K-Drama 'Wonderful World' Romance Rumors, Hits 10.5% Rating

Dating rumors have emerged between Heo Nam-jun, a lead actor in the SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Brave New World,' and model-turned-actress Hong Yi-seol. Speculation that Heo Nam-jun is dating Hong Yi-seol spread primarily through online communities, but Hong Yi-seol directly denied the dating rumors.

Hong Yi-seol stated on her social media, "The actor mentioned is just a good colleague with whom I became close while taking classes together in college. The dating rumors are completely untrue." She added, "The dating rumors and drama-related stories currently circulating are all false, so you don't need to worry," requesting that further speculation cease. Heo Nam-jun's side has not released a separate statement.

The dating rumors gained more traction as the relationship between the lead actor and a supporting actor in 'Brave New World,' where Hong Yi-seol appeared as a secretary, became known. Heo Nam-jun (born 1993) and Hong Yi-seol (born 1997) are alumni of Sungkyunkwan University's Department of Acting and Arts. The dating rumors surfaced as 'Brave New World' recorded a peak viewership rating of 10.5%.

Meanwhile, in the 12th episode of 'Brave New World,' a twist was revealed: Shin Seo-ri (played by Im Ji-yeon) was the 'real Shin Seo-ri' whose soul had been swapped over a decade ago. As the romance between Cha Se-gye (Heo Nam-jun) and Shin Seo-ri unfolded, Cha Dal-su (Yoon Joo-sang) woke up and sided with Choi Moon-do (Jang Seung-jo), adding tension to the drama.

Scenes implying Shin Seo-ri's imminent return to Joseon appeared consecutively. Geum Bosal (Oh Min-ae) witnessed Seo-ri in Joseon through a vision and received warnings from her spirit in a dream, indicating ominous signs. Seo-ri realized she was the 'real Shin Seo-ri' and confessed to Cha Se-gye that she had to return to him, foreshadowing their separation.