Park Ji-hoon and Jeon So-young, Lee Sang-yi and Han Dong-hee of 'The Cook Soldier Becomes a Legend' Hit by Dating Rumors: What Is the Truth?

Dating rumors simultaneously linking actors Park Ji-hoon with Jeon So-young and Lee Sang-yi with Han Dong-hee, all of whom appeared in TVING's original series 'The Cook Soldier Becomes a Legend,' have been denied after director Jo Nam-hyung personally stepped forward to clarify the situation.

On June 18, posts began spreading across online communities and social media claiming that the director of 'The Cook Soldier Becomes a Legend' had been asked directly about the matter. The posts included what appeared to be a screenshot of a DM, or direct message, conversation with director Jo Nam-hyung, and the accompanying text suggested that Park Ji-hoon and Jeon So-young, as well as Lee Sang-yi and Han Dong-hee, might actually be dating.

In the screenshot, the writer was shown asking, 'Are you aware that there is talk that actors Park Ji-hoon and Jeon So-young, and actors Lee Sang-yi and Han Dong-hee, are in relationships?' The person presented as the recipient was shown replying, 'It is difficult for me to say anything specific, but those kinds of combinations would not have been created for no reason, would they?'

The supposed exchange spread quickly, creating an atmosphere in which the rumors appeared to be hardening into accepted claims of actual relationships. Director Jo then responded himself. In a post on his own social media account, he drew a clear line under the claims, writing, 'Do not fabricate things. I never sent a DM.' He stated plainly that the conversation circulating online had been fabricated.

After the director's clarification, the DM screenshot was revealed to be fabricated, and the original post was deleted.

'The Cook Soldier Becomes a Legend' is based on the popular web novel and webtoon of the same name. The story follows military cook Kang Sung-jae as he grows through his exceptional cooking skills, and the series received strong affection from many viewers. Park Ji-hoon played the lead role of Kang Sung-jae, while Jeon So-young played Kookbang Ilbo reporter Jung Min-a.

Park Ji-hoon in particular had established himself as a box-office actor through the film 'The Man Who Lives with the King' and then continued that successful streak with another hit.