Despite recent rumors linking actress Kim So Eun and athlete Jung Dong Ho romantically, sources close to both parties confirm their relationship is purely platonic.
A Korean media outlet claimed the rumored couple had been dating for nearly a year and were even discussing marriage. The actress later denied the claims outright, calling them “groundless” in an official statement.
On Wednesday (April 23), a source close to Kim So Eun, who wished to remain anonymous, told OSEN that “Kim So Eun and Jung Dong Ho are acquaintances who have been seen together.”
They explained to OSEN over the phone, “It’s true that the two are close, to the point where their acquaintances know them as such, but I understand that they are not actually in a romantic relationship. The misunderstanding seems to have arisen because they share common acquaintances in their golf group and have frequent gatherings.”
The news media outlet has consistently reported on dating rumors between Kim So Eun and Jung Dong Ho since last year. According to past articles, the 35-year-old soccer player attended her birthday party, where they were seen holding hands in front of friends. The outlet also claimed they frequently went on golf outings together.
At the time, OSEN verified details with Kim’s agency and industry insiders, but both sides denied the rumors. Representatives clarified that Jung Dong Ho was not the only male friend at the party and that friendly gestures like hugging or hand-holding were common in the celebratory atmosphere.
Despite these denials, their dating rumors have been reported since last year. In February, new reports alleged the two had a “love-stagram” and even suggested they had taken an overseas trip together.
Despite this, a friend of Kim So Eun clarified to OSEN, “She was traveling overseas for filming. It’s true that Jung Dong Ho attended Kim So Eun’s birthday party with her friends. However, the two are not romantically involved, and they simply enjoyed the party together as their friend groups overlapped.”
Kim So Eun (born 1989) gained fame for her roles in “Boys Over Flowers”, “A Thousand Kisses”, “Happy Ending”, and more. Meanwhile, Jung Dong Ho, who recently played for Suwon FC in the K-League, is potentially retiring after becoming a free agent last year.
