Fans caught Ahn Bo-hyun and Lee Joo-bin trading playful banter on a variety show preview just before Spring Fever dropped. He described his direct dating style, while she called him a guy who handles everything with ease. Their hand-holding moment and laughs about friends probing if they date sent social media into overdrive.
Acquaintances kept asking Lee Joo-bin if Ahn Bo-hyun lives up to the hype, and she fielded constant “are you two a thing” questions. Ahn Bo-hyun admitted seeing her daily on set sparked similar chats among his circle. This easy rapport mirrors their roles perfectly, where opposites crash together in a rural village.
Production teams released script readings back in November 2025, showing the pair already clicking during table reads.
Directed by Park Won-gook of Marry My Husband fame, the show adapts a hit web novel by Baek Min-a about heartbreak recovery and fresh starts. Viewers now binge episodes, spotting those real sparks amid scripted ones.
Lee Joo-bin shared how Ahn Bo-hyun’s energy kept shooting light, even through long night scenes. He praised her quick adaptability, turning tense moments into fun memories. Fan edits mash their interviews with drama clips, racking up millions of views on TikTok and YouTube.
On-Screen Clash That Hooks Millions
Yoon Bom arrives in Shinsu-eup as a guarded high school teacher after a Seoul heartbreak, keeping everyone at arm’s length.
Seon Jae-gyu, an energy company CEO raising his nephew, storms her world with unpredictable energy and hidden kindness. Their first office encounter freezes the room, his bold stare cutting through her walls.
Stills capture Jae-gyu bursts into the school, shocking Bom, PE teacher Jung Jin-hyuk, and the principal. Bom eyes him warily, intimidated yet drawn in, setting up a tango of tension and thaw. Episode 2 ramps it up with an intimate dance embrace, pushing ratings to 4.6 percent nationwide.
The 12-episode run airs Mondays and Tuesdays on tvN at 8:50 p.m. KST, pulling over 1 million viewers for the opener at 4.8 percent share.
Ahn Bo-hyun and Lee Joo-bin (Credit: BBC)
Prime Video streams it globally, blending quirky village antics with emotional depth on healing and connection. Supporting cast like Cha Seo-won as elite lawyer Choi Yi-joon adds layers to the rom-com mix.
IMDb users rate it 8.5 early on, praising the balanced pacing, visuals, and effortless lead chemistry. One review highlights how humor meets heart without forcing it, letting prejudice melt into empathy. Episodes build from awkward meets to heartfelt opens, with Bom softening under Jae-gyu’s persistent warmth.
Flashbacks reveal Bom’s past betrayal, explaining her icy shell, while Jae-gyu’s family duties show his softer side early. Village festivals force proximity, sparking mishaps like a rain-soaked chase that cements their bond. Critics note the script’s smart twists keep tropes fresh.
Village Chaos to Viral Sensation
Shinsu-eup turns upside down as Jae-gyu’s antics rattle locals, from nephew Han-gyeol’s school life to Bom’s routine lessons. Bom’s tough exterior hides vulnerability, while Jae-gyu’s rough look conceals gold-hearted care. Their push-pull dynamic delivers laughs, flutters, and tears in equal measure.
Recent stills show them shaking the peaceful spot, hearts racing even in photos. Off-script vibes amplify this, with Ahn Bo-hyun’s rom-com shift after Yumi’s Cells pairing smoothly with Lee Joo-bin’s lively turns from The Divorce Insurance. Friends’ teasing about daily hangs only amps fan theories.
By January 8, episodes 1-2 mix quirky romance and fantasy elements, per global recaps. Ratings hold strong into week two, positioning Spring Fever as tvN’s 2026 kickoff hit. As Bom opens up and Jae-gyu persists, watchers root for the melt that feels all too real.
Ahn Bo-hyun bulked up for the CEO role, channeling rugged charm that contrasts his past pretty-boy parts. Lee Joo-bin nailed Bom’s guarded glares, drawing from personal growth stories she mentioned in the press. Set in lush Chuncheon, cinematography boosts the springtime renewal theme.
Global fans flood X with #SpringFeverChemistry, sharing theories on real romance. Dramabeans recaps praise episode 3’s confession tease, calling it peak slow-burn. With OST drops like a duet ballad climbing charts, the hype shows no signs of cooling.
Red Velvet’s Joy and Crush have kept fans guessing since their agencies confirmed the romance back in August 2021. The pair connected during their 2020 collaboration on the track Mayday, where Crush praised Joy’s unique voice as irreplaceable.
Sports Chosun first reported the news, and both SM Entertainment and P NATION verified they started as industry friends before feelings grew mutual.
Busy K-pop schedules often spark speculation for couples like them. Joy balances group activities, solo releases like her recent Conditions of Love for a film soundtrack, and acting gigs, while Crush tours and drops music under P NATION.
No official 2026 breakup announcement exists, but online forums light up with theories whenever one tweaks their Instagram.
Wedding Spotlight Proves Rumors Wrong Again
Crush’s appearance at Joy’s younger sister’s October 2025 wedding became the latest nail in the coffin for split talk. An attendee shared how he stepped up to perform the congratulatory song, showing full support for his girlfriend’s family amid the ceremony.
This moment hit social media hard, with Pinkvilla and Filmfare calling it proof that the couple remains solid after four years.
Fans had buzzed about a possible end in late 2025, pointing to Joy unfollowing Crush on Instagram earlier that year.
Joy (Red Velvet) and Crush (Credit: CNN)
Yet the wedding story flipped the script. Online communities spread eyewitness accounts of Crush blending into the event, singing warmly and sticking close to Joy.
This fits their pattern of low-key affection, like past sightings of them dining out or Joy waiting through Crush’s military service rumors. Agencies stayed silent on the photo drama, but fans split between relief and skepticism.
Fan Reactions Split Between Cheers and Shade
ReVeluvs, Joy’s dedicated fans, often cheer her choices, recalling how they backed the 2021 reveal despite industry norms.
Crush faced heat for past remarks seen as flippant about idol dating challenges, turning some supporters sour. By 2026, YouTube recaps lump their drama into “shocking scandals,” keeping the narrative alive even without facts.
This divide highlights K-pop’s double standards. Couples face scrutiny over privacy, yet public gestures like the wedding invite backlash or praise. Joy addressed fans directly post-2021 confirmation, asking for understanding, which built loyalty among many. Social platforms amplify extremes, from conspiracy posts to defense squads.
Low-Key Love in K-Pop’s High-Stakes World
Joy and Crush model rare stability in an industry quick to judge personal lives. Their Mayday collab sparked a friendship that turned romantic, confirmed publicly when most idols hide away. No kids, no leaked fights, just steady support like Crush at family events or shared dog love stories.
2026 rumors likely stem from silence, as both focus on careers without a couple of content. Joy’s film OST release in November 2025 nodded to her partner indirectly, per OSEN reports.
Crush keeps performing, with no solo updates signaling a change. Fans track every like or follow, but real proof comes from actions like that wedding song.
Pressure mounts as Red Velvet eyes comebacks and Crush builds his sound. Past date videos, like one showing them grilling meat together, quelled earlier doubts. Their approach prioritizes real life over feeds, earning respect from those tired of manufactured drama.
Experts note K-pop couples thrive by ignoring noise. Agencies confirm only when pressed, letting time sort truth. Joy and Crush will hit five years strong by early 2026, outlasting flashier pairs. Fan bases evolve too, with more calling for space amid toxic speculation.
This resilience defines them. Wedding attendees praised Crush’s humility, and Joy’s calm presence spoke volumes. As 2026 unfolds, expect more music over mess, proving quiet bonds beat loud rumors every time.
