Kim Bum and Moon Geun Young, kdrama's latest star couple, is expected to return to Korea this weekend from their month-long vacation in Europe. Kim must travel to Japan to participate in promotional events for the Japanese release of the drama "That Winter The Wind Blows," in which he played Jo In Sung's sidekick.
Kim Bum and Moon Geun Young announced their off-screen relationship at the beginning of November before setting off on the backpacking trip with friends.
The stars met on the set of "Goddess of Fire" where she played Jung Yi, Korea's first female ceramic artist and he played her lifelong protector Kim Tae Do.
While they were seen to be friendly on set and he was especially protective of her, fans were surprised when they announced their relationship.
Rather than start a dating scandal, the two decided to publicly state that they were dating before they traveled abroad. When they began dating both their agencies released official statements.
Namoo Actors, Moon Geun Young's agency, stated that "Moon Geun Young and Kim Bum grew fond of each other while working on "Goddess of Fire: Jeonji."
Kim Bum's agency King Actors confirmed the news that they were dating.
"They just started," said a King representative at the beginning of November. "Please wish them well."
The trip was taken to celebrate the end of "Goddess of Fire: Jeonji." While the drama was not a ratings success, it did result in a real-life relationship. And while Kim Bum's character did not wind up with Moon Geun Young's character in the drama, they did become a devoted real life couple.
Although Kim and Moon traveled to Europe with friends, every time they were photographed, they were alone, shopping together, holding hands or feeding each other.
They were first seen in Prague on the Czech Republic. They were snapped in Wenceslas Square as they walked from the city's Havelsa Market. Passers by saw them feeding each other with street vendor food from the market and then consulting a tablet, possibly for directions. Despite their attempt to be ordinary tourists, fans spotted them and the photographs circulated around the world.
The next time they were photographed by fans was in Milan, Italy. They were snapped shopping and later holding hands as they walked down a quiet street. Rumors said they planned to visit England but they were not spotted there.
Although Kim Bum has to travel to Japan, Moon Geun Young has no immediate acting or promotional plans. She will rest and review possible future offers.
