The recent Lee Dong-gun and Kang Hae-rim dating news has surprised many fans. Actor Lee Dong-gun seems to be in a good place these days. Five years after his divorce, he has reportedly found new love. The 45-year-old actor is dating actress Kang Hae-rim, who is 29. That’s a 16-year age gap, but neither of them seems to mind.
According to media reports, the two were seen several times around Gangnam, Seoul. They weren’t hiding anything. Dressed casually, they were spotted walking together, enjoying coffee, and spending time in public like any other couple. It looked easy and natural.
Lee Dong-gun even introduced Kang Hae-rim to some of his close friends. That says a lot about how serious this relationship might be. While both of their agencies responded by saying it was a private matter, the news still spread quickly. Despite the cautious statements, people close to them mentioned that Lee Dong-gun was clearly happy. Some even quoted him saying things like “Thank you for congratulating me” and “I’m happy.”
This is Lee Dong-gun’s first public relationship since ending his marriage in 2020. He married actress Jo Yoon-hee in 2017. They had a daughter the same year. Their marriage lasted about three years. Jo Yoon-hee is now raising their daughter. Even after the divorce, Lee made headlines for continuing to meet his daughter regularly. He talked about this openly on TV shows like My Little Old Boy.
Fans praised him for staying present in his child’s life, even after the split. And in recent years, he’s taken on a new role — cafe owner. His cafe on Jeju Island is doing well, thanks to word-of-mouth. Locals and tourists have been visiting, and the reviews are mostly positive. It seems like both his personal and professional life are turning a corner.
Kang Hae-rim: From Pageants to Leading Roles
Kang Hae-rim’s name might not be familiar to everyone, but she’s been steadily growing her career. Born in 1996, she first came into the spotlight during the Miss Korea Busan-Ulsan pageant in 2016. She made it to the finals and ended up in the top 15 nationwide.
She then made her acting debut in the 2017 web drama Idol Rights Delegate. Her real breakthrough came later with her roles in seasons two and three of Love Naggers on KBS Joy. She was known for her natural and honest acting style, even in reenactment roles. That helped her gain more attention.
Her big moment came in 2022 when she got the lead in Netflix’s Somebody. She reportedly beat out hundreds of other actors for the role. That kind of casting doesn’t happen by chance — it shows talent and determination. More recently, she appeared in the film Lobby as Jin Se-bin, directed by Ha Jung-woo. Her role received decent reviews, and it’s clear her acting career is gaining momentum.
As for the dating news, her agency kept things private. They said they couldn’t confirm anything because it involved her personal life. This is pretty common in the entertainment world, where stars try to keep some boundaries between work and relationships.
Still, fans are curious. The age difference, the timing, and how open the couple has been in public all add to the interest. But at the end of the day, both are adults living their own lives. As long as they’re happy, that’s what matters most.
What This Means for Their Careers
Many are curious after the sudden Lee Dong-gun and Kang Hae-rim dating news emerged. It’s unlikely that this dating news will affect either of their careers in a negative way. Lee Dong-gun has been in the industry for a long time. He’s acted in many dramas and films, and his reputation is pretty solid. His role as a father also helped him connect with viewers on a personal level.
Kang Hae-rim is still building her career. So far, she’s handled things carefully. She chooses her roles well and doesn’t chase after attention. If anything, this might boost her public profile. More people might become curious about her past work and what she’ll do next.
As always in entertainment, people talk. But what matters most is how the actors handle the attention. So far, both have kept things calm and respectful. That’s probably the best way to go.
One thing is clear: they’ve both moved on from their pasts. Whether the relationship continues long-term or not, it’s a moment of happiness for them. And that’s something people can understand.
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Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
