K-Drama Actress’s Career Decline Triggers Debate Following Public Romance With Emerging Actor
Ryu Da In is facing controversy over career backlash after going public with boyfriend Lee Chae Min.
The controversy began when a viral post questioned why Ryu Da In’s career seemingly stalled after revealing their relationship, while Lee Chae Min’s career kept climbing.
The post pointed out that Ryu Da In’s last project was Pyramid Game in 2024, before their dating news came out. Since then, she’s reportedly seen no new projects, deals, or magazine covers.
Meanwhile, Lee Chae Min has been busy with dramas, promos, ads, brand deals, and magazine features.
The writer slammed Ryu Da In’s agency, asking, “What is her agency even doing? It feels like she’s getting punished for confirming her relationship as a rookie.”
“I think Ryu Da In’s case is a typical example of the imbalance and inequality in the Korean entertainment industry.
why does it seem like her relationship with Lee Chae Min seem to be affecting her only and not her boyfriend?
Her last project was Pyramid Game in 2024 which was before her relationship was announced. Since her relationship was made public, it feels like she has not been treated fairly in terms of opportunities, no casting news, no deals, no covers while while Lee Chae Min has appeared in several dramas, promos, adverts, brand deals, and magazine covers. What is her agency even doing? It feels like she’s getting punished for confirming her relationship as a rookie. It doesn’t make sense, especially since she is very talented.”
— kdramahotgists
Fans quickly jumped in debating if female celebrities still face harsher consequences for dating than their male co-stars.
Some agreed, pointing out a pattern of punishing women in the industry.
“south korea will punish women for having relationships while patting men on the back for being predators”
— ???? ♡ (@yashuxin) May 29, 2026
Others pushed back, saying career differences might be unrelated to the relationship.
“That and she also does not match their beauty standard. They just got an excuse to ignore her”
— Myma (@mymarsite) May 29, 2026
“i dnt understand this. what does her not having the same career progression as him got to do with their relationship when she wasn’t the lead in the show they were in together to begin with? his love interest in that show is actually doing REALLY well if u want a fair comparison”
— sana (@sonobakery) May 29, 2026
As the situation unfolds, this case reignites serious talks about dating, gender expectations, and career fairness in K-entertainment. Fans and insiders alike are watching to see if Ryu Da In’s agency will step up or if this imbalance will continue.