Actors Yoon Kye Sang and Lee Ha Nui, also known as Honey Lee, began to date because of dating rumors that were not true. When the couple both left for Bali on the same day last year, rumors began to spread that they were dating and had gone on vacation together.
The actors had met at the Busan Film Festival the year before but it was just a coincidence that they were going to Bali on the same day. While they denied the rumors, the scandal did bring them closer.
Because they had mutual friends and shared interests in films, art and cooking, the actors became good friends and a month later decided to really date.
Fans were skeptical but Kim Tae Woo, a fellow member of Yoon Kye Sang's former band g.o.d., confirmed that the singer-turned-actor went to Bali alone. He said the two might never have become a couple if it wasn't for the scandal.
"The scandal made the two close and quickly advanced their relationship," said Kim.
And because they already experienced the negative effect that dating rumors can have, they decided to go public with their relationship.
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Earlier this year, King Kong Entertainment, Lee Honey's agency, confirmed their relationship.
"They met in public a few times after the rumors spread," said the agency. "Even though they never worked together, they have mutual friends, therefore they naturally got close."
Honey Lee, a former Miss Korea contestant, has not regretted going public with their relationship. Their acting schedules already make it difficult for them to see each other as often as they like. Sneaking around would only make things more complicated.
"For now, I can only find good things coming from opening up about my relationship," said Lee. "When he is busy with his own shoots, we rarely get to see each other, but we're very supportive to each other on the phone."
They talk about the acting challenges they face and encourage each other.
The couple was recently seen grocery shopping together. They casually wandered through the aisles and even fed each other samples of food. Although they already act like a married couple, they have denied any reports that they are making wedding plans.
Lee, who played Kim Nam Gil's love-struck secretary in "Shark," also appeared in "Pasta" and "To The Beautiful You." She is currently starring in the musical "Guys and Dolls."
Yoon Kye Sang, who starred in the dramas "High Kick: The Revenge of the Short Legged" and "The Greatest Love," is currently filming the movies "Red Carpet" and "Minority Opinion." He left g.o.d. in 2004 to pursue acting.
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