Fact Check: Is Im Siwan Dating A Former IZ*ONE Member?

Idol-actor Im Siwan has suddenly been embroiled in a dating rumor with Kang Hye Won, a former member of IZ*ONE, who is currently pursuing an acting career.

Im Siwan | Hancinema Kang Hye Won | Hancinema

On September 28, an online post titled “Suspicions about Actor Im Siwan and Kang Hye Won Dating” caught the attention of online communities. It included a picture of a man and a woman, allegedly the two stars in concern, walking together. Netizens found the difference in their physical proportions endearing.

| Insight

In another photo, the pair can be seen sitting side by side at a BBQ restaurant as they happily sign something for two children.

| Insight

Based on these two pictures, some netizens felt that the rumor about them dating might be true and gave enthusiastic responses supporting the couple.

However, some pointed out that these pictures could well be from a project they might be filming. As it turns out, Im Si Wan and Kang Hye Won have been cast in a series, Boyhood, in the main roles. Some fans stated that the two actors were signing autographs for the child actors in the BBQ restaurant while having a meal with the whole crew during the filming.

The cast of “Boyhood” | Reddit

Meanwhile, Boyhood is the upcoming drama by director Lee Myung Woo, who has created popular shows like Backstreet Rookie and The Fiery Priest. The story is set in 1989 in Chungcheongnam-do. The protagonist is Byung Tae, a lonely boy whose life’s aim is to live without getting bullied. But a strange incident alters the course of his life forever.

Im Si Wan as Byung Tae | Hancinema

The drama is set to be released in the second half of 2023.