Sometimes all it takes is a curtain, a table, and a well-lit photo to send the internet spiralling into a dating theory. That’s exactly what happened this week when fans began speculating about a possible romance between actress and entertainer Lee Mi-joo and Hanwha Eagles pitcher Lee Jin-young.
It started with Mi-joo’s YouTube video, where she casually gave viewers a glimpse into her stylish home. But sharp-eyed fans didn’t just admire the decor—they matched it. A round table, pendant light, and curtains shown in her video were spotted in a separate photo shared by Lee Jin-young on his social media. The birthday post, innocuous on its own, quickly became a trending topic on online communities and fan forums.
The similarities in the room setup sparked curiosity and online discussions. Was it a coincidence? Or were the two celebrities subtly confirming a relationship through these shared visuals? The theory gained traction quickly.
Netizens Link Baseball and Mi-joo’s Longtime Fandom
The rumour gained further momentum when fans recalled Mi-joo’s history with the Hanwha Eagles. During a 2018 episode of JTBC’s Knowing Bros, she spoke fondly about how she became a fan after throwing the ceremonial first pitch at a game. That one moment, she shared, drew her into the world of baseball.
Fast forward to the present, Mi-joo’s recent YouTube uploads have shown her checking Hanwha game scores and keeping up with their schedule. For many netizens, this was enough to connect the dots. A possible shared space. A clear bias toward the team. And a photo posted on a birthday. The math seemed to add up—for fans at least.
But it wasn’t just casual fans jumping in. Gossip forums, Twitter threads, and community pages began buzzing with timelines, screen captures, and side-by-side comparisons. Some even went as far as analysing angles and furniture placement.
Mi-joo’s Agency Responds Swiftly
On July 25, the speculation was addressed directly. A representative from Antenna, Lee Mi-joo’s agency, released an official statement through Xports News.
“The dating rumours between Lee Mi-joo and Lee Jin-young are groundless. They have never even met each other,” the statement read.
That one line was enough to halt most of the discussions. No vague denial. No ambiguous phrasing. Just a clear and definitive message. According to the agency, there is no connection, romantic or otherwise, between the two.
Still, the internet rarely quiets down easily. Even with official clarification, a portion of fans continued to question how such similar interiors could exist without overlap.
A History of Headlines and Relationship Talk
This isn’t the first time Lee Mi-joo’s personal life has made waves online. In April 2023, she confirmed she was dating footballer Song Bum-keun. The news was well-received, and fans appreciated her honesty. However, the relationship ended after just nine months, and their split was publicly acknowledged earlier this year.
Following that breakup, Mi-joo has largely remained focused on her career. Her appearances on variety shows and YouTube content have been consistent, and she’s also actively promoting brand partnerships and fashion projects.
Given this context, it’s not surprising that fans were quick to attach her to another public figure, especially someone in the sports field whom she has openly admired.
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Social Media’s Role in Rumour Culture
The entire situation is a reminder of how quickly social media can spark relationship rumours. One photo. One video. One coincidence. For celebrities like Mi-joo and Lee Jin-young, even everyday activities can become the subject of public speculation.
Fans are more observant than ever. The trend of “home matching” is not new, with many netizens using interior clues to identify supposed celebrity relationships. This time, a few matching fixtures caused a whirlwind online—even without any direct interaction between the two stars.
While these stories often fade as quickly as they appear, they highlight the thin line between fan interest and privacy invasion.
About the Cast and Web Novel Background
This rumour isn’t connected to any upcoming drama, but Mi-joo herself has been expanding her acting profile in recent years. After transitioning from idol to entertainer, she’s expressed interest in taking on new scripted roles.
Meanwhile, Lee Jin-young continues to be an active player with the Hanwha Eagles, and there has been no sign of media involvement beyond this week’s brief news cycle.
As for the online communities that created this short-lived theory, many have already moved on to other hot topics, proving once again how quickly the cycle of speculation spins.
Dating rumours are nothing new in the world of Korean celebrities, but this particular case shows how even interior design choices can trigger widespread gossip. In the case of Mi-joo and Lee Jin-young, it appears that the facts don’t match the theories.
A matching table does not make a romance, and both stars seem to be continuing their lives independently.
