Choi Jin-hyuk (최진혁) and Jung Eun-ji (정은지) became a fan-favorite “screen couple” after their natural chemistry in the 2024 drama “Miss Night and Day” sparked dating rumors. Lee Jung-eun (이정은), who played Jung Eun-ji’s daytime persona in the series, openly encouraged a romance between the two, keeping the buzz alive. Now, dating speculation has resurfaced, with recent program hosts playfully fanning the flames, leading Jung Eun-ji to quickly explain their off-screen interactions.
On the latest episode of SBS’s “My Little Old Boy,” aired on the 30th, singer and actress Jung Eun-ji appeared as a guest. Host Shin Dong-yup (신동엽) immediately steered the conversation toward Choi Jin-hyuk’s mother, jokingly asking, “Shouldn’t you greet your future mother-in-law first when you arrive?” directly addressing the dating rumors.
Shin Dong-yup continued to tease, saying, “Your chemistry with Jin-hyuk is really great, and the ratings were good too. Because your acting was so realistic, everyone misunderstood. You two are like ghosts, completely unnoticed by anyone.” Faced with the hosts’ blatant matchmaking, Jung Eun-ji laughed awkwardly and explained that the dating rumors actually originated from the show “Zzanbro.”
She also revealed that she had contacted Choi Jin-hyuk before recording “My Little Old Boy.” “Yesterday was my birthday, and oppa even sent me a message wishing me a happy birthday and gave me a gift,” she said. This revelation, however, gave the hosts more ammunition. Seo Jang-hoon (서장훈) immediately pressed, “Are you two close enough to remember each other’s birthdays?” Jung Eun-ji quickly clarified, “Chat apps send notifications now!” attempting to emphasize that remembering birthdays didn't signify a special relationship.
As the two hosts continued to tease, Jung Eun-ji eventually revealed that she had told Choi Jin-hyuk beforehand about her appearance on “My Little Old Boy,” and he seemed to have anticipated that their dating rumors would become a topic again. She recounted, “When I told oppa I was going on ‘My Little Old Boy,’ he said he felt like the show would definitely bring up topics about our chemistry and interactions, and he even apologized to me in advance.”
In fact, rumors of their “chemistry” have a precedent. Two years ago, Jung Eun-ji appeared on “Zzanbro” with Choi Jin-hyuk and Lee Jung-eun. During the show, Jung Eun-ji thoughtfully expressed concern for Shin Dong-yup’s health, saying, “I hope sunbaenim stays healthy.” Unexpectedly, Choi Jin-hyuk interjected, “You’re the one who needs to be healthy.” This sudden remark was interpreted by many viewers as a sign of romantic interest, instantly igniting dating rumors. Shin Dong-yup recalled, laughing, “It seems he was concerned about you, right?” Jung Eun-ji immediately laughed back, “Oppa, I’ll take care of my own health,” drawing a clear line, which filled the set with laughter.
At the time, Shin Dong-yup playfully remarked, “These two are definitely flirting right now.” Lee Jung-eun, standing nearby, strongly supported the idea, stating, “I’ve successfully matched many couples, and my intuition is always spot-on. I hope they really do end up together.” Her words instantly heightened the atmosphere. Jung Eun-ji quickly tried to distance herself, laughing, “We won’t be the only couple sunbaenim failed to match, will we?”
After the episode aired, their interactions sparked heated discussions among netizens, with many believing there was indeed strong chemistry between them. Comments included, “Choi Jin-hyuk must really like Eun-ji,” “Their interactions have so much spark,” “Eun-ji is totally a guy’s ideal type,” and “It would be great if they really dated.” Related discussions continue to delight fans to this day.
Furthermore, in a past interview related to “Miss Night and Day,” Choi Jin-hyuk was asked if he genuinely felt a flutter during filming. He responded with a laugh, “I do feel a flutter when acting. When romantic scenes are required, of course, I have to approach it from a male and female perspective. When I’m working, I fully immerse myself in those emotions.” He also praised Jung Eun-ji, saying, “Eun-ji’s focus is also excellent; we complement each other that way.”
Now that the two have appeared together again, the dating rumors have resurfaced. Although Jung Eun-ji has repeatedly clarified their relationship, hosts and fans alike continue to enjoy playing matchmaker, making this on-screen couple, whose connection began through their drama, a focal point of discussion once more.
