Actor Kim Soo Hyun has finally addressed the ongoing dating rumors with Kim Ji Won, sending a clear message to fans.

On January 24th, Kim Soo Hyun posted a response on the popular communication platform Bubble, saying, “I hope you all watch dramas as just dramas now.” His words came after a fan suggested that the two stars should go public with their rumored relationship.

The fan had written, “Please get married to Ji Won soon and show your love publicly. Let everyone know how much you love each other and that you belong to each other. Please get married. Kim Soo Hyun, Ji Won's husband; Kim Ji Won, Soo Hyun's wife.”

Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won previously worked together in the hit tvN drama Queen of Tears, where they portrayed a married couple. The drama, which wrapped up in April of last year, became a huge success, peaking at a viewership rating of 24.9% (Nielsen Korea). Their chemistry on-screen earned them the nickname "Baek Hong couple," and they gained significant love from fans.

However, dating rumors started circulating after Kim Soo Hyun deleted some photos he had posted on his social media in July. The photos shared similar poses, outfits, and compositions to ones posted by Kim Ji Won, leading to speculation that they were secretly in a relationship. At the time, neither star commented on the rumors.

On the work front, Kim Soo Hyun is set to return to the screen with Disney+’s new series Knockoff. The series, scheduled for release in the first half of this year, follows the story of Kim Seong Jun (played by Kim Soo Hyun), an ordinary man who enters the counterfeit business during the Asian financial crisis and eventually becomes the "king of knockoffs." Kim Soo Hyun will star alongside actress Jo Bo Ah in this exciting new project.

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Director Kim Hyung Joo of The Match has finally shared his thoughts on Yoo Ah In’s involvement in a drug scandal, calling it a major disappointment, especially considering the actor’s role as the lead in the film.

On March 19th, the director attended a press screening and briefing for The Match at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. Alongside Kim, actors Lee Byung Hun, Ko Chang Seok, Hyun Bong Sik, Moon Jung Hee, and Jo Woo Jin were present to discuss the film.

The Match revolves around the legendary Go player Cho Hun Hyun (played by Lee Byung Hun), who, after a loss to his disciple, decides to challenge the top players again, driven by his competitive spirit. The movie is directed by Kim Hyung Joo.

Lee Byung Hun plays the iconic Go champion Cho Hun Hyun, while Yoo Ah In portrays his disciple, Lee Chang Ho.

During the event, Kim recalled the casting process, saying, "When we were casting, Lee Byung Hun was cast first. Just having him felt like we had the world, and then, getting Yoo Ah In as a bonus made me even happier."

Although filming wrapped up in 2021, Yoo Ah In's drug scandal led to the indefinite postponement of the film’s release. Now, nearly four years later, The Match is finally set to hit theaters on March 26th.

Reflecting on Yoo Ah In's scandal, Director Kim openly shared his frustration, calling it "irresponsible and disappointing" for the actor to make such a mistake as the lead.

He added, “Before being an actor, he made a mistake as a member of society and was punished, so I don’t think there’s much more to say.” Kim smiled bitterly as he spoke.

Describing the challenges he faced due to the scandal, Kim compared the experience to being trapped in "a hellish tunnel."

He said, "There was nothing I could do inside, so it was overwhelming. But now that we have the light of release, it feels like I can breathe. I’m deeply moved."

The director also shared that because Yoo Ah In was the lead actor, the film had to be released as it was, without editing. This has led some people to feel uneasy about watching the film, given the actor’s scandal.

When asked about this, Director Kim said, "Choosing and judging is up to the audience, so I can't force anything. But I hope they watch the movie as it is. I unintentionally got hurt before the release, so I hope people watch the movie warmly, as if applying ointment to a wound."

The Match will officially be released on March 26th.

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