Kang Kyun-sung (강균성), a member of the South Korean vocal group Noel, is preparing to marry actress Yoo Ha-jin (유하진), who is 14 years his junior. The couple reconnected through mutual friends in February of this year, and their relationship quickly progressed, leading to a decision to marry after just eight months. Kang recently revealed the details of his proposal on a TV program, sharing that he had surprised his girlfriend by pretending she had a “brand sponsorship” to get her hair and makeup done at a salon. He then presented her with a handwritten love letter and a ring, a thoughtful arrangement that impressed the show's guests.
In a recent episode of the MBN and Channel S variety show “No Plan” (무계획), hosts Jun Hyun-moo, Kwak Tube, and Kim Jang-hoon traveled to Gyeongju with Kang Kyun-sung to visit hidden local restaurants. Upon arriving and being seated, Jun Hyun-moo immediately turned the conversation to Kang’s impending marriage, asking, “Kyun-sung, what’s going on?”
Kang revealed that he and his fiancée, Yoo Ha-jin, had several opportunities to date nine years ago. However, the age difference between them at the time made him hesitant, preventing their relationship from developing further. It wasn't until February of this year, when they reconnected through a mutual friend, that sparks flew again, ultimately leading them to decide to spend their lives together.
Discussing the proposal, Kang stated that he had officially proposed to his girlfriend just a few weeks prior. Kim Jang-hoon, curious, asked, “How do young people propose these days?” Kang then shared his plan, explaining that he wanted his fiancée to look her best for this precious memory, so he designed a special surprise.
He first told Yoo Ha-jin that she had a “brand sponsorship” to experience styling services, then took her to a salon for a complete hair and makeup transformation. Once everything was ready, Kang presented a handwritten love letter, reading it to his girlfriend before finally giving her the ring, officially completing the proposal. He described the entire process as being like a small wedding, full of ceremony, hoping to create an unforgettable memory for her. Jun Hyun-moo nodded repeatedly, exclaiming, “I learned something new today.”
Kang had actually announced the happy news himself on his personal Instagram in August, writing, “I have met a precious person with whom I want to spend my life.” He also expressed gratitude to his fans, stating, “To ‘Noelbit’ (Noel빛), my fans, who have always supported me and been with me during important moments in my life, thank you very much.” He concluded by asking fans to give the couple their warm blessings.
Noel debuted in 2002 under JYP Entertainment, consisting of four members: Lee Sang-gon, Jeon Woo-sung, Na Sung-ho, and Kang Kyun-sung. The group gained recognition with their debut album, Catching You. In 2004, they released their second album, New Beginning, which featured the beloved classic song “Proposal,” a popular choice for many weddings and one of the group’s signature tracks.
In 2006, Noel temporarily halted group activities as members began their mandatory military service. They made a comeback in 2011 after all four members signed with ITM Entertainment, releasing the album Missing You. Its title track topped major Korean music charts, once again showcasing their talent. In 2015, they further boosted their popularity by singing an original soundtrack for the hit K-drama Reply 1988.
The bride-to-be, Yoo Ha-jin, was born in 1995, making her 14 years younger than Kang Kyun-sung, who was born in 1981. She debuted in 2019 through the MBC K-drama One Spring Night, and has since appeared in works such as Welcome 2 Life, Fly Dragon, and Destined With You, steadily building her acting experience and recognition.
In addition to her drama roles, Yoo Ha-jin has also appeared in films like Turn: The Street and Body Collection.zip. She has also worked as an advertising model for Incheon International Airport Terminal 2, as well as for beauty, gaming, and water purifier brands. As her acting career continues to grow, her public profile has steadily increased. Now, as she prepares to marry Kang Kyun-sung, their relationship and the details of their proposal have garnered significant public attention.
