Bae Yong Joon, the actor who helped inspire the Korean wave with his internationally acclaimed performance in the 2002 drama "Winter Sonata" has confirmed that he is now in a serious relationship. It's the first time that the actor has publicly dated anyone since he acknowledged dating music video director Lee Sa Kang in 2004. They dated for a year before breaking up.

There have been plenty of dating rumors since then but the actor denied them all. Rumors linked him romantically with actresses Lee Na Young and Lee Ji Ah but he expressed surprise when he heard the stories as he said he rarely went out or got a chance to meet women.

The news about his new girlfriend first surfaced when a Japanese news source said the 41-year-old actor was dating a 27-year-old Korean woman who is not a celebrity.

The couple met thrugh a mutual friend a few months ago. The actor traveled to Japan in November to attend the friend's wedding reception. His girlfriend accompanied him and they were spotted in several locations together dining and shopping. When they left Japan they were said to be wearing couple hats.

According to his agency, Key East, "It is true that Bae Yong Joon has been in a relationship with a non-celebrity woman for about three months. They are just starting their relationship so they are being cautious but since they are at a certain age, it is a serious relationship."

But as the woman is not a celebrity, the agency did not feel comfortable revealing any information about her.

"Since she is not a celebrity, it is difficult for us to reveal any other information in detail," said the Key East representative.

The Japanese news report did offer come information. They said the woman was the daughter of a famous Korean businessman and she currently lives in Seoul. She did live in America for a long time so she speaks English fluently and has a bright lively personality. She is about 5 ft. 6 inches and is said to be beautiful.

Since appearing in "Winter Sonata," Bae Yong Joon had a role in the 2007 drama "The Legend" and a small role in "Dream High." He also appeared in the romance film "April Snow." Bae Yong Joon has been described as one the original kkonminam or handsome man actors. Due to the popularity of "Winter Sonata" he is known as Yon-sama to his Japanese fans.