Honestly, the world of K-drama dating usually feels like a spy novel. You’ve got secret meetups, tinted windows, and agencies issuing "we're checking" statements that take forever. But then you have Lee Chae-min and Ryu Da-in.
They basically broke the script.
Instead of hiding in the shadows of Gangnam, they just... walked down the street. In broad daylight. While Lee Chae-min carried her bag. It was so normal it almost felt like a scene from a drama itself, except there were no camera crews, just a few lucky fans with smartphones.
How It All Actually Started
If you're a fan of Crash Course in Romance, you know these two as Jang Dan-ji and Lee Seon-jae. In the show, they were just classmates. Seon-jae was busy pining after someone else, and Dan-ji was the supportive best friend.
Behind the scenes? Different story.
They met on that set in 2023. While their characters were navigating the high-stress world of Korean private education, Chae-min and Da-in were apparently building a real-life foundation. They’re both born in 2000, so that "same-age friend" energy probably made things a lot easier.
📖 Related: Brandi Love Explained: Why the Businesswoman and Adult Icon Still Matters in 2026
Fast forward to March 2024. A video goes viral. It shows a tall guy putting his jacket over a girl's shoulders and carrying her purse near Tongin Market. It took about five seconds for netizens to realize the outfits matched exactly what the two had posted on their Instagrams that same day.
The Agency Response That Surprised Everyone
Usually, when a rookie actor gets caught dating, the agency panics. They worry about the "boyfriend image" or "girlfriend image" being ruined.
Not this time.
GOLDMEDALIST (his agency) and Aground (hers) didn't dodge the question. They confirmed it almost immediately. They basically said: Yeah, they started as colleagues and now they have positive feelings. It was refreshing. No weird excuses about "just being close friends who happen to hold hands."
Why They Are the "Unprecedented" Rookie Couple
Most actors wait until they are A-list stars to go public—or they get forced into it by a Dispatch report. Lee Chae-min and Ryu Da-in chose a different path. They are part of a new generation that seems to care less about the "mysterious" idol-like image and more about just living their lives.
👉 See also: Melania Trump Wedding Photos: What Most People Get Wrong
Ryu Da-in even talked about it in interviews. She admitted she tried to hide—wearing masks and glasses—but she’s naturally a free spirit. She told reporters, "I didn't think there would be so much interest."
That’s the thing about these two. They aren't trying to make their relationship a "concept."
- The Couple Rings: In late 2025, fans spotted them wearing matching silver bands. Chae-min was seen with his at the wrap party for his drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty.
- The Support: When Ryu Da-in faced some weird online trolling recently, Chae-min didn't hide. He was spotted taking her out for pancakes at a restaurant, where he reportedly grilled the food for her himself.
- The "Lovestagram" Controversy: People tried to call them out for posting similar birthday cake photos (both turned 25 in September 2025). Chae-min just laughed it off in an interview, saying it wasn't a calculated move—it was just his life.
Navigating Fame and a Relationship in 2026
It hasn't been all sunshine. As Lee Chae-min’s career exploded—especially with his lead role as the crown prince in Bon Appétit, Your Majesty and his stint on Music Bank—the spotlight got harsher.
Some fans complained that his public relationship "ruined the immersion" of his on-screen romances. It’s a classic K-drama fan argument. If we know he has a girlfriend, can we really believe he’s in love with his co-star?
Chae-min’s take on this is actually pretty mature. He’s said that being in a public relationship actually motivates him to work harder. He wants to prove that his personal life and his acting skills are two separate things. He wants you to see the character, not the boyfriend.
✨ Don't miss: Erika Kirk Married Before: What Really Happened With the Rumors
What’s Next for the Power Couple?
The "MZ Couple," as the Korean media likes to call them, is staying busy.
- Lee Chae-min has solidified himself as a top-tier leading man. His brand reputation rankings have been hitting number one, and he’s moved over to Varo Entertainment (joining the likes of Byeon Woo-seok).
- Ryu Da-in is carving out a niche for herself as a versatile actress. After her intense role in Pyramid Game, she’s been prepping for a new SBS drama called Awakening.
They recently celebrated their one-year anniversary of being "public," and despite the occasional malicious comment, they seem stronger than ever. They still go on movie dates to support their old Crash Course co-stars like Roh Yoon-seo. They still sign autographs side-by-side at restaurants in Sinsa-dong.
The Takeaway for Fans
If you’re looking for the "secret" to why they work, it’s basically just honesty.
In an industry that often feels manufactured, Lee Chae-min and Ryu Da-in are surprisingly grounded. They aren't hiding, but they aren't selling their relationship for clout either. They’re just two twenty-somethings who met at work and decided they liked each other.
If you want to keep up with them without the drama, follow their official projects. Chae-min’s growth from a "rookie with potential" to a legitimate ratings king is the real story here, and Ryu Da-in’s ability to pick complex, gritty roles shows she’s not just "someone’s girlfriend"—she’s a powerhouse in her own right.
Watch their early work in Crash Course in Romance to see where the spark started. Then, check out Pyramid Game and Bon Appétit, Your Majesty to see how much they’ve grown since that first walk through the market. Support them by respecting their privacy when they aren't on screen, and focus on the talent that brought them together in the first place.