Actress Han Ji Min criticized for dating 10-year-younger singer

South Korean actress Han Ji Min. Photo from Han's Instagram

According to Nate, the revelation of the two’s relationship was made by Han’s management company BH Entertainment on Thursday. The news has triggered widespread negative reactions from the public.

Social media users have compared Han to the "female version of [South Korean actor] Lee Seung Gi," referencing Lee’s own familial controversies involving his mother-in-law’s conviction for fraud.

Many expressed disappointment, with comments such as: "It’s terrible, Han Ji Min could do much better."

Choi’s father, a 65-year-old executive in the construction industry, was found guilty of fraud and sentenced in 2022 to three years in prison by a South Korean court. Reports by local media indicated that he was accused of failing to fulfill commitments related to a real estate project, resulting in his trial and conviction.

South Korean singer Choi Jung Hoon. Photo from Choi's Instagram

The statement from BH Entertainment detailed that Han and Choi met while working on the South Korean broadcaster KBS’ music talk show "The Seasons," where they developed romantic feelings. Prior to the statement, photos of the couple at a café were released by the South Korean news outlet Dispatch, with a source noting that their dates often occurred near Choi’s recording studio.

Han disclosed her admiration for Jannabi—where Choi is the lead singer—in August last year during her guest appearance on one of their tracks. This mutual interest reportedly sparked their romance despite the age gap.

This marks the first public relationship for Han since she began her career in the entertainment industry.

Han first gained notable public attention from her roles in the 2003 TV series "All In" and "Dae Jang Geum." Her portfolio also includes prominent roles in "Cain and Abel," "Rooftop Prince," and "The Light in Your Eyes."

Choi debuted in 2014 with Jannabi and has pursued a solo career as a singer and TV personality since 2018.