Beloved Korean Actress Denies Dating Rumors With Popular Football Player Once Again
Actress Kim So Eun and football player Jung Dong Ho have been swept up in dating rumors—but according to close sources, the two are simply longtime friends.
On April 23, OSEN reported that a source familiar with both parties stated, “It’s true that Kim So Eun and Jung Dong Ho are very close—enough that people around them are aware of their friendship. However, they are not in a romantic relationship.”
Earlier that day, reports surfaced claiming the pair had been dating for over a year and were even considering marriage. Kim So Eun later strongly denied the rumors in an interview with another media outlet, calling the claims “groundless.”
A source who personally knows both of them clarified, “They have attended group gatherings together through mutual acquaintances, especially golf meet-ups, which led to misunderstandings. It’s true they’re close, but there’s nothing romantic between them.”
OSEN noted that it had received repeated tips about their alleged relationship since last year, including claims that Jung Dong Ho attended Kim So Eun’s birthday party and that the two were seen holding hands in front of friends. Some reports even suggested they enjoyed date-like outings through golf gatherings.
However, their agencies and insiders denied these claims, stating, “Other male friends were also present at the party,” and that the hand-holding or hugging happened naturally in the festive atmosphere and wasn’t limited to just the two.
Speculation continued into 2024, with some netizens claiming the two shared ‘Lovestagram’ posts and even went on an overseas trip together. In response, a source explained, “The trip was for an overseas filming schedule. Jung Dong Ho simply joined the birthday gathering as one of many acquaintances.”
Regarding any physical contact, the source emphasized, “Kim So Eun was interacting warmly with everyone at the party, not just Jung Dong Ho. It was all part of a friendly environment.”
Kim So Eun, born in 1989, debuted in 2005 through the MBC drama Sisters of the Sea. After parting ways with her former agency, she is currently promoting independently. Jung Dong Ho, born in 1990, most recently played for K League’s Suwon FC and is now a free agent, with retirement rumors circulating.
Source: (A)
