Ji Ye Eun, known for her role on the variety show "Running Man", candidly revealed details about her relationship with choreographer Vata during a recent episode. Their romance, marked by a slow build and sweet moments, has drawn attention for its resemblance to a scripted K-Drama.
During the show, Ji Ye Eun took the moment to confirm their relationship herself, even offering a light-hearted apology to her longtime "love line" partner, Yang Se Chan. She said, "I'm so sorry, oppa."
According to Star News, Ji Ye Eun described how their relationship began with a two-and-a-half-month "talking stage" before they officially started dating. Despite officially being a couple, she revealed the awkwardness of their early days together. "For nearly three weeks, we couldn't even hold hands," she explained. The turning point came when Vata asked, "Can I hold your hand?" marking their first meaningful physical connection.
Ji Suk Jin, a fellow "Running Man" cast member, added context to the story by recalling how he was unaware of the budding romance happening right under his nose.
He said, "Vata, Ye Eun, and I practiced together, and I put her in a taxi afterward. But I was clearly too oblivious to what was going on between them." Ji Ye Eun poked fun at the Running Man co-star, saying, "Yeah, I did a loop around the block and had the taxi take me back. [Ji Suk Jin] just would not leave first!"
Ji Ye Eun also shared how she once turned her cab around just to spend more time with Vata — a gesture that further illustrates the genuine affection between them.
Separately, the Korea Times reported that Ji Ye Eun and Vata first bonded through church activities and grew close over shared interests before beginning a romantic relationship.
Both born in 1994, the pair had collaborated creatively before officially dating. Ji performed with entertainer Ji Suk-jin at Waterbomb Seoul 2025, while Vata created choreography for their song "Milkshake," signaling a deepening connection behind the scenes.
Ji, a graduate of Korea National University of Arts, debuted in 2017 through the web drama "How To" and has appeared in projects such as "Yellow", "Taste of Cat," and "Acting Class." Her popularity surged after joining SNL Korea on Coupang Play.
Vata is the leader of the dance crew We Dem Boyz, known for viral choreography for K-pop stars including Jennie of BLACKPINK, and rose to fame as runner-up on Mnet's "Street Man Fighter."
The story was covered by Koreaboo, highlighting how Ji Ye Eun's real-life romance features many elements familiar to fans of romantic dramas: slow-burn attraction, hesitant advances, and heartfelt moments.
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