5 Korean star couples who burned bright but broke up too soon: Jisoo and Ahn Bo-hyun to Lee Jae-wook and Karina

Some romances are just too good to last, and K-celeb love stories have a knack for proving it. From the sparks of Lee Min-ho and Bae Suzy to the whirlwind chemistry of Jisoo and Ahn Bo Hyun, these couples had fans shipping them. But just as quickly as they stole hearts, these relationships fizzled out. Years on, fans still hope for reunions and reconciliations of sorts.

Sigh, if it weren't for busy, hectic schedules. Back in 2015, Dispatch broke the news that Bae Suzy and Lee Min-ho were dating, and JYP Entertainment quickly confirmed the romance. The K-media frenzy followed them on multiple cute dates, from club exits in Shinsadong to overlapping photoshoot trips in London, where Suzy insisted it was just casual drives and meals, not a secret love fest. Min-ho reportedly did all the chasing, and Suzy gushed about his warm, caring nature during Miss A’s comeback showcase. Fans even speculated over a wedding-ring sighting in 2016. Sadly, after three years of bliss, the couple called it quits in November 2017. It felt too soon for fans, who wished for them to be together for longer.

It was one of the biggest talking points in 2023: Blackpink's Jisoo dating Ahn Bo-hyun. Fans were deeply impressed, among other things, that she decided to confirm it before speculation rose. Things were sweet and overwhelming for a while, with fans reporting how he would drive to her house and bring take-outs, and even carry her bags. Unfortunately, three months later, they confirmed their break-up.

Min-ho again. Back in the early 2000s, this caused much heartbreak. The reasons given were simple. With Min-ho jetting off for overseas projects and Min-young deep in Glorious Jane, quality couple time was scarce. The romance quietly fizzled, kept under wraps to avoid awkward agency drama. The distance became obvious when they showed up at separate year-end award shows.

This was brutal.

Aespa’s Karina and actor Lee Jae Wook broke up in 2024, just five weeks after going public. Their romance, which had sparked controversy with a 'dating apology,' reportedly ended due to the mental strain from the constant barrage of online hate. C-JeS Studio confirmed that Jae-wook chose to focus on his filming, and both remained supportive colleagues.

Nam Joo-hyuk and Lee Sung-kyung first met as models, but their romance sparked in 2016 while starring as leads in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo. Their on-screen chemistry had fans shipping them instantly. By 2017, the couple confirmed they were dating, only to break up in August the same year due to hectic schedules. Fast forward to 2022, rumours of a reunion surfaced after fans spotted them in matching outfits, though neither confirmed it. Despite the ups and downs, their brief romance remains one of K-drama’s most beloved fan-favourite relationships.