On March 26, 2026, the entertainment industry was abuzz with speculation following a report from Star Today alleging that actor Kim Young-dae and former APRIL member Lee Naeun were in a romantic relationship.
The rumors surfaced after the two were reportedly spotted spending time together in the Gwangjin district of Seoul on March 25.
Witnesses claimed to have seen the pair at a local drugstore, where they were browsing for daily essentials like toothbrushes and chatting comfortably while suggesting items for one another.
Given that Kim Young-dae resides in Gwangjin and Lee Naeun lives in the nearby Guri district- separated only by the Han River- the sighting led many to assume the two were more than just colleagues.
Official Statements from OUTERUNIVERSE and Namoo Actors
In the wake of the “exclusive” report, both actors’ agencies moved quickly to clarify the nature of their relationship.
Each agency issued a statement emphasizing that the two are long-time acquaintances rather than a couple. Kim Young-dae’s agency, OUTERUNIVERSE, addressed the situation by stating:
“The two have been close friends for a long time.”
Lee Naeun’s agency, Namoo Actors, provided further context regarding the drugstore sighting, explaining that the two were not alone at the time and were part of a larger group of acquaintances. Their statement clarified:
“There were several others with them as they went running. They are not dating, but close friends.”
By highlighting the presence of other individuals, the agency aimed to dispel the notion that the drugstore visit was a private date.
Both representatives were consistent in their message, firmly labeling the relationship as a platonic friendship that has endured for several years.
A Long-Standing Connection Since “Extraordinary You”
The root of Kim Young-dae and Lee Naeun’s friendship traces back to 2019, when they both starred in the hit MBC fantasy-romance drama Extraordinary You.
In the series, they portrayed students in the same class, and their on-screen chemistry earned them a significant following.
Since the drama concluded, the two have remained part of a close-knit circle of former co-stars who frequently support one another’s projects and maintain contact through group activities.
This isn’t the first time Kim Young-dae has had to address dating rumors involving co-stars; in late 2025, he clarified similar speculations involving other fellow actors, citing military enlistment and group chat dynamics as context for why certain photos might be misinterpreted by the public.
For Lee Naeun, who has recently pivoted toward a full-time acting career following her time with APRIL, the agency’s swift denial serves to keep the focus on her upcoming professional endeavors.
As both actors are currently active in the industry, their representatives have requested that fans and the media refrain from making further unverified assumptions about their private lives.
