Actor Jung Kyung Ho and Girls’ Generation member-actress Choi Sooyoung have reportedly gone their separate ways after 14 years together, marking the end of one of the Korean entertainment industry’s most beloved long-term relationships.
As news of their breakup spread, fans expressed sadness over the end of a couple that had long been regarded as a symbol of lasting love in K-entertainment. The two had been publicly dating since officially confirming their relationship in January 2014, though reports say they began dating in 2012.
On June 9, both agencies confirmed the breakup. Jung Kyung Ho’s agency, Management Allum, stated that the actor and Sooyoung had indeed separated, explaining that their busy schedules gradually created distance in the relationship. Sooyoung’s agency, Saram Entertainment, also confirmed the split, adding that the two decided to remain good colleagues.
In the wake of the breakup news, Jung Kyung Ho’s past comments about Sooyoung have resurfaced online, drawing renewed attention from fans.
About nine months ago, during an interview for the film Boss, Jung Kyung Ho openly expressed his affection for Sooyoung. He said that once the movie was released, he hoped to watch it together with her in theaters.
In Boss, directed by Ra Hee Chan, Jung Kyung Ho portrayed Kang Pyo, a former gangster who dedicates his life to tango dancing. The actor personally performed tango for the role.
When asked whether he had always been interested in dancing, Jung Kyung Ho explained that he originally expected the character to play piano instead of dance tango. He admitted he was actually relieved by the change, joking that playing an instrument seemed even more difficult.
The actor also made fans laugh when asked if Sooyoung, a Girls’ Generation member known for her dance skills, had given him lessons. Jung Kyung Ho responded humorously, saying, “I couldn’t even dare ask her,” adding that she probably would have simply gone along with it.
He further shared that Sooyoung had been unable to watch the movie during filming schedules but said he hoped they could eventually see it together in theaters, a comment many fans now look back on with bittersweet feelings.
Their affectionate relationship had continued to draw attention even earlier this year. During a broadcast connected to the drama Pro Bono late last year, Jung Kyung Ho was asked about the last idol he liked. In response, he named Girls’ Generation and even attempted to dance to the group’s hit song “Genie,” making viewers laugh. The clip later went viral online under the title, “Asked About His Favorite Idol, Jung Kyung Ho Suddenly Turns Into Sooyoung’s Biggest Fan.”
Over the years, the couple had never hesitated to publicly express gratitude and affection for one another, making the breakup especially emotional for longtime supporters.
Despite ending their romantic relationship, both stars are expected to continue their active careers. Jung Kyung Ho is currently filming the upcoming drama A Tempting Romance, scheduled for release next year, while Sooyoung will appear in Shakespeare’s classic play The Merchant of Venice at the National Theater of Korea’s Haeoreum Grand Theater from July 8 to August 9.
Sources: Daum