Jeon Hyun-moo, a popular South Korean television host, has stirred up romance rumors with a 20-year-younger announcer, Hong Joo-yeon, on the latest episode of KBS2TV's 'The Boss Has Donkey Ears.'
On the episode aired on the 22nd, Jeon Hyun-moo returned to KBS after 14 years and reunited with Hong Joo-yeon, who was previously linked to him in a romantic rumor.
During the show, Jeon shared 'Grand Prize Commemorative Rice Cakes' he personally prepared, creating a warm atmosphere with his colleagues.
The mood shifted when Jeon met Hong Joo-yeon. Seeing her after a long time, Jeon warmly greeted her with a big smile, asking, "Did the broadcast go well?"
Hong Joo-yeon noticed a wound on Jeon's arm and expressed concern, saying, "Are you okay?" This prompted laughter from the onlookers, with Um Ji-in teasing, "Only Joo-yeon noticed the wound," highlighting the chemistry between the two.
Jeon, with a shy smile, offered Hong Joo-yeon three rice cakes, saying, "You get three because you're special," further fueling the romantic speculation. He later clarified, "I gave more because of our past connection," bringing laughter to the set.
Previously, Jeon Hyun-moo addressed the dating rumors with Hong Joo-yeon on 'Problematic Men,' mentioning, "Park Myung-soo talked about wedding dates and 'The Return of Superman,' which led to many articles. I didn't do anything, yet I got criticized. But it helped my junior's name get out there. When I asked Joo-yeon if she was okay, she said she was fine. I thought if she's okay, then it's good for her to get known, even through noise marketing."
Jeon, who has had two public relationships, mentioned his last relationship was about three years ago. He publicly dated broadcaster Lee Hye-sung, with whom he broke up in early 2022. Regarding frequent dating rumors, Jeon commented, "It seems people find it entertaining. Among entertainers, I'm one of the few unmarried ones, so I guess that's why."
Na-yeon Jo, Ten Asia Reporter nybluebook@tenasia.co.kr