When it comes to unforgettable April Fools’ Day moments in Korean entertainment, few top the jaw-dropping dating reveal of “The Glory” stars Lim Ji-yeon and Lee Do-hyun.
A Love Story Revealed on April Fools’ Day
Back on April 1, 2023, Dispatch shook the industry with the headline, “Lee Do-hyun and Lim Ji-yeon – A Couple So Unreal, It Feels Like a Joke.”
Accompanied by intimate photos from a date during Korea’s freezing winter, the article described the scene, “It was -17.3°C on January 25, but their winter was warm, softer than most years. They didn’t care how cold it was outside. All they felt was peace and warmth.”
At the time, the news seemed too surreal to believe. Both stars had just wrapped up “The Glory Season 2,” which aired only a month prior. Interestingly, the two barely had scenes together in the drama, and there were no visible signs of chemistry at press events or behind the scenes. So when the dating news broke, the public genuinely thought it might be an elaborate April Fools’ prank.
Instead, it became one of the most talked-about real-life love stories in K-drama history.
The confirmation immediately elevated Lim Ji-yeon from supporting villain to headline star, with fans playfully joking she had “outshined even Song Hye-kyo.” And while Lee Do-hyun later enlisted in the military, the couple maintained their relationship, making the most of his leave days to reunite and support each other.
From On-Screen Breakout to Real-Life Power Couple
In “The Glory,” Lee Do-hyun’s character falls for Song Hye-kyo’s, while Lim Ji-yeon plays the story’s ruthless antagonist. Despite limited screen time together, fans later uncovered subtle “hints” of off-screen chemistry that had gone unnoticed until the dating news broke.
The drama wasn’t just a love catalyst, it was career-defining for both. Lee Do-hyun skyrocketed in popularity, becoming a household name across Asia with his blend of strong acting chops and leading-man visuals. He cemented his status as one of K-drama’s most promising actors from the 1990s-born generation.
As for Lim Ji-yeon, “The Glory” marked a turning point. After years of being typecast in provocative roles, she broke through with a multifaceted performance that transformed her image entirely. No longer just the “queen of steamy scenes,” she emerged as a respected A-list actress, continuing to lead impressive projects across both film and television.
Now, two years later, their names still trend every April 1, proof that some love stories, even the ones revealed on April Fools’ Day, are very real indeed.