Actor Lee Jung-jin Opens Up About International Dating Experience on 'Groom Class 2'

Actor Lee Jung-jin (47) has shared his experiences with international dating.

On the 9th, Channel A's 'Groom Class 2' (produced by Bae Han-soo and Lim Jung-kyu) aired its fourth episode, featuring Lee Jung-jin, a student from season 1, making a surprise return to the show and going on a new blind date.

The 'returning student' Lee Jung-jin continued his solitary life at his countryside home. During this time, he received a call from his 'close friend,' hanbok creator Kim Sa-daham. Kim reminded Lee of his upcoming blind date, asking, "Are you prepared for the date?" Lee only knew that his date was 175cm tall and named Pyo Shin-hye, as informed by the 'matchmaker' Kim Sa-daham, before heading to the meeting place.

While waiting leisurely at a traditional tea house in Yangpyeong, Lee was taken aback when Pyo Shin-hye arrived. He was surprised to find that his date was a blonde Caucasian woman. With a Barbie doll-like appearance, Pyo Shin-hye introduced herself, saying, "I'm from Canada, and my real name is Sydney, but I use the name 'Shin-hye' because it sounds similar in Korean." She added, "I've been living in Korea for about eight and a half years, and I'm currently working as an English listening test voice actor, English teacher, and model in Seoul."

Impressed by Pyo Shin-hye's fluent Korean, Lee remarked, "You seem to speak Korean better than I do." Pyo Shin-hye, who ordered traditional tea and yakgwa, expressed her fondness for black garlic, ginseng, and red ginseng, creating a sense of familiarity. She then asked Lee if he had ever dated a Western woman. Lee revealed that he had dated women from Brazil and France, indicating his openness to international relationships. Amidst a budding romantic atmosphere, the two discussed various topics, including their preferences for Korean food and communication frequency in relationships, building mutual affection.

As the atmosphere warmed, Lee guided 'Korean food lover' Pyo Shin-hye to a dining course that catered to her tastes. At a nearby mountain restaurant, he ordered 'sotddukkeong dakbokkeumtang' (spicy braised chicken). The 'studio mentor group,' including Lee Seung-chul, Tak Jae-hoon, and Song Hae-na, expressed concern, saying, "(Dakbokkeumtang) might not be the best choice for a blind date." Pyo Shin-hye also felt slightly awkward, commenting, "It seems like we're dressed too formally," but she eagerly enjoyed the meal with plastic gloves, much to Lee's delight.

Notably, Lee, known for his usually reserved demeanor, surprised everyone by showing a more relaxed side, offering an apron and sharing chicken drumsticks, transforming into a considerate 'gentleman.' The two continued to bond over their shared 'ajumma taste' for dishes like hong-eo samhap, agwi-jjim, and sannakji. Towards the end of the date, Lee asked, "Is there anything you'd like to do with me?" to which Pyo Shin-hye replied affirmatively, hinting at an exciting 'after' meeting.

By Kim Se-ah, TenAsia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr