Hyeri and Ryu Jun-yeol's 8-Year Romance: From Reply 1988 to Real-Life Breakup
The captivating love story between South Korean celebrities Hyeri and Ryu Jun-yeol began on the set of the beloved K-drama Reply 1988 and spanned eight years before concluding in 2023. Their journey from co-stars to real-life partners fulfilled fans' dreams for their on-screen characters, Sung Deok-sun and Kim Jung-hwan, who tragically missed their chance at romance in the series.
The Beginning: A Connection Forged on Set
Hyeri and Ryu Jun-yeol first crossed paths in October 2015 during the initial script reading sessions for Reply 1988. Playing childhood friends and neighbors with unrequited love, their chemistry quickly became evident both on and off screen. By December 2015, playful social media exchanges between the two had fans speculating about a potential romance, with Ryu commenting on Hyeri's Instagram posts and referencing her character Duk Sun.
As the drama concluded in January 2016, both actors spoke fondly of their bond. Ryu revealed in an interview that Hyeri cried extensively during their final scenes together, feeling as though she was saying goodbye to Junghwan forever. He also expressed his desire to work with Hyeri again, hinting at their growing closeness.
Public Appearances and Official Confirmation
The couple continued to make public appearances together throughout 2016, including at the Reply 1988 gratitude concert in March and the tvN10 Awards in October, where they both won awards for their roles. Their affectionate interactions, including embraces and holding hands on stage, fueled dating rumors that would later be confirmed.
In August 2017, both DreamT Entertainment (representing Hyeri) and C-JeS Entertainment (representing Ryu Jun-yeol) officially confirmed the actors were in a relationship. Their statement revealed the pair had developed their friendship into romance and were dating happily. Paparazzi photos published around the same time showed the couple on discreet dates by Sukchon Lake and visiting each other's apartments.
The Relationship Dynamic and Challenges
During a November 2019 press conference for her film Miss Lee, Hyeri described their relationship as happy despite busy schedules, noting she saw Ryu as often as she saw her Girl's Day band members. However, she expressed concern that her relationship was overshadowing her acting career in interviews.
By June 2021, breakup rumors began circulating, but the couple was spotted together at a Room Escape cafe, dispelling speculation. Their relationship appeared stable until November 2023, when both agencies confirmed they had ended their eight-year romance. The breakup came as a surprise to fans who had followed their journey from Reply 1988 to real-life partners.
Post-Breakup Controversy
The story took a dramatic turn in March 2024 when Ryu Jun-yeol was spotted on vacation in Hawaii with actress Han So-hee, just four months after his breakup with Hyeri. This led to accusations of Hwanseung yeonae (transit love) from netizens, suggesting Ryu had moved on too quickly.
Hyeri responded by unfollowing Ryu on social media and posting cryptic messages, including tropical palm trees with the caption This is funny. Han So-hee initially denied the relationship but later confirmed on her personal blog that she was dating Ryu, insisting their emotional connection began only after his breakup with Hyeri was finalized.
The controversy escalated into a public spat between the two actresses, culminating in Hyeri issuing a public apology on March 18, 2024. In her statement, she acknowledged the speculation caused by her emotional reactions and clarified that she and Ryu had not communicated since their breakup. The relationship between Ryu Jun-yeol and Han So-hee ended just two weeks later, adding another layer to this complex celebrity saga.
Legacy of a K-Drama Romance
Hyeri and Ryu Jun-yeol's relationship remains one of the most memorable celebrity romances in South Korean entertainment history. Their journey from co-stars on a hit drama to real-life partners captured the imagination of fans worldwide, proving that sometimes fiction can indeed become reality. While their love story ultimately ended, the eight years they shared created lasting memories for both the couple and their devoted followers.
The timeline of their relationship serves as a testament to how on-screen chemistry can translate into genuine connection, while also highlighting the challenges of maintaining privacy and navigating public scrutiny in the celebrity world. Their story continues to be discussed among K-drama enthusiasts as a prime example of how art and life can intertwine in unexpected ways.
