Actor Kim Seung-soo and Yang Jung-ah maintained a romantic relationship for approximately nine months, leading many viewers to hope that the couple would develop into a real relationship and eventually marry. However, it was indirectly revealed that their relationship was primarily for show.
Kim Seung-soo and Yang Jung-ah, both of the same age and close friends for 20 years, appeared on the SBS show “My Ugly Duckling” (commonly known as ‘Miwoo Sae’), where they displayed a peculiar relationship over an extended period. They began appearing on the show in March.
The pair behaved like a couple, even engaging in skinship, such as back hugs, which led the show’s panelists to remark, “Are you sure they’re just friends? This is a vibe beyond friendship,” and “They look completely like a couple. They seem happy. They need to take responsibility.”
In a broadcast last August, Kim Seung-soo was seen holding hands and whispering to Yang Jung-ah, gestures typical of a couple. Later, when asked if he denied dating Yang Jung-ah, Kim Seung-soo admitted he didn’t, surprising Yang Jung-ah.
When asked if he ever considered confessing his feelings to her, Kim Seung-soo confidently said “Yes,” adding there were several instances he pondered on. Yang Jung-ah appeared embarrassed, but Kim Seung-soo’s decision to remain tight-lipped about the details left an air of intrigue.
Many viewers rooted for their relationship to blossom into marriage, especially after Kim’s whispered confessions, which seemed like real love declarations.
However, on a broadcast aired on the 2nd, Kim Seung-soo confessed that he had no friends with whom he could genuinely share his thoughts, nor anyone with whom he kept regular contact. He appeared on a mental health research program where he admitted he had around 2,000 contacts saved in his phone but none he could confide in. This revelation surprised many, given his public persona and onscreen intimacy with Yang.
Kim Seung-soo shared, “Since becoming an adult, I’ve never consulted anyone about my decisions. I’ve made every decision on my own,” adding that showing his vulnerabilities made him feel weak, which he wanted to avoid.
Expressing his struggles, he said, “When someone shares something joyful or sorrowful, I sometimes pretend to empathize without truly feeling it, which makes me question myself and feel bad.”
Despite being touted as an official couple on “Miwoo Sae,” and their seemingly close interactions suggesting marriage was on the horizon, Kim’s admission of having no confidants took viewers by surprise. This led to a wave of sympathy towards Kim, who is seen as suffering from depression, while simultaneously resulting in disappointment as many speculated the romance was for show.