Actor Lee Dong-gun (45) has ignited fresh dating rumors after being spotted in public with a "visually striking" woman, but both his agency and current television show have refrained from offering confirmation, fueling curiosity and speculation among fans.
According to multiple local outlets, the actor was seen on May 24 walking affectionately through the streets of Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
Witnesses claimed that Lee appeared deeply comfortable and intimate with the unidentified woman, reportedly placing his hands around her shoulders and waist and holding hands openly.
The news has since gone viral, prompting questions about whether Lee is starting a new chapter in his personal life.
However, WPLUS Entertainment, his current agency, drew a clear line between public speculation and private matters, stating on May 28, "As this pertains to the artist's private life, it is difficult to confirm." The agency has offered no further comment, a move that some say only adds fuel to the rumors.
Further speculation emerged due to Lee Dong-gun's regular appearance on the SBS variety show "My Ugly Baby" (a.k.a. "My Little Old Boy"), which sometimes features segments involving blind dates or romantic storylines.
In response, a representative from SBS clarified, "The sighting has no connection to the program. It's purely a personal matter and will not be featured on the show in any way," Maeil Business Newsletter reported.
This marks the first public dating rumor involving Lee in five years, following his high-profile marriage to fellow actor Jo Yoon-hee in September 2017. The couple had a daughter in December of that year, but finalized their divorce in May 2020.
Their daughter currently lives with Jo Yoon-hee, though Lee has openly shared moments of his fatherhood on national TV, particularly on "My Ugly Baby," where he is often seen spending quality time with his daughter.
In recent months, Lee has been reinventing his public image, even opening a large-scale café in Jeju Island, a move that was also featured on the SBS show. While he received some backlash from nearby business owners during the launch, the actor and his agency remained silent at the time, echoing their current stance on the dating rumor, Sports Chosun reported.
As fans and media outlets continue to speculate, many are left wondering whether this mystery woman represents a new love story or just a fleeting moment of companionship. For now, Lee Dong-gun remains quiet, letting the public's curiosity swirl around him.
