A recent article published through the Korean outlet Joins analyzed the increase in Korean-Chinese celebrity relationships and marriages. Writer Kim Yeonji compiled a list of three high-profile couples for the article including Song Seung Heon and Liu Yifei.
Audiences have been intrigued and thrilled to watch the real-life relationship unfold between the stars, who met on the set of "Third Love." The couple publically confirmed that they were dating on August 5 and Song recently confessed his love for Liu on Chinese television.
While Song and Liu are currently a hot item, they reflect a growing trend in relationships involving Korean-Chinese stars.
In March 2014, actress Chae Rim confirmed that she was dating Chinese actor, Gao Ziqi. The article published by Joins notes that Chae and Gao met while filming the Chinese drama, "Lee Family." Promotional activities for the series created a situation where they worked closely together, even after filming was completed. The couple later married in October 2014, in a ceremony that was held in Beijing, China.
Director Kim Tae Yong met actress Tang Wei while filming the 2010 movie, "Late Autumn." After the film was completed, the director and actress continued to meet. Tang Wei is recognized for her roles in "Lust, Caution" and the sequel to "Finding Mr. Right." She and Kim Tae Yong married in July 2014.
As Korean-Chinese co-productions continue to gain prominence, it is likely that other celebrity relationships like these will form. While the multicultural aspect of these unions were once frowned upon, the Hallyu Wave could be aiding in growing acceptance from both Korean and Chinese nationals.
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About the writer: Adrienne Stanley is a contributing editor for KDramaStars. She is also a contributing writer for KpopStarz, MTV Iggy, Viki and CJ Entertainment's KCON blog. Her passions include a love of K-pop and Asian drama. When she is not writing, she is hanging out on Twitter (@retrogirladdy).