Jooyeon’s Candid Confession: Love Over Work?
After School’s Jooyeon, a beloved figure in K-Pop and K-Drama, recently turned heads with her candid confessions on the August 16 episode of SBS’s popular variety show ‘Running Man.’ The former girl group member-turned-actress, who is 39 this year, opened up honestly about her evolving thoughts on dating and relationships, stirring a mix of laughter and speculation among viewers.
The ‘Running Man’ cast embarked on their “Beat the Heat, Scratch-cation” race, searching for unique summer destinations to escape the sweltering heat. Joining the lively crew as guests were Jooyeon, Apink’s powerhouse vocalist Eunji, and rising actress Kim Ji Eun. Each guest brought their own unique charm, with Eunji even treating everyone to an impromptu live performance of her new song, showcasing her undeniable vocal prowess.
During a recent recording, the ever-curious Ji Suk Jin couldn’t resist prying into Jooyeon’s personal life, directly asking her, “Are you in love these days?” Jooyeon’s reply was refreshingly frank and immediately captured attention. “Originally, for me, work always came before love,” she confessed, reflecting a sentiment many career-focused individuals can relate to. “But now I want love to come before work. I want to be in love. I should meet a good man soon. Is there anyone around me?” Her open desire for a meaningful relationship resonated deeply, showing a more vulnerable side to the often-composed actress.
Matchmaking Goes Amiss: Yang Se Chan’s Unexpected Block
Naturally, the quick-witted ‘Running Man’ members were quick to play matchmaker. Their gaze fell upon Yang Se Chan, a regular cast member known for his witty humor and generally good-natured personality. They enthusiastically recommended him to Jooyeon, asserting, “Se Chan is actually a really good man.” The atmosphere was ripe for a potential on-screen romance or at least a playful banter.
However, Jooyeon, with a swift and decisive move, immediately drew a line. Waving her hands in outright refusal, she remarked, “No,” delivering a blow to the budding matchmaking efforts. Her reason? A surprisingly specific one that sent ripples through the set: “I’ve heard about Yang Se Chan’s former idol girlfriend.” This unexpected revelation momentarily stunned the cast and heightened the comedic tension.
The Hilarious Retort and Quick Recovery
The usually unflappable Yang Se Chan, clearly taken aback by Jooyeon’s comment, quickly fired back with a retaliatory quip. “I also know who you’ve dated. Should I talk about it? Let’s see whose story would cause a bigger stir,” he challenged, turning the tables on Jooyeon. The playful yet sharp exchange had the entire cast in stitches, showcasing the unscripted magic of ‘Running Man.’
In a clear attempt to defuse the rapidly escalating (and hilarious) situation, Jooyeon quickly responded, “Let’s both just keep quiet,” drawing even more laughter from everyone present. Her quick thinking and playful capitulation averted a full-blown “tell-all” moment, much to the audience’s entertainment.
Jooyeon’s Past: The Persistent G-Dragon Rumors
This lively discussion about Jooyeon’s dating life naturally brings to mind her past high-profile rumors. For years, Jooyeon has been caught up in dating rumors with none other than BIGBANG’s G-Dragon, with reports surfacing five times over the years. These persistent rumors have always been a hot topic among K-Pop fans. Just last year, G-Dragon’s agency, Galaxy Corporation, directly addressed these rumors, stating, “The dating rumors between G-Dragon and Jooyeon, which have continued to be raised recently, are not true.” Despite the official denials, the speculation often persists, adding another layer of intrigue to Jooyeon’s public persona and her candid comments on ‘Running Man’ about wanting to find love.
