Rising Star Responds to Dating Speculation with Co-Star After Gaining Widespread Attention

Heo Nam Jun is hitting back at dating rumors with actress Hong Yi Seol.

The controversy began shortly after his Netflix-SBS K-Drama My Royal Nemesis wrapped up. Fans started speculating about Heo Nam Jun and Hong Yi Seol’s relationship out of nowhere.

Heo Nam Jun refused to take it seriously. In a recent interview, he revealed his honest reaction to the buzz was just laughter.

“I laughed for a while.”
“I never imagined that I would have a dating rumor with that friend. It was really funny. I thought, ‘Wow, we can get linked like this too.’ It was really fascinating.”
— Heo Nam Jun

He admitted he was surprised that the story even made headlines.

“I also thought, ‘I’m someone who gets dating rumors now?’ Honestly, I didn’t know articles would come out and everything.”
— Heo Nam Jun

This rumor surfaced during a big moment in his career. Heo Nam Jun has been gaining major attention for My Royal Nemesis, where he played dual roles as Cha Se Gye and Lee Hyun, a royal prince.

Thanks to the show’s success, he also recently took the No. 1 spot in the drama actor brand reputation rankings from Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute.

Heo Nam Jun said he is definitely feeling the rise in his fame.

“I do feel like people recognize me more often now. I’ve been getting a lot of messages from people around me.”

“I was looking up my own videos and thought I was showing up on the algorithm a lot, but then even people who hadn’t contacted me before started reaching out. That’s when I think I started to feel it a little.”
— Heo Nam Jun

Fans are now digging up his old videos and photos, going wild over his “digital footprint” before his breakout.

The actor is laughing off the rumors but is clearly aware his popularity is quickly growing.

No official statement from Hong Yi Seol yet. We’ll keep monitoring the situation.