Heo Nam Jun Says He “Laughed for a While” After Dating Rumor With Co-Star Hong Yi Seol

South Korean actor Heo Nam Jun has addressed a rapidly circulating dating rumor involving his My Royal Nemesis co-star, Hong Yi Seol. In an interview following the drama’s finale, the breakout performer said the speculation caught him off guard—so much so that he initially found it funny, while also reflecting on how the attention he’s been receiving has increased since the show’s success.

Rumor sparks surprise—and laughter

According to Koreaboo, the rumor emerged alongside heightened interest in Heo Nam Jun after his recent rise in popularity. When asked about the report, the actor reportedly responded with humor rather than defensiveness, saying, “I laughed for a while.” He added that he never expected to be linked romantically with a close friend, describing the situation as “really funny” and “fascinating.”

Heo Nam Jun also indicated that his reaction was shaped by the sheer unexpectedness of the claim. He reportedly said he didn’t know articles would come out and that the rumor prompted him to realize how easily mainstream attention can attach itself to entertainers—especially when they’re suddenly in the spotlight.

Career momentum tied to “My Royal Nemesis”

For Heo Nam Jun, the rumor lands at a key moment in his career. My Royal Nemesis, a drama released through the SBS-Netflix partnership, has propelled him further into public consciousness. In the series, he plays two roles: Cha Se Gye, a chaebol character, and Lee Hyun, the younger brother of Joseon’s King Anjong and the Grand Prince Cheonghyeon. His dual casting and performance helped create a strong fan response, according to coverage of the show’s growing reach.

As the drama’s popularity rose, Heo Nam Jun’s visibility increased beyond the usual fanbase. The report also notes that he recently ranked No. 1 in drama actor brand reputation rankings published by the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute. That kind of ranking often reflects broader public interest—covering online mentions, engagement, and media attention—which may help explain why personal rumors can quickly gain traction when an actor’s name is everywhere.

“I’m someone who gets dating rumors now?”

In the interview, Heo Nam Jun suggested that the rumor made him recognize a shift in how the public perceives him. He reportedly described a sense of disbelief at being categorized as someone who receives dating speculation.

He also said the attention feels tangible in everyday interactions. He reportedly mentioned that people recognize him more often now and that he has been receiving messages from acquaintances and others who hadn’t reached out previously. In other words, the actor’s rise has not only boosted his popularity—it has changed the intensity and frequency of how the public engages with him.

That context may be part of why he framed the rumor with laughter: he appears to have viewed it as an extension of his newly expanded “digital footprint,” rather than as something that reflects his actual personal life.

What this says about modern celebrity scrutiny

Dating rumors involving co-stars are a familiar feature of entertainment coverage in South Korea, but Heo Nam Jun’s comments highlight a common dynamic: when performers become more visible, even ordinary relationships or friendships can be reinterpreted by media and audiences. In this case, the rumor involved two actors from the same production, meaning their on-screen chemistry and shared publicity could easily be translated into speculation off-screen.

Heo Nam Jun’s reaction also underscores how performers sometimes use light or measured language to avoid escalating rumors. By saying he laughed first and acknowledging the surprise of seeing such stories appear, he both addresses the claim and reduces its emotional impact—without making the conversation more combustible than it already is.

What happens next

For now, the rumor appears to be generating attention primarily because of the timing: it coincides with a career boost tied to a major Netflix-linked drama. As long as My Royal Nemesis continues to be discussed and rewatched, the cast’s public profiles are likely to remain high, keeping the rumor cycle alive.

In the near term, fans and media will likely watch for follow-up comments from both Heo Nam Jun and Hong Yi Seol—either direct responses or signals that could clarify whether the speculation will fade as promotional cycles end. More broadly, Heo Nam Jun’s next projects may also determine how much attention he receives: sustained success often means sustained scrutiny, and the actor appears to be learning that reality in real time.