For decades, Song Hye Kyo has maintained a reputation as one of South Korea’s most beloved actresses, known for her professionalism, elegance, and relatively scandal-free career. However, an old story involving actor Ryu Seung Bum has recently resurfaced online, reigniting debate among netizens more than 20 years later.
According to Ryu Seung Bum, the incident dates back to 2004 when the two actors worked together on the drama “Sunlight Pours Down.” During an interview in June 2025, the actor unexpectedly brought up what he described as a painful memory from filming.
Ryu Seung Bum claimed that the production originally included a kiss scene between him and Song Hye Kyo, but the actress allegedly refused to film it because she believed he was “unhygienic.”
He explained, “She absolutely refused to film the kiss scene. It seriously hurt my pride. I was so embarrassed that I’m only talking about it now.”
The actor also addressed long-running rumors surrounding his personal hygiene, which had circulated widely during the early years of his career.
“There were rumors saying I rarely showered and didn’t take care of myself, and many people believed them, including Song Hye Kyo,” he said. “But the truth is that I shower often and keep myself very clean.”
Ryu Seung Bum further expressed disappointment over the situation, suggesting that the real reason behind the refusal may have been different.
He stated, “At the time, she had a boyfriend. But blaming it on me being unhygienic felt fake. I wanted to tell her: please stop pretending.”
The remarks quickly attracted attention because it marked one of the rare occasions in Song Hye Kyo’s long career where a former co-star publicly criticized her working attitude or behavior on set.
However, some viewers also questioned Ryu Seung Bum’s explanation. Netizens pointed out that in 2004, Song Hye Kyo was simultaneously gaining massive popularity through “Full House,” where she filmed numerous romantic and kissing scenes with co-star Rain. Because of that, some argued that avoiding kiss scenes solely because she had a boyfriend did not entirely make sense.
Born in 1981, Song Hye Kyo remains one of Korea’s most iconic actresses and is often referred to as an “ageless beauty” and the “Queen of Asian Dramas.” She first entered the entertainment industry as a teenage model before rising to fame through hit dramas such as “Autumn in My Heart” (2000), “Full House” (2004), “That Winter, the Wind Blows” (2013), “Descendants of the Sun” (2016), and “The Glory” (2022–2023).
Thanks to her refined acting style and elegant image, Song Hye Kyo became not only a top Korean celebrity but also one of the most recognizable global Hallyu stars. She is currently considered one of the highest-paid actresses in South Korea, reportedly earning around 60 million won per episode while maintaining numerous luxury endorsement deals.
Song Hye Kyo is also widely recognized as one of the rare actresses who successfully sustained top-tier popularity across three decades. From her breakout years in her late teens to her success throughout her 20s, 30s, and 40s, she consistently delivered projects that became major hits across Asia.
In addition, many fans view her as a symbol of independence and resilience for overcoming various difficult periods throughout her career.
Meanwhile, Ryu Seung Bum, born in 1980, built his reputation as a talented actor known for his unique charisma and natural acting style. He appeared in acclaimed works including “Waikiki Brothers,” “Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance,” “Conduct Zero,” “Crying Fist,” “The Unjust,” “The Berlin File,” and “New World.”
In 2023, he successfully returned to the spotlight through the Disney+ original series “Moving,” marking his first major comeback in four years and reconnecting with audiences across Asia.
Sources: kenh14
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