Lee Jung-jae, the Emmy Award-winning star of Netflix’s global phenomenon “Squid Game,” has fascinated audiences worldwide with his compelling portrayal of Seong Gi-hun. While his professional achievements continue to soar, fans remain equally curious about the 52-year-old actor’s personal life and romantic relationships. The South Korean actor has been in a committed relationship with Lim Se-ryung, a prominent business heiress, since 2015.
Their relationship represents one of South Korea’s most high-profile celebrity-business elite pairings, combining the entertainment industry’s glamour with corporate dynasty prestige. Lim Se-ryung, currently 47 years old, serves as the vice-chairwoman of Daesang Group, one of South Korea’s largest food conglomerates. She is also notably the ex-wife of Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, making her connection to Lee Jung-jae a subject of significant media attention.
The couple’s decade-long relationship has weathered public scrutiny while maintaining a relatively private approach to their romance. Despite their high-profile status, both Lee Jung-jae and Lim Se-ryung have consistently chosen discretion over publicity when it comes to their personal lives. Their relationship timeline spans from initial friendship in the mid-2000s to their current status as one of South Korea’s most enduring celebrity couples, demonstrating remarkable stability in an industry known for fleeting romances.
The Beginning of Their Romance
Lee Jung-jae and Lim Se-ryung (via Getty)
Lee Jung-jae and Lim Se-ryung’s love story began as a friendship that gradually blossomed into romance over several years. The couple first met in 2005 through mutual friends, but at that time, Lim was married to Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong. Their initial connection remained platonic due to Lim’s marital status, with both maintaining appropriate boundaries during this period.
Following Lim’s divorce from Lee Jae-yong in 2009, rumors about a potential romantic relationship between Lee Jung-jae and Lim Se-ryung began circulating in 2010. However, both parties and Lee’s representatives consistently denied these early rumors, maintaining that they were merely close friends supporting each other through difficult times.
The transition from friendship to romance occurred gradually and carefully. In January 2015, Lee Jung-jae officially confirmed their romantic relationship through his agency, C-Jes Entertainment. The actor stated, “Our friendship only recently developed into something beyond friendship,” marking the official beginning of their public relationship. This confirmation came after years of speculation and careful consideration of the potential impact on both their careers and personal lives.
Lim Se-ryung’s Background and Career
Lim Se-ryung brings impressive credentials to the relationship as a successful businesswoman in her own right. She serves as the vice-chairwoman of Daesang Group, a major South Korean food conglomerate, and is the eldest daughter of Lim Chang-wook, who served as the company’s honorary president. Her position within one of South Korea’s largest corporations demonstrates her significant influence in the business world.
Her previous marriage to Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong lasted from 1998 to 2009, during which she was part of one of South Korea’s most powerful business dynasties. The marriage produced two children, whom she continues to raise following their divorce. This aspect of her life has influenced how she and Lee Jung-jae approach their relationship, with both being mindful of maintaining privacy to protect her children.
Lim’s business acumen and corporate leadership role make her a formidable figure in South Korea’s business. Her involvement with Daesang Group extends beyond ceremonial duties, as she actively participates in the company’s strategic decisions and operations. This professional success has earned her respect within business circles and contributes to the power couple dynamic she shares with Lee Jung-jae.
Public Appearances and Relationship Milestones
Lee Jung-jae and Lim Se-ryung (via Getty)
Despite their preference for privacy, Lee Jung-jae and Lim Se-ryung have made several notable public appearances together over the years. One of their most significant joint appearances occurred at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2022, where Lee Jung-jae received the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series award for his role in “Squid Game.” Lim’s presence at this career-defining moment demonstrated their mutual support and commitment.
The couple has also been spotted at various high-profile cultural events, including the 2019 LACMA Art + Film Gala in Los Angeles and the 7th Art Basel Hong Kong Art Market. These appearances showcase their shared interests in art and culture while maintaining their sophisticated public image.
More recently, the couple was photographed vacationing together in St. Barts in the Caribbean during the year-end holidays. These vacation photos, showing them relaxing on the beach, provided rare glimpses into their private moments together. The images depicted Lee Jung-jae taking photos of Lim Se-ryung, highlighting the affectionate and supportive nature of their relationship.
Maintaining Privacy and Handling Media Attention
One of the most remarkable aspects of Lee Jung-jae and Lim Se-ryung’s relationship is their consistent approach to maintaining privacy while under intense media scrutiny. Lee’s agency has repeatedly emphasized their desire to protect Lim’s family, particularly her two children from her previous marriage, from unnecessary media attention.
The couple’s strategy involves selective public appearances at significant events while avoiding extensive social media exposure or frequent paparazzi encounters. This approach has allowed them to maintain a sense of normalcy in their relationship despite their high-profile status. Lee Jung-jae has been particularly protective of their privacy, often declining to discuss personal details in interviews and focusing instead on his professional work.
Their handling of media attention reflects a mature understanding of the balance required between public life and personal relationships. By setting clear boundaries and maintaining consistency in their approach, they have successfully preserved the integrity of their relationship while fulfilling their public obligations as prominent figures in South Korean society.
Current Relationship Status and Future Prospects
Lee Jung-jae (Image via Getty)
As of 2025, Lee Jung-jae and Lim Se-ryung continue their relationship with the same commitment and discretion that has characterized their decade together. While they are not married, their long-term partnership demonstrates remarkable stability in an industry where relationships often face significant challenges.
The couple’s relationship has endured various pressures, including intense media scrutiny, demanding career obligations, and the complexities of blending their different professional worlds. Their ability to maintain their bond while respecting each other’s individual achievements and responsibilities speaks to the strength of their partnership.
Looking forward, their relationship appears to be built on solid foundations of mutual respect, shared values, and genuine affection. While they have not announced any engagement or marriage plans, their continued public appearances together and decade-long commitment suggest a relationship that will likely continue to flourish. Their approach to balancing privacy with public life may serve as a model for other high-profile couples facing similar challenges in the entertainment and business worlds.
John Mayer’s romantic life has been a constant source of fascination for fans and media alike, with the Grammy-winning musician’s dating history reading like a who’s who of Hollywood A-listers. From Taylor Swift to Katy Perry, Jennifer Aniston to Jessica Simpson, the 47-year-old singer-songwriter has been linked to some of the most prominent names in entertainment over the past two decades.
However, recent developments suggest that Mayer’s approach to love and relationships has evolved significantly. The “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” artist has been refreshingly candid about his current single status and his genuine desire to find lasting love. During a live taping of the SmartLess podcast in June 2025, Mayer made headlines by declaring himself single and expressing his readiness for marriage.
This openness marks a stark contrast to his earlier years when controversial interviews about his high-profile relationships earned him a reputation as “Mayer the Player.” Today, the musician appears more introspective and intentional about his romantic pursuits, viewing his celebrity status not as a hindrance but as a valuable “filtration system” for finding the right partner.
As we explore Mayer’s current dating and relationship philosophy, it becomes clear that the artist who once courted controversy is now seeking something far more meaningful: a genuine connection that could lead to marriage and a lasting partnership.
Current Relationship Status: Officially Single
John Mayer (Image via Getty)
John Mayer confirmed his single status during a June 2025 appearance on the SmartLess podcast, where he boldly stated, “I’m a single person. I’m a catch.” This declaration came during a candid discussion with hosts Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes about his dating life and future relationship goals.
The musician’s openness about being unattached represents a significant shift from his more private approach to relationships in recent years. Mayer explained that his celebrity status actually works in his favor when it comes to dating, describing fame as “a very good filtration system of selection of who is right.” He believes that when the right person comes along, the relationship will naturally feel “easy” despite the challenges that come with dating in the public eye.
Interestingly, Mayer has been spotted on occasion with various individuals, including rumored sightings with actress Kiernan Shipka and businesswoman Faryal Ganjehei, though none of these encounters have been confirmed as serious relationships. The musician seems committed to keeping his romantic life more private than in his earlier career, focusing on quality connections rather than public spectacle.
Marriage Goals and Dating Philosophy
Perhaps the most significant revelation from Mayer’s recent interviews is his clear intention to marry. The artist has been unequivocal about his desire for marriage, stating on the SmartLess podcast that he “would not date someone if it didn’t have the upward mobility of becoming a marriage.” This represents a mature evolution in his approach to relationships, where every potential girlfriend is viewed as a potential wife.
Mayer’s marriage aspirations aren’t new – he previously expressed similar sentiments on Kelly Rizzo’s Comfort Food podcast, where he revealed his “reliability kink” and desire to be the person his future wife can depend on. He described his romantic fantasy as being the husband who “will know what to do” in any situation, emphasizing his readiness to take on the responsibilities that come with marriage.
This shift toward serious commitment reflects Mayer’s personal growth and maturity at 47. He’s moved beyond the casual dating phase of his earlier career and is now actively seeking a life partner. The musician has acknowledged that vulnerability is crucial in relationships, describing it as essential and emphasizing the need for more openness in modern dating.
A History of High-Profile Relationships
John Mayer (Image via Getty)
Mayer’s dating history spans over two decades and includes relationships with some of entertainment’s biggest names. His most notable relationships include:
Taylor Swift (2009-2010): Perhaps his most controversial relationship due to their 13-year age gap, with Swift being 19 and Mayer 32 at the time. The relationship inspired Swift’s song “Dear John,” which many interpret as a critique of their romance.
Katy Perry (2012-2016): Mayer’s longest confirmed relationship, spanning four years with several on-and-off periods. The couple even collaborated musically, releasing the duet “Who You Love” about their romance.
Jennifer Aniston (2008-2009): Their year-long relationship made headlines, with Mayer later expressing regret that it didn’t last longer. He famously told Playboy that he would “always be sorry that it didn’t last.”
Jessica Simpson (2006-2007): Their relationship became tabloid fodder, particularly after Mayer’s infamous “sexual napalm” comment in a Playboy interview.
Other notable connections include Jennifer Love Hewitt, Minka Kelly, and various models and actresses throughout his career. Each relationship contributed to his reputation as a serial dater, though Mayer has since acknowledged the mistakes he made in discussing these relationships publicly.
Learning from Past Mistakes
Mayer has been remarkably candid about the errors he made during his earlier relationships, particularly regarding his tendency to discuss private matters in public interviews. The musician has acknowledged that he “started to invent my own grenade” through his controversial statements about ex-girlfriends.
Today, Mayer approaches relationships with greater maturity and discretion. He’s learned the importance of keeping private matters private and has developed a more thoughtful approach to both dating and public communication. This evolution is evident in his current dating philosophy, which prioritizes genuine connection over public attention.
The Future of John Mayer’s Love Life
John Mayer (Image via Getty)
As John Mayer continues his search for lasting love, his approach appears more grounded and intentional than ever before. At 47, he’s clear about what he wants: a meaningful relationship that leads to marriage with someone who can navigate the unique challenges of dating a celebrity.
The musician’s journey from “Mayer the Player” to a man seeking genuine partnership reflects broader themes of personal growth and maturity. As he continues to evolve both personally and professionally, fans and observers alike will undoubtedly continue watching to see who might capture the heart of this reformed romantic.
