New Celebrity Couple: Lee Sang Yeob and Gong Hyun Joo

Celebrity couples like to keep their relationship a secret for as long as possible and that's understandable. That way the relationship has a chance to develop without the pressure of public scrutiny. And if the couple breaks up, it's not all over the news.

Actor Lee Sang Yeob and actress Gong Hyun Joo managed to keep their relationship a secret for a long time but they were forced to admit to it recently when a tabloid broke the news.

The actors have known each other for about a year and became friendly when Gong Hyun Joo helped Lee Sang Yeob with his Chinese debut.

"Lee Sang Yeob and Gong Hyun Joo are indeed seeing each other," said a representative from Sidus, Lee Sang Yeob's management agency. "They started out as friends but then it developed into something more. They only recently began dating and were planning to go public with their relationship anyway."

On his fan café, the actor apologized to his fans for keeping his relationship a secret.

"I am sure all of you saw the news," he wrote. "I was also very shocked but the first thing I thought of and the thing that troubled me most was all of you. You have shown me love and support and you should have been the first to know. I am sorry that the news broke out first."

The actor began his career in 2007 by appearing in the KBS drama "A Happy Woman." He played Park Joon Ha in "Nice Guy," then Prince Dongpyung in "Jang Ok Jung." He will soon make his Chinese debut in the film "Former Raiders."

"I am so sorry that I did not think of you first," wrote the actor. "With a repentant attitude I will work harder with my acting and show you a better side of me."

After winning a super model competition in 2001, Gong Hyun Joo focused on her acting career. She is best known for her role in the 2010 drama "You Are My Destiny." When that drama aired in China she became very popular there and is currently working as an emcee of a program that airs in 15 different countries. She also appeared in the dramas "Dummy Mommy," "Golden Bride," "I Came In Search of a Flower," "Wedding" and "All In."

Lee Sang Yeob is currently reviewing drama offers. Gong Hyun Joo is carrying out promotional activities in China.