Actor and singer Jang Geun Suk was recently seen dining at a restaurant belonging to Park Shin Hye's mother. A photo he posted said the food was delicious. And so were the hopeful new rumors that he and Park Shin Hye were more than friends.

Although Park has denied that they ever dated, their close friendship has now lasted four years and generated plenty of comments from netizens who see them as an ideal couple.

Jang and Park first met on the set of the drama "You're Beautiful," in 2009. She played Go Mi Nyu, a girl pretending to be her twin brother so he would not lose his place in the idol band A.N.JELL. Jang Geun Suk played the band's difficult leader Hwang Tae Kyung, who initially resents the new band member but then falls in love with her.

The two made such a fun couple that fans immediately began to ship them. When asked on the set of "You're Beautiful," which character came closest to her ideal man, she said, "As a character the most attractive is the prickly Hwang Tae Kyung. Hwang Tae Kyung is the one to fall for the more you see him."

When asked if romantic sparks flew between any of the cast members, Park denied it.

"We are like brothers and sisters on set and even hit each other," said Park.

When asked specifically about Jang, she said, "His mother likes me but Jang Geun Suk is indifferent. He never saw me as a girl. They all treat me as a younger brother."

That may have been the way it played out on set but when asked later which woman he would describe as his ideal type, he said he did not have one, "except Park Shin Hye."

They have remained close friends in the four years since they played a couple but it never progressed any further, at least not in any way they are willing to admit.

And becoming a couple would have been so easy since his mother approved.

"Jang Geun Suk once said his mother thought of me as a daughter-in-law and that she checked our marital compatibility," said Park. "However, we are just friends and enjoy spending time together."

Park Shin Hye's mother must also really like Jang Geun Suk because he is always promoting her restaurant. He's a regular there despite his busy schedule but that does not mean he dines there with Park Shin Hye. She was not seen in the photo he posted.

Jang Geun Suk is on his way to the U.S. for a tour with Team H. Park Shin Hye is getting ready to star in "The Heirs" with Lee Min Ho. Those who wish for a relationship between the two actor-singers can only hope that absence makes the heart grow fonder.