Daniel Henney, the Korean-American actor best known for his roles in Criminal Minds, The Wheel of Time, and X-Men Origins: Wolverine, found lasting love with actress and model Ru Kumagai.
Their relationship, which developed organically over the years, led to a heartwarming romance and marriage in October 2023.
While the couple initially kept their relationship private, their journey together has become an inspiring tale of patience, understanding, and deep affection.
Ru Kumagai’s Background: A Talented and Multi-Faceted Artist
Ru Kumagai is a Japanese-American actress and model with a diverse career in the entertainment industry. She made her acting debut in Only the Brave (2006), a war drama, and has since worked in various television productions such as 9-1-1, Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television, and Good Trouble.
In addition to her live-action roles, she has contributed her voice to the English dub of the hit Korean Netflix series All of Us Are Dead, playing the role of Lee Na Yeon.
Beyond acting, Kumagai has also explored production, starring in and producing the 2023 action-comedy short Happy Mart.
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Her talents extend into martial arts as well—she holds a 1st-degree black belt in Taekwondo, showcasing her versatility both on and off-screen.
How Daniel Henney and Ru Kumagai Met?
The couple’s love story began in an unassuming way—at a restaurant where Kumagai was working as a hostess.
Henney, who frequently dined there, noticed that she was always engrossed in a book. Intrigued by her passion for reading, he struck up a conversation, asking her about literature.
As it turned out, Kumagai had never read the works of Haruki Murakami, Henney’s favorite author. Wanting to share something important to him, he gifted her a collection of Murakami’s books. This simple yet meaningful gesture became the foundation of their friendship.
Over time, their casual conversations about literature grew into something deeper. Henney fondly recalled,
“She was always reading. And my favorite author is Haruki Murakami. So I asked her, ‘Do you know Murakami?’ and she went, ‘No.’ So she read all the books. And little by little like that, we got to know each other. Then she would sit with me when I would eat at the restaurant and talk. It started like that. Very innocently.”
Facing Challenges in the Public Eye
Rumors about their relationship first surfaced in 2018, with speculation running wild in the media. At the time, both Henney and Kumagai denied any romantic involvement, insisting they were just friends.
Henney later admitted that while he had developed feelings for Kumagai, the intense public scrutiny made her uncomfortable. The overwhelming attention led Kumagai to step back, putting distance between them.
Despite this, their friendship remained intact. Over time, as they continued to spend time together, their relationship naturally evolved from a deep friendship into romance.
Marriage & Life as a Married Couple
After years of building a strong foundation, Henney and Kumagai tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in October 2023, surrounded only by their closest family members. Henney’s agency, Echo Global Group, officially announced the news, stating:
“Daniel Henney has met someone whom he wants to spend the rest of his life with, and so he has decided to bear the fruit of those emotions through marriage.”
The couple later shared moments from their honeymoon in Paris, giving fans a glimpse into their new life as husband and wife. They posted romantic sunset photos, affectionate videos, and heartwarming captions, reflecting the joy of their union.
Shared Passions & Life Together
One of the key aspects that brought Henney and Kumagai even closer was their mutual love for animals, particularly dogs.
Both are passionate about animal welfare and frequently share their experiences with their pets on social media.
Kumagai volunteers with Bark Therapy Dogs, a nonprofit organization that pairs children with dogs to encourage reading.
The couple’s deep affection for their furry companions was evident when they shared heartbreaking news about the passing of their beloved dog, Roscoe. In a touching tribute, they wrote:
“He taught us about life through endless sweetness, tail wags, and paw shakes. The house is quieter now without his footsteps. But we will forever remember him as our little water baby, expert cuddler, and the ‘President of the Good Boy Club.'”
Their shared love for animals and their dedication to creating a warm, loving home has been a strong pillar in their relationship.
Daniel Henney’s Thoughts on His Wife & Their Relationship
Since marrying Kumagai, Henney has openly expressed how deeply he values their relationship.
He has often referred to her as his “better half” and his life partner, speaking with admiration and love. In one interview, he shared:
“My wife, Ru, is wonderful. She’s my life partner. She is much more my better half than me.”
Despite their busy schedules in the entertainment industry, the couple finds joy in the simplest moments together. Henney described their ideal day, saying:
“Our best days are like, on a Sunday. We watch a movie, get a pizza, and just lie on the couch together. That’s the best.”
This emphasis on shared experiences and quality time reflects the deep connection they have nurtured over the years.
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A Love Story Built on Friendship and Patience
Daniel Henney and Ru Kumagai’s relationship is a testament to the power of patience, understanding, and true companionship. What started as a simple conversation over books turned into a lasting love that endured media scrutiny and personal challenges.
Their journey from friendship to marriage is a beautiful reminder that the strongest relationships are often built on mutual respect, shared values, and the ability to grow together.
Through all the highs and lows, Henney and Kumagai have found comfort and happiness in each other—proving that sometimes, love develops in the most unexpected yet natural ways.
