Lee Yong-dae (37), legendary former national badminton player, and Yoon Chae-kyung (29), actress and ex-member of girl group April, have been making waves with reports of their romance. According to a media report on November 19, the couple has been in a committed relationship for about a year, overcoming an eight-year age gap. They have openly introduced each other as significant others to friends, sparking public fascination with this crossover of sports and entertainment celebrities.
Lee Yong-dae’s celebrated career and personal life
Lee Yong-dae is celebrated as a living legend of South Korean badminton. He won gold in mixed doubles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, creating the “Wink Boy” phenomenon. His accolades include a bronze medal in men’s doubles at the 2012 London Olympics and gold in men’s team event at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games. Now a playing coach for Yonex badminton team, Lee has been expanding his career into broadcasting. He is confirmed to appear in MBN’s new sports variety show “Spike War,” debuting on November 30, showcasing his challenges outside badminton.
Yoon Chae-kyung’s evolving career
Yoon Chae-kyung began her career in the 2012 girl group Purity and gained recognition through multiple survival reality shows like “Kara Project” and “Produce 101.” She joined project groups C.I.V.A and I.B.I from popular shows and later became a member of April in 2017. Since April disbanded in 2022, Yoon transitioned to acting, appearing in KBS2’s “Goryeo Khitan War” and TV Chosun’s “Confidence Man KR,” earning praise for her stable acting. After her contract ended in April, Yoon signed exclusively with PA Entertainment recently, preparing for a new chapter in her acting career.
Official responses to dating reports
Yoon Chae-kyung’s agency PA Entertainment stated they cannot confirm the relationship due to privacy reasons. Yonex, Lee Yong-dae’s current team, has also not issued any comments. Public attention remains high as this romantic news brings together two beloved figures from Korea’s sports and entertainment scenes.
