days zeroing in on the next big trend to write about. She’s a communication graduate with bylines in Conde Nast Traveller India, GQ India, Deccan Herald, and Girls Buzz. When not at work, you’re likely to find her hunting for a good read or charting out the perfect itinerary for a solo trip across Asia.
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