South Korean actor Kim Jung-hyun has remained one of the most talked-about K-drama stars of the last several years. Known internationally for dramas like Crash Landing on You, Mr. Queen, and Welcome to Waikiki, the actor built a reputation for strong performances and emotional range. However, alongside his acting career, public curiosity about his personal life has remained intense, especially regarding one recurring question: who is Kim Jung-hyun dating?
The answer is more complicated than many online rumors suggest. As of 2026, there is no officially confirmed girlfriend or public relationship connected to Kim Jung-hyun. While the actor has been linked to several actresses over the years, most rumors either remained unconfirmed or were directly denied by agencies involved. Much of the public discussion around his dating life also became tied to the major controversy involving actress Seo Ye-ji in 2021, which significantly impacted his public image and career.
Today, Kim Jung-hyun appears focused primarily on rebuilding his career and maintaining a lower-profile personal life. Here is a closer look at his relationship history, dating rumors, and what is currently known about his romantic life.
Kim Jung-hyun’s Relationship With Seo Ye-ji Became Major News
The most widely discussed relationship connected to Kim Jung-hyun involved actress Seo Ye-ji.
In 2021, Korean media outlet Dispatch released alleged text messages between the two actors, claiming they had dated during the filming of Kim Jung-hyun’s 2018 drama Time. According to reports, the messages appeared to show Seo Ye-ji asking Kim Jung-hyun to avoid physical interactions with female co-stars and staff members.
The controversy resurfaced scrutiny around Kim Jung-hyun’s behavior during promotional events for Time, where viewers had previously criticized him for appearing cold and distant toward co-star Seohyun. At the time, his agency had attributed his behavior partly to health issues and “method acting.”
The scandal significantly affected both actors’ public images. Kim Jung-hyun later addressed the controversy publicly, apologizing for his behavior and acknowledging that his actions during the period were wrong.
Although the relationship itself was widely reported, neither side extensively discussed details publicly after the scandal emerged.
Another major dating rumor connected Kim Jung-hyun to his Crash Landing on You co-star Seo Ji-hye.
In 2021, several entertainment outlets reported that the two actors were allegedly dating after becoming close while filming the hit drama. Some reports even claimed Kim Jung-hyun had been considering joining Seo Ji-hye’s management agency, which fueled speculation. However, both actors’ agencies quickly denied the rumors.
Seo Ji-hye’s agency Culture Depot publicly stated that the pair were simply close colleagues and friends, not romantic partners. The agency also clarified that meetings between them had been related to agency discussions rather than dating.
Despite the denials, the rumors spread heavily online because fans had enjoyed the chemistry between their characters in Crash Landing on You. Like many K-drama dating rumors, strong on-screen chemistry led audiences to speculate about a real-life relationship even without confirmed evidence.
To date, no credible source has confirmed that Kim Jung-hyun and Seo Ji-hye ever dated.
Is Kim Jung-hyun Currently Dating Anyone?
As of now, there is no officially confirmed information suggesting Kim Jung-hyun is currently in a public relationship.
Most recent interviews and entertainment coverage indicate that the actor has remained private about his dating life following the controversies of previous years. In fact, much of the current speculation comes from brief comments or jokes rather than confirmed reports.
In 2025, Kim Jung-hyun appeared on KBS2’s Heart on Wheels, where he jokingly surprised cast members during a discussion about relationships. Reports noted that his comments sparked online speculation about whether he might secretly be dating someone. However, no verified relationship was confirmed afterward.
Recent interviews instead suggest Kim Jung-hyun has been focusing more on personal recovery, health, and rebuilding his acting career after the intense public scrutiny surrounding the 2021 scandal. In a 2025 interview discussed by The Indian Express, he reflected on the emotional impact of the controversy and described trying to become “healthier” emotionally and mentally over time.
That focus on personal stability may explain why he has chosen to keep his private life increasingly guarded.