On October 8, dating reports involving Yoo Seung Ho and Im Se Joo emerged, prompting their respective agencies to confirm that the two had been in a relationship for six years but had recently broken up. The former couple reportedly became acquainted while working together on the 2020 tvN drama Memorist.
The revelation that Yoo Seung Ho had maintained a long-term relationship away from the public eye surprised many fans. At the same time, attention has turned to his previous interviews, in which he explained why he was reluctant to make his romantic relationships public.
During an interview with BizEnter in July 2017, Yoo Seung Ho discussed his dating experiences and admitted that although he wanted to experience different aspects of life as an actor, constant public scrutiny made it difficult for him to behave freely. He explained, “At some point, I started developing an aversion to things being called ‘scandals.’” He added, “I began wondering why news about someone dating should be something people are criticized for.”
Addressing the expectation that celebrities should disclose every aspect of their private lives, Yoo Seung Ho expressed concern about the long-term consequences of publicly revealing a relationship. “I can be open about other things, but there’s no guarantee that I’ll end up marrying the person I’m reported to be dating,” he said. He continued, “Once an article is published, the photos and stories remain on the internet. I think that would be something I’d feel very sorry about toward the person I eventually marry and our children.” His remarks reflected his discomfort with the permanent online record created by celebrity dating reports.
He concluded by acknowledging that people might have different perspectives on the matter, saying, “I suppose it’s a difference in how people see things, but personally, I feel a little uncomfortable with it.” His comments demonstrated his cautious approach to public relationships and his desire to protect both his own privacy and that of a future partner.
In another media interview conducted that same year, Yoo Seung Ho was asked about his romantic experiences. Although he admitted, “It’s not that I have no experience,” he declined to reveal further details, explaining that he preferred to keep those memories to himself.
Meanwhile, Yoo Seung Ho has also attracted attention for his independent approach to major life decisions. In 2013, the former child actor enlisted for active military service at the age of 19, despite being at a particularly successful point in his acting career. More recently, he has embarked on a new creative journey beyond acting by holding his first solo film photography exhibition, Blue Hour, showcasing his passion for photography.
Sources: Naver