Fans of Choi Jin Hyuk and Jung Eun Ji got a big surprise when dating rumors started swirling. A playful moment on a YouTube show sparked tons of chatter. Now, Choi Jin Hyuk is setting the record straight about what really happened. Here’s the full story behind the rumors, their time on Miss Night and Day, and what they’ve said about their bond.
Fans couldn’t stop talking after a fun exchange between Choi Jin Hyuk and Jung Eun Ji on Shin Dong Yup’s YouTube show, Zzanbro. The two stars, who shined together in the hit drama Miss Night and Day, had everyone guessing about their relationship. A single comment from Choi Jin Hyuk lit up social media, and now he’s explaining it all with a laugh and a blush.
How the Rumors Started
The buzz began back in June 2024 during a Zzanbro episode to promote Miss Night and Day. Choi Jin Hyuk, Jung Eun Ji, and co-star Lee Jung Eun joined host Shin Dong Yup for a lively chat. Things got interesting when Jung Eun Ji shared a sweet wish for Shin Dong Yup’s health.
“I hope you continue this show for another 10 years, and I really hope you stay healthy,” Jung Eun Ji said warmly.
Choi Jin Hyuk, who seemed a bit tipsy, jumped in with a playful reply.
“You stay healthy,” he said to Jung Eun Ji.
Fans went wild over the moment. Many thought it sounded flirty, like something straight out of a romantic drama. The clip spread fast online, and soon people noticed other details. Choi Jin Hyuk later mentioned he’d stopped talking to Jung Eun Ji at times to avoid being “friend-zoned.” That comment had netizens convinced he might have feelings for her.
The rumors grew even more when Lee Jung Eun teased during the show.
“I asked Choi Jin Hyuk what he thought of Eun Ji, and he said they were like brothers. I think he might be hiding his feelings,” Lee Jung Eun said with a smile.
Shin Dong Yup added fuel to the fire.
“I think they might already have something going on. I wish you guys would kiss at the end of this,” he joked.
Fans loved the idea of a real-life romance between the Miss Night and Day stars. Their amazing chemistry on-screen made it easy to imagine something more off-screen.
Choi Jin Hyuk Sets the Record Straight
By August 2024, Choi Jin Hyuk decided to clear things up. In an interview with Xports News, he laughed off the dating rumors and explained his side.
“I kick myself because the rumors aren’t true. I don’t know why I said that,” Choi Jin Hyuk said about his Zzanbro comment.
He admitted the moment was just a slip.
“It was something I didn’t think about before saying it. Shin Dong Yup is a national comedian, so I didn’t think anyone would take it seriously,” he added.
When asked if there was any chance of romance with Jung Eun Ji, he was firm.
“There is no chance. We are like brothers. Eun Ji scolds me a lot. Whenever she says anything, I just apologize. Because we are so close, I didn’t feel there was any romantic interest,” Choi Jin Hyuk said.
He described their bond as friendly and sibling-like. Jung Eun Ji often gives him advice, and he respects her for it. The flirty vibe fans saw? Just a misunderstanding, he said.
The Zzanbro Teaser That Stirred Things Up Again
The rumors popped back up in April 2025 when a teaser for a new Zzanbro episode dropped on April 14. Choi Jin Hyuk appeared with guest Kang Joo Eun, a former Miss Korea. The teaser showed him reflecting on the viral moment from last year.
“I don’t know why I said that. People kept asking if I really meant it,” Choi Jin Hyuk said, looking a bit embarrassed.
Shin Dong Yup couldn’t resist teasing him again.
“Of course you did, you must’ve liked her,” the host said with a grin.
Choi Jin Hyuk laughed it off but stood his ground. He called the moment “drunk flirting” that didn’t mean anything serious. The teaser promised a fun episode full of jokes and candid chats, but it also reminded fans of the old rumors.
Their Chemistry in Miss Night and Day
The dating buzz wasn’t just about Zzanbro. Choi Jin Hyuk and Jung Eun Ji starred together in Miss Night and Day, a romantic comedy that aired on JTBC from June to August 2024. The show was a big hit, reaching a peak viewership of 11.7% for its finale.
In the drama, Jung Eun Ji played Lee Mi Jin, a job seeker in her 20s who mysteriously ages into her 50s every morning, becoming Im Soon (played by Lee Jung Eun). Choi Jin Hyuk played Gye Ji Woong, a prosecutor caught up in Lee Mi Jin’s double life. Their on-screen romance had fans swooning.
Key moments from the show included:
Lee Mi Jin rushing to care for Gye Ji Woong when he caught a cold.
A tipsy Lee Mi Jin trying to kiss Gye Ji Woong, leading to an awkward mix-up.
A heartfelt kiss in episode 12 that sent ratings soaring to 9.4%.
The couple facing a love triangle with Go Won (played by Baek Seo Hoo), who confessed his feelings to Lee Mi Jin.
The story mixed romance, comedy, and a mystery about a serial killer tied to Lee Mi Jin’s missing aunt. In the end, Lee Mi Jin and Gye Ji Woong found happiness together, even as she kept switching between her young and older selves. Fans loved how Choi Jin Hyuk and Jung Eun Ji brought the characters to life.
Off-screen, the two got along great. Choi Jin Hyuk shared that they became close fast, even though Jung Eun Ji is more reserved.
“We got comfortable quickly, even if she’s an introvert. People said we had sibling-like chemistry,” Choi Jin Hyuk said.
He even admitted he dialed back their chats on set to keep their romantic scenes feeling fresh.
Jung Eun Ji’s Side of the Story
Jung Eun Ji also addressed the rumors in her own way. In August 2024, she spoke to Naver and was direct about the dating talk.
“Progress of possible dating with Choi Jin Hyuk? None at all,” Jung Eun Ji said with a laugh.
She focused on their work together, praising the fun vibe on the Miss Night and Day set. Jung Eun Ji said she grew to understand her character Lee Mi Jin better over time and felt proud of the show’s success.
Fans also noticed a separate moment on Zzanbro that caused a stir. Choi Jin Hyuk commented on Jung Eun Ji’s choice of black car seats, saying it showed she didn’t “understand how men feel.” Some fans felt his words were out of touch.
“Why is your car like that?” Choi Jin Hyuk asked.
“It’s just black!” Jung Eun Ji replied.
“That explains why you don’t know how men feel,” Choi Jin Hyuk said.
“It’s the first time hearing someone say this to me,” Jung Eun Ji responded calmly.
Some viewers called Choi Jin Hyuk’s remark outdated, but others saw it as playful banter. Jung Eun Ji handled it with her usual wit, and the moment passed without much drama.
What Fans Are Saying
The rumors sparked all kinds of reactions online. Fans of Miss Night and Day loved imagining a real romance, thanks to the stars’ chemistry. Social media posts showed the excitement:
“Their Zzanbro moment was so cute! I totally shipped them,” one fan wrote.
“That kiss scene in episode 12? I need them to date for real,” another said.
But others backed Choi Jin Hyuk’s explanation.
“He was just joking around. People read too much into it,” a netizen commented.
Some fans even praised Jung Eun Ji for staying cool.
“Eun Ji shut down the rumors so smoothly. Queen behavior,” a supporter said.
The Zzanbro teaser in April 2025 brought the topic back, with new posts popping up.
“Choi Jin Hyuk calling it ‘drunk flirting’ is hilarious. He’s so embarrassed,” a user shared.
Their Bond Today
Despite the rumors, Choi Jin Hyuk and Jung Eun Ji remain friends. They’ve both said their connection is platonic, built on respect and shared work. Choi Jin Hyuk called the Miss Night and Day set one of the best he’s ever been on.
“Out of my entire acting career, this was the filming set with the best atmosphere and vibe,” Choi Jin Hyuk said.
Jung Eun Ji echoed the sentiment, saying she rooted for everyone involved in the show. Their time on Zzanbro and the drama created memories they both cherish, even if fans hoped for more.
The Zzanbro episode airing after the April 14 teaser promises more laughs and maybe a bit more clarity. Choi Jin Hyuk and Kang Joo Eun will share stories, and Shin Dong Yup is sure to keep the mood light.
