On the morning of September 23, Starnews reported that Song Hye Kyo recently reunited for a meal with Kang Dong Won, often dubbed a “living sculpture” for his looks, actress Moon So Ri, and director Jang Joon Hwan. Song Hye Kyo herself shared a rare glimpse of the gathering with fans on her personal social media account. She posted a photo of a dining table filled with food and tagged Moon So Ri’s account as well as Kang Dong Won’s fashion brand account.
Song Hye Kyo and Kang Dong Won previously portrayed lovers in the 2010 film Love for Sale, directed by Jang Joon Hwan. The project also marked the beginning of Song Hye Kyo’s close friendship with director Jang, which has now lasted for around 16 years.
The gathering involving Song Hye Kyo and Kang Dong Won quickly attracted considerable attention, as the two stars were once surrounded by dating rumors and speculation that their on-screen romance had developed into a real-life relationship. The rumors gradually faded only after Song Joong Ki entered Song Hye Kyo’s life.
Song Hye Kyo and Kang Dong Won notably displayed strong chemistry in two projects, Love for Sale and My Brilliant Life. For years, the two stars faced persistent speculation that their close relationship behind the camera had developed into something more than friendship.
At the time, various reports and rumors claimed that Kang Dong Won had genuine feelings for Song Hye Kyo and that she had also been attracted to him. Kang Dong Won himself spoke on several occasions about being struck by Song Hye Kyo’s beauty. Some unverified reports even claimed that the actor had confessed his feelings to her but was turned down because she was concerned that a relationship could affect her career. Speculation surrounding the two gradually disappeared after Song Hye Kyo began dating Song Joong Ki.
Song Hye Kyo was born in 1981 in Daegu, South Korea. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she was raised by her mother. In 1996, she won a modeling competition, paving the way for her entry into the entertainment industry. A year later, she landed a supporting role in the sitcom Soonpoong Clinic and gradually began attracting attention from Korean viewers.
In 2000, Song Hye Kyo rose to stardom across Asia with her leading role in the hit television drama Autumn in My Heart. Her gentle and innocent image throughout the series became an unforgettable part of the memories of many viewers who grew up watching Korean dramas during that era.
Since then, Song Hye Kyo has continued to cement her position as one of South Korea’s leading actresses through numerous successful roles, appearing in popular productions including All In, Full House, That Winter, the Wind Blows, Descendants of the Sun, and The Glory.
Although she is not particularly tall, Song Hye Kyo has long been celebrated for her striking facial features, including her distinctive lips and naturally refined nose. Even without makeup, the actress frequently receives praise for her appearance. Over the years, she has also appeared multiple times on TC Candler’s annual lists of beautiful faces.
Kang Dong Won, meanwhile, was born in 1981 into an affluent family. Numerous reports over the years have claimed that his father held a senior executive position at SSP, a major South Korean shipbuilding company, although Kang has generally kept his family background out of the spotlight since entering the entertainment industry.
From a young age, Kang Dong Won reportedly attended prestigious schools. Known for his academic ability, he studied mechanical engineering at Hanyang University. Despite his educational background, however, Kang ultimately chose a career in entertainment and quickly established himself in the industry.
In 2000, while a first-year university student, the 1.86-meter-tall Kang Dong Won was reportedly scouted by a modeling agency while walking down the street. He subsequently began working as a model and appeared on fashion runways, including shows connected with brands such as DKNY, Gucci, and Hugo Boss, as well as events organized by the Seoul Fashion Artists Association. After appearing in the music video for Jo Sung Mo’s “I Swear,” the experience sparked his interest in acting and prompted him to take acting lessons.
Kang eventually left modeling behind and made his acting debut in the 2003 MBC drama Country Princess. He made his big-screen debut in 2004 opposite Kim Ha Neul in Too Beautiful to Lie. That same year, his popularity skyrocketed with Temptation of Wolves, which earned him several rookie and popularity honors. Since then, Kang Dong Won has continued to build an impressive filmography through notable works including Maundy Thursday, Peninsula, and The Priests.
Within the Korean entertainment industry, Kang Dong Won has also long been regarded as one of its most striking male stars. Before his debut, conventionally masculine features were particularly prominent among leading Korean actors. Kang’s rise helped popularize a different kind of visual archetype—the so-called “flower boy,” referring to men with refined, youthful, and softer features. The “flower boy” image has since remained an influential beauty standard among many Korean celebrities and idols.
Sources: k14