Son Ye-jin, one of South Korea’s most beloved actresses, is happily married to fellow actor Hyun Bin, creating one of K-drama’s most celebrated real-life love stories. The couple, affectionately known as “BinJin” by fans worldwide, transformed their on-screen chemistry into a genuine romance that has audiences globally.
Their relationship status is definitively settled – Son Ye-jin is not dating anyone new because she’s been married to Hyun Bin since March 31, 2022. The couple welcomed their first child, a son nicknamed “Alkong,” in November 2022, making them a complete family unit. Their love story reads like a K-drama script itself, beginning with professional collaboration and blossoming into one of the entertainment industry’s most enduring partnerships.
What makes their relationship particularly special is how it developed naturally over time, spanning multiple projects and years of friendship before romance took root. Son Ye-jin has been refreshingly open about why she chose Hyun Bin as her life partner, describing him as someone who changed her perspective on love and marriage entirely. Their journey from co-stars to soulmates represents a modern fairy tale that resonates with fans who watched their fictional characters fall in love on screen, only to discover that real life was mirroring art in the most beautiful way possible.
The Beginning: From The Negotiation to Crash Landing on Love
Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin (Image via Getty)
Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin’s romantic journey began in 2018 when they first worked together on the action-thriller film “The Negotiation”. While their professional chemistry was evident during filming, it was the promotional period that gave fans their first glimpse of something deeper brewing between the two actors. During press conferences and interviews, their friendly interactions and mutual respect suggested a connection that extended beyond mere professionalism.
The foundation of their relationship was built on genuine friendship and professional admiration. Hyun Bin has shared that their love story didn’t have a specific starting point, explaining that “while working on the project, we had countless conversations and even after that, kept in touch”. This organic development of their relationship, without pressure or forced romantic timing, became a cornerstone of their eventual success as a couple.
Their collaboration on “The Negotiation” proved to be just the beginning. The film’s success, crossing the million-viewer mark within a week of its 2018 release, provided them with opportunities to celebrate together, including spending Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) in each other’s company. These shared professional victories and personal moments laid the groundwork for what would become one of Korea’s most beloved celebrity relationships.
Crash Landing on You: When Fiction Became Reality
During the filming of “Crash Landing on You,” their on-screen chemistry as Captain Ri Jeong Hyuk and Yoon Se Ri translated into genuine feelings off-camera. The show’s global success meant they spent extensive time together, allowing their friendship to deepen into something more meaningful. Hyun Bin had previously expressed to Esquire Korea in 2019 that he hoped to work with Son Ye-jin again, poetically stating that he “wished to breathe the same air as her”.
The drama’s impact on their relationship cannot be overstated. It was during this period that they began dating in March 2020, though they kept their relationship private for nearly a year. Son Ye-jin has described Hyun Bin as her “first love,” making their relationship particularly significant in her personal history. The show’s themes of destiny and unexpected love seemed to mirror their own experience, creating a beautiful parallel between their fictional and real-life narratives.
Going Public: The 2021 Relationship Confirmation
Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin (Image via Getty)
On New Year’s Day 2021, the entertainment world was shaken when Dispatch, a Korean media outlet known for revealing celebrity relationships, confirmed that Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin were indeed dating. Both their agencies, VAST Entertainment and MSTeam Entertainment, quickly confirmed the relationship, stating that the couple had been together since March 2020.
Son Ye-jin took to Instagram with a characteristically poetic approach to confirming their relationship. She posted a photo of a beautiful bouquet with a heartfelt caption expressing gratitude for having “met a good person” and promising to “tend to the relationship with care.” This public acknowledgment marked a significant moment for both stars, who had previously kept their personal lives extremely private.
The confirmation was met with overwhelming support from fans worldwide, who had been shipping the “BinJin” couple since their “Crash Landing on You” days. Their relationship announcement became one of the most celebrated celebrity news stories in Korean entertainment history, with fans expressing joy that their favorite on-screen couple had found love in real life.
Marriage and Family Life: Building Their Forever
The next chapter in their love story unfolded on February 10, 2022, when both Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin announced their engagement through heartfelt social media posts. Son Ye-jin shared a photo of a tiny wedding dress with the caption: “I found someone to spend the rest of my life with. Yes… it’s him”.
Their wedding ceremony took place on March 31, 2022, at Aston House, Walkerhill Hotel in Seoul. The event, dubbed the “Wedding of the Century” by media outlets, was attended by numerous top Korean stars, including Gong Yoo, Jang Dong Gun, Lee Min Jung, and Park Hyung Sik. The couple chose to keep the ceremony intimate and private, focusing on celebrating with close family and friends.
In June 2022, Son Ye-jin announced her pregnancy, and the couple welcomed their first child, a son, on November 27, 2022. Hyun Bin has spoken fondly about fatherhood, sharing that he enjoys taking their son to playgrounds and reading him bedtime stories. The actor has also revealed that becoming a father has completely transformed his perspective on life, stating that his son and Son Ye-jin have become the center of his world.
Why Son Ye-jin Chose Hyun Bin: A Love Built on Respect
Son Ye-jin has been remarkably open about what attracted her to Hyun Bin and why she ultimately chose to marry him. During a talk show event at the 28th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, she explained that while she wasn’t particularly fond of dating within the entertainment industry, “there is such a thing as destiny”.
She described Hyun Bin as “like an old-school scholar, upright and rational” and praised his straightforward, trustworthy nature. “He’s not someone who sugarcoats things or tries to present himself in a certain way. He’s very straightforward and trustworthy,” she explained, adding with a laugh, “He’s handsome and tall”.
Hyun Bin has reciprocated these sentiments, sharing that before meeting Son Ye-jin, he had never seriously considered marriage. He admitted that “settling down wasn’t something he had planned for or even thought about much,” but everything changed once he fell in love with her. This mutual transformation and growth in their relationship has been a key factor in their successful partnership.
Current Relationship Status: Addressing Recent Rumors
Son Ye-jin (Image via Getty)
As of 2025, Son Ye-jin remains happily married to Hyun Bin, despite occasional rumors and speculation about their relationship. In March 2023, divorce rumors circulated on social media, but Hyun Bin’s agency VAST Entertainment quickly and firmly denied these claims, calling them “baseless” and “fake news”.
More recently, in May 2025, some outlets reported on supposed marital difficulties, but these appear to be unsubstantiated rumors rather than verified information. The couple continues to maintain their privacy while occasionally sharing glimpses of their family life through social media and public appearances.
Their relationship remains strong, built on mutual respect, shared professional understanding, and genuine love. Hyun Bin has spoken about the unique dynamic of being married to someone in the same industry, noting that “the biggest benefit is that we understand everything without having to explain it in detail”. This professional compatibility, combined with their personal connection, continues to be the foundation of their successful marriage.
Isabela Merced, the talented actress who has audiences from her Nickelodeon days to her recent breakout role in HBO’s “The Last of Us,” has always been relatively open about her personal life and relationships. Born Isabela Yolanda Moner on July 10, 2001, the 23-year-old Cleveland native has evolved from a teen star into a mature actress taking on complex dramatic roles. As she continues to gain prominence in Hollywood with upcoming projects like “Superman,” where she’ll play Hawkgirl, fans are increasingly curious about her romantic life and dating history.
The actress, who changed her stage name from Isabela Moner to Isabela Merced in 2019 to honor her late grandmother, has experienced significant personal growth alongside her professional success. Her journey of self-discovery has been particularly evident in recent interviews where she’s discussed her identity and relationships with remarkable candor. From her early days dating fellow Nickelodeon stars to her recent confirmation of her queer identity, Merced’s love life reflects the authentic and evolving person she’s become.
Currently, Merced appears to be focusing on her flourishing career while her personal life is with the same thoughtfulness she brings to her acting roles. Her openness about her sexuality and past relationships has resonated with fans who appreciate her authenticity in an industry often characterized by carefully managed public personas.
Current Relationship Status
Isabela Merced (Image via Getty)
Is Isabela Merced Single in 2025?
As of 2025, Isabela Merced appears to be single and not publicly dating anyone. The actress has maintained a relatively private approach to her current romantic life, with no confirmed relationships or public appearances with romantic partners in recent months. According to multiple sources, Merced is either single or keeping any potential relationship extremely private.
Her social media presence and recent interviews suggest she’s primarily focused on her career, particularly with her starring role in “The Last of Us” season two and her upcoming appearance in the DC Universe’s “Superman” film. The lack of paparazzi photos or social media posts featuring romantic partners further supports the indication that she’s currently unattached.
Dating History and Past Relationships
Jace Norman (2016)
Isabela Merced’s most publicized relationship was with fellow Nickelodeon star Jace Norman, known for his role in “Henry Danger”. The young couple dated from April to November 2016, during the height of both their Nickelodeon careers. Norman was notably open about their relationship at the time, telling Teen.com that he wanted to share his life authentically with fans rather than hide his relationship.
“I know some people are more private on Instagram, but it’s my life and I want to share it and be real,” Norman explained about their relationship. The couple’s romance was well-documented on social media, though it ultimately ended after about six months. Given their young ages at the time, the relationship was likely not particularly serious, serving more as a learning experience for both young stars.
Dylan Summerall (2017)
Following her relationship with Norman, Merced was briefly linked to Dylan Summerall in 2017. While this connection was less publicized than her previous relationship, it generated buzz among fans when photos of the pair surfaced on social media. However, this relationship appears to have been short-lived and less serious than her previous romance.
Kiana (2021-2023)
One of Merced’s more significant relationships was with a graphic designer named Kiana, which lasted from approximately June 2021 to January 2023. This relationship marked an important period in Merced’s personal development, as it coincided with her growing comfort in discussing her queer identity publicly. Photos of the couple went viral on social media platforms, showing them in affectionate moments that suggested a serious relationship.
The relationship with Kiana appears to have ended quietly, with Merced choosing not to discuss the breakup publicly. This discretion reflects her mature approach to handling personal matters while maintaining her public career.
LGBTQ+ Identity and Coming Out
Isabela Merced (Image via Getty)
Embracing Her Queer Identity
In 2025, Isabela Merced publicly confirmed her queer identity while discussing her role in “The Last of Us”. Speaking to Variety about filming intimate scenes with co-star Bella Ramsey, Merced revealed that both actresses brought personal experience to their roles. “We both have experience in queer relationships — you can just tell when a girl hasn’t kissed a girl before. You can just feel it,” she explained.
Merced has described herself as having “been queer my whole life” and has “been in queer relationships”. Her openness about her sexuality has been particularly meaningful given her role as Dina in “The Last of Us,” where she portrays Ellie’s love interest in a prominent sapphic storyline.
Impact on Her Career and Representation
The actress has spoken about how her queer identity has influenced her approach to representing LGBTQ+ characters on screen. She credits Emily Estefan with motivating her “to live her truth” and aims to “do her part” for the queer community in American popular culture. Her Catholic upbringing initially created challenges, as she describes being “closeted out of being complicit” and suppressing her queerness to adapt to her environment.
Personal Growth and Future Outlook
Isabela Merced (Image via Getty)
Focus on Career and Self-Development
Currently, Merced appears to be prioritizing her career growth and personal development over romantic relationships. With major projects like “The Last of Us” season two and the upcoming “Superman” film, she’s at a pivotal point in her career that demands significant focus and dedication.
The actress has been open about her struggles with anxiety and her journey toward self-acceptance. She’s spoken about turning to her dogs for emotional support and the importance of therapy in managing her mental health. This focus on personal wellness suggests a mature approach to balancing her professional and personal life.
Relationship Philosophy
Merced’s approach to relationships appears to have evolved significantly since her teenage years. Her willingness to discuss her queer identity openly, combined with her discretion about current romantic interests, suggests she’s found a balance between authenticity and privacy. She’s demonstrated that she values genuine connections over public relationships for publicity purposes.
Isabela Merced’s dating life reflects her journey from a teenage Nickelodeon star to a mature actress comfortable with her identity and sexuality. While she appears to be single as of 2025, her past relationships and openness about her queer identity have shown fans an authentic person love and career in the public eye. Her focus on meaningful representation in her work, combined with her personal growth, suggests that when she does enter her next relationship, it will likely be with someone who appreciates both her professional ambitions and personal authenticity.
As Merced continues to take on challenging roles and expand her career, fans can expect her to maintain the same thoughtful approach to her personal life that has characterized her recent years. Whether single or in a relationship, she’s demonstrated that her happiness and professional fulfillment remain her top priorities.
