“Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo” stans and K-culture enthusiasts all know it by now—co-stars Nam Joo-hyuk and Lee Sung-kyung have officially been reported to be dating. Earlier today, a Korean gossip site released photos of the two models-turned-actors out on a date and surreptitiously trying to avoid the paparazzi with baggy clothes and face masks.
Now that the cat’s finally out of the bag, let’s see how the escalation of rumors built up until the big drop.
November 2016: “Cheese in the Trap” cast members Nam Joo-hyuk and Lee Sung-kyung debut as the lead characters in their new student athlete university drama, “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo.”
Nam Joo-hyuk and Lee Sung-kyung
December 2016: “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo’s” ratings don’t do so well in Seoul, but its popularity explodes overseas, making it one of the most internationally renowned dramas of the latter half of 2016, up to par with “Goblin.” The “Do you like Messi?” meme goes crazy on Facebook, especially on local social media. Even Cadbury bit into it.
Even Cadbury jumped on the “Do you like Messi?” social storm
Early January 2017: Lee Sung-kyung talks about her close male relationships, including her 10-year-old friendship with fellow actor Lee Jong-suk, who made a twee cameo on “Weightlifting Fairy.” She’s also been linked with a lot of other idols like Block B’s Zico, EXO, Choi Tae-joon (this guy actually sent her a churro truck when she was filming for “Doctors”), Lee Kwang-soo, Jo In-sung, and more. Can we say #crushngbayan?
Lee Sung-kyung and her close male friendships
Mid-January 2017: Model Shon Min-ho is rumored to be dating Lee Sung-kyung. Fans say he looks like a mix of Joo-hyuk and his close friend Ji-soo.
Mid-January 2017: This photo, up on Joo-hyuk’s Instagram, is almost as cute as the puppies they’re holding. Probably the beginning of their relationship?
Late February 2017: Nam Joo-hyuk celebrates his 23rd birthday. Best friend and old co-star Ji-soo posts a picture where he lovingly gazes at Joo-hyuk. The caption reads: HBD <3
(Okay, sorry, this isn’t really related but we couldn’t help ourselves. They’re adorable.)
Early April 2017: W Magazine releases a profile on Lee Sung-kyung. Totally uncool on W Magazine’s part comparing our queen to Gigi Hadid but an interesting piece in which a Western writer tried (uh, the MBC drama awards don’t really equate to the Emmys but okay).
Lee Sung-kyung on W Magazine
Anyway, in the feature, Lee Sung-kyung mentions she’s dated way too many guys already and that she isn’t interested in love (???). Funny that she said that, because…
7 days ago: Netizens spot Sung-kyung and Joo-hyuk together at Coldplay’s concert in Seoul. One of them mentions that Sung-kyung’s photo she posted online was actually Joo-hyuk (and his blurry ankle). Looks like the stars were shining all for them that night.
Lee Sung-kyung and Nam Joo-hyuk together at Coldplay’s concert in Seoul
Today, D-Day itself: Dispatch causes chaos! Hearts breaking! Sung-kyung/Joo-hyuk stans going nuts! These guys tried hiding but even oversized sweaters and jackets can’t save you from the K-paps. (Guessing that it’s also because their heights make it impossible for them to be low-key. Tall people problems, man.)
Congratulations to the happy couple! Apparently, insiders say Sung-kyung and Joo-hyuk got close during filming and are crazy in love with each other. Good for them because we were starting to think Joo-hyuk was dating someone else. I mean…
But yeah, hurray! Cheers to our favorite #swag couple! *finger hearts everywhere*
As for Ji-soo, South Korea’s national second lead, hang in there! 힘내세요!
Photos from Dispatch Korea