Lee Byung Hun and Lee Min Jung, one of South Korea’s most famous celebrity couples, had a love story filled with secrecy, paparazzi chases, and creative tactics to keep their relationship private. Before their lavish 2013 wedding, the couple went to great lengths to avoid media attention while dating. Their clever strategies to escape the paparazzi’s lenses have become a legendary part of their romance.
The Beginning of Their Secret Romance
Lee Byung Hun and Lee Min Jung first met in 2006 when he was already a top Hallyu star, and she was just starting her acting career. They dated briefly but broke up due to their busy schedules. Years later, they reconnected in 2012 and decided to give their relationship another chance. However, this time, they were determined to keep it away from the public eye for as long as possible.
At the time, Lee Byung Hun was a global star, and Lee Min Jung was gaining fame, making them prime targets for paparazzi. The couple knew that if their relationship was exposed too soon, it could attract unwanted attention and pressure.
Their Clever Tricks to Avoid Paparazzi
During an appearance on the show Heart on Wheels, Lee Min Jung shared some of the extreme measures they took to keep their dates secret. She revealed that they often noticed the same cars following them, which they suspected were paparazzi.
“I told my oppa (Lee Byung Hun) to make sure to note down his car number. Since it was hard to meet directly, we would sneak meet at a friend’s house and use a friend’s car to see each other.”
Instead of driving their own cars, they borrowed vehicles from friends to avoid being recognized. They also chose unusual meeting spots, like friends’ homes, instead of typical celebrity date locations like cafes or restaurants.
Lee Min Jung even admitted feeling sorry for the paparazzi who waited for hours outside their homes, only for the couple to slip away unnoticed.
The Moment They Were Finally Caught
Despite their best efforts, the couple’s secret relationship was eventually exposed when photos of them together were leaked to the media. Once their romance became public, they stopped hiding and officially confirmed their relationship in 2012.
Fans were surprised but supportive, admiring their dedication to protecting their privacy. The couple’s creative tactics to avoid the media became a talking point, with many netizens praising their commitment to each other.
“These two look great together. Their love was genuine, and so was their effort.”
“Celebrity romances are different—it’s like a thriller!”
From Secret Dating to a Fairytale Wedding
After going public, Lee Byung Hun and Lee Min Jung’s relationship moved quickly. They announced their engagement in 2013 and tied the knot in a grand ceremony at the Grand Hyatt Seoul on August 10, 2013. The wedding was attended by top Korean stars, including Jang Dong-gun, So Ji-sub, and Ko So-young.
Since then, they have become one of Korea’s most beloved celebrity couples, welcoming two children—a son born in 2015 and a daughter in 2023. Despite past controversies, including a blackmail scandal in 2014, they have remained together, proving their resilience as a couple.
Why Their Story Resonates with Fans
Their love story is not just about glamour but also about the challenges of dating in the spotlight. The extreme lengths they went to in order to protect their privacy show how difficult it can be for celebrities to have normal relationships.
Fans continue to admire their journey—from secret meetups to a strong marriage. Lee Min Jung’s humorous comment on Lee Byung Hun’s Instagram post in 2025, where she joked about using his money to send him a coffee truck, further showed their playful and supportive dynamic.
“Don’t mention it…… Who knows if I used your money to send them? 😂😂😂😂”
Their story remains one of the most entertaining and heartening celebrity romances in K-entertainment history.
Also read: Lee Min Jung’s Funny Comment on Husband Lee Byung Hun’s Instagram Post Goes Viral
Credits: ChosunBiz
