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| So Ji-sub, left, says he is in a romantic relationship with Cho Eun-jung. |
By Jung Hae-myoung
Actor So Ji-sub, 41, who has starred in multiple Korean films and TV series, says he is in love with Cho Eun-jung, 25, a former announcer and television show reporter. It is the first time the actor has admitted to dating anyone in his 24 years as an actor.
So's management agency 51K confirmed on Friday that the two have been dating for a year.
"They met through a television program last year, and first met socially through friends. They became fond of each other and started dating," the agency said.
The two met through "Midnight TV Entertainment, Hanbam" for which Cho was host until June, 2018. Cho interviewed So Ji-sub and Son Ye-jin for the film "Be With You," which premiered on March 14, 2018.
"It is a little hard to say, but I would like to tell you that I have met someone special," So said on Instagram. "We have a good relationship, but there are still a lot things I feel I need to be careful about."
The agency also asked the press and audiences to refrain from spreading rumors about the relationship because Cho no longer works in television.
Cho retired from show business after ending her exclusive contract with management agency "Imagine Asia." Her profile picture and resume have also been deleted from the official website.
With So's exceptionally fast acknowledgement of the relationship, some speculate this could lead to marriage. So has never accepted acknowledged any relationship in the 24 years since his debut.
However, the agency remained cautious, saying, "It is too early to talk about marriage."
With the agency drawing the line, others agreed that people should not make groundless assumptions.
So also pleaded with fans, "I am afraid to tell you this news, but I am asking you to keep your eyes on me with a warm heart."
Cho was a reporter until June last year with "Midnight TV Entertainment, Hanbam," a television program about Korean show business. She debuted as an announcer on the game channel in 2014.
She was called "L.O.L (League of Legend) goddess," because of her immense popularity with the competitors and the audience. She graduated from Seoul Arts High School dancing school and Ewha Womans University.
So Ji-sub has had lead roles in multiple television dramas, including "Phantom," "I'm Sorry, I Love You," "Something Happened In Bali," "Master's Sun," and several films, including "Rough Cut," "The Battleship Island" and "Be With You."
In 2018, he won MBC's Best Male Actor's award for his role in television drama "My Secret Terrius."
