Gong Yoo sparks online buzz after mentioning Lee Byung-hun near Song Hye-kyo

During a YouTube variety show release on the 14th, Gong Yoo drew attention by mentioning Lee Byung-hun while sitting next to Song Hye-kyo. The mention of the senior actor resurfaced interest in the romantic history between Lee Byung-hun and Song Hye-kyo, which lasted approximately one year and six months following their 2003 drama.

Actor Gong Yoo has sparked unexpected online buzz after naturally mentioning his former senior colleague Lee Byung-hun while sitting next to Song Hye-kyo. While he intended to share a heartwarming anecdote regarding his senior actors, the mention of Lee Byung-hun—recalling the romantic history between him and Song Hye-kyo from over 20 years ago—shifted viewers' attention. The atmosphere was lightened when Yoo Jae-suk wittily interjected, asking, "Hye-kyo, were you moved to tears?"

In the web variety show "Just an Excuse," which was released on the YouTube channel "DdeunDdeun" on the 14th, Song Hye-kyo and Gong Yoo appeared as guests to promote the new Netflix original series "Tantara." During the episode, Gong Yoo shared special feelings he experienced at a recent Netflix 10th anniversary event and discussed his relationships with senior actors.

Recalling the scene at the event, Gong Yoo said, "I attended the Netflix 10th anniversary event not too long ago." He described how, amidst a large gathering of actors reminiscent of an awards ceremony, juniors were seen greeting their seniors. "I started thinking, 'Am I getting older?' because my body naturally gravitated toward the table where seniors Lee Jung-jae (34th year) and Lee Byung-hun (36th year) were sitting," he remarked.

Gong Yoo, who noted he greeted them with a casual "Oh, hello" before sitting down, confessed that while he used to spend hectic time among juniors, he felt more at ease sitting beside his seniors. He realized his age and position had changed, noting that stars who were once difficult to even approach have now become comfortable conversation partners.

Gong Yoo specifically recalled his past admiration for Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun. "Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun were seniors I found so difficult back then. In the past, I was so nervous I couldn't even go near them," he explained, noting that the actors he only saw on TV and in films were once stars to him as well. However, he shared that they have now reached a level of comfort where Lee Byung-hun is the one to initiate conversation, asking, "I'll watch the drama well; how was writer Noh Hee-kyung?"

The conversation expanded into the emotions of aging. "Isn't this a bit like the sorrows of being an adult?" Gong Yoo confessed candidly. "There are times when I also want to be praised by my seniors." He added that while the burden of adult responsibilities and roles grows with age, one can still be moved by a simple word of praise, stating, "I can sometimes be moved by a simple 'You're doing well.'"

Gong Yoo then turned to Song Hye-kyo, who was sitting next to him, and affectionately said, "You're doing well," to which she replied, "Thank you." At that moment, Yoo Jae-suk wittily managed the situation by asking, " Hye-kyo, were you moved to tears?" Song Hye-kyo responded, "I wasn't moved to tears," drawing laughter. The moment was a blend of Gong Yoo's sincere comfort, Yoo Jae-suk's skillful hosting, and Song Hye-kyo's calm reaction.

However, the natural conversation in the broadcast brought up unexpected past history. Following the scene where Gong Yoo mentioned Lee Byung-hun, the past romantic relationship between Song Hye-kyo and Lee Byung-hun resurfaced online. The two had developed a relationship after acting together in the 2003 drama "All In" and broke up after approximately one year and six months. As their relationship had garnered significant interest in the entertainment industry at the time, the fact that Lee Byung-hun's name was mentioned in the presence of Song Hye-kyo piqued the interest of netizens.

Netizens who watched the broadcast showed various reactions, including: "Gong Yoo is probably going to think about how he said that when he gets home," "How much will he regret it when he gets home?", "Gong Yoo has no sense. It seems he didn't realize until the end," "It's been so long that the parties involved probably don't care," "It's so funny that there was no malice at all," "Gong Yoo will be kicking his blankets in regret," "I feel nervous just watching," "It's been 20 years, so what does it matter?", and "To mention Lee Byung-hun right next to Song Hye-kyo." However, Gong Yoo's remarks were made while explaining his intimacy with senior actors and the emotions of aging, providing no basis to suggest any specific intention.

Read the original (Korean)