Jo In Sung’s First Public Romance

As the star of one of the year's most popular kdramas, "That Winter The Wind Blows," actor Jo In Sung has caused a lot of speculation. Was he dating anyone, fans wondered? Was there any chance that he might date his onscreen romantic partner Song Hye Kyo? They made a beautiful couple.

As it turned out, Jo In Sung has a girlfriend and he has been dating her for a while. Only last week photos were published that showed him out on a date with actress Kim Min Hee. But he was already seeing Kim Min Hee while he filmed those last tearful scenes with onscreen lover Song Hye Kyo. The relationship had been going on for months and the couple has known each other for more than a decade.

Last week Jo In Sung's agency issued a statement confirming that the couple was dating and that their relationship was still in the early stages. So far, they have been unable to spend much time together due to his busy filming schedule. And they have been careful to avoid publicity. Only a few close friends knew that they were dating.

The couple first met when they were both models and then they met again recently at a friend's gathering. They have mutual friends. Her stylist was friendly with singer Kim C, who is friends with Jo In Sung, although Kim C has denied actively being a matchmaker.

An acquaintance that attended the event said, "The couple met at the gathering and since they already knew each other, spent the evening talking comfortably. From there the relationship naturally developed."

Kim is considered a popular if not an A-list actress. She appeared in the dramas "Love Marriage" and "Goodbye Solo." She also appeared in the 2012 mystery film "Helpless," for which she won a Buil award for best actress and the popular 2013 film, "Very Ordinary Couple."

She has had two previous public relationships, first dating actor Lee Jung Ae and then model Lee Soo Hyuk.

Jo In Sung has admitted to dating since his debut but has been careful not to name names. On a variety show, he once named skater Kim Yuna as his ideal woman celebrity, because he admired her resilience. While he was filming "That Winter The Wind Blows," he repeatedly mentioned how beautiful and talented Song Hye Kyo was, so fans hoped they would have a real life romance, but the two remain good friends.

In the statement released by Jo In Sung's IOK agency, a representative said that the couple were starting their relationship on a hopeful note and hoped that fans would wish them well.