The Secret Matchmaker Who Ignited Son Ye Jin and Hyun Bin’s Romance - ACNFM News

The Unsung Hero Behind Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin's Love Story: Park Kyung Rim’s Unexpected Role

In the world of South Korean entertainment, stories of love and romance often captivate fans, with drama series and movies providing an alluring backdrop for real-life relationships. However, sometimes the tiniest moments — ones unnoticed by many — turn out to be the sparks that ignite the grandest romances. Such is the case for Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin, whose love story, much adored by fans worldwide, may have been gently nudged forward by an unexpected yet significant figure: Park Kyung Rim, a seasoned event host.

On March 12th, 2025, MBC's Radio Star became the stage for a charming mix of guests, including Park Kyung Rim, Sunye Ha Wan, Jung Dong Won, and the show’s co-host, Geng Doe Yon. Among the lively exchanges and humorous anecdotes, Park Kyung Rim shared an extraordinary behind-the-scenes revelation about her involvement in the fairy tale romance between Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin. In an unassuming yet captivating manner, Park revealed that she had, in fact, played an important role in their love story, one that most fans might not have expected.

The Start of a Love Story: A Casual Moment at "The Negotiation" Presentation

The connection between Park Kyung Rim and the now-married couple traces back to 2018, long before the rumors of their romance began circulating. That year, Park hosted a production presentation for The Negotiation, a crime-thriller film starring both Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin. Strikingly, despite their top-billed roles, the two stars never shared a scene together, their characters separated by the intense premise of the film.

While it might seem an unlikely match, Park Kyung Rim, ever the perceptive host, found a way to bridge the gap between the two co-stars. Her witty quip, “Since you couldn’t meet much in the film, let’s make it happen here,” orchestrated a moment where the two actors locked eyes in front of a curious crowd. This brief, tender exchange, though fleeting, would go on to become a cherished relic among fans — a moment they now look back on as the first spark of a love story that would bloom years later.

Reflecting on it now, Park Kyung Rim commented that after their wedding, that particular clip turned into a sacred shrine for fans. What once seemed like a lighthearted comment had become the Genesis of something much bigger — an iconic moment, now immortalized in the hearts of fans as a subtle yet significant turning point in the couple's journey.

A Host Who Became a Matchmaker Without Knowing It

Park’s role in the unfolding love story wasn't planned or scripted. Hosting events had always been her forte, a skill she honed over decades of guiding celebrities through press junkets and fan meetings. Yet, her involvement with Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin's romance took on an entirely different significance as their relationship bloomed in the public eye.

The event at which Park introduced them to each other through that simple eye contact was a professional engagement — a casual, routine moment for her. But for Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin, it was a stepping stone, one that may have quietly nurtured a connection that would later flourish into a lasting bond.

It’s fascinating to think about how a single moment, unplanned and spontaneous, could have such a profound impact. Fans have since dissected that moment in The Negotiation, searching for clues, wondering whether that brief glance hinted at something more. Park herself admits, with a smile, that she had no idea at the time that she was helping write the first chapter of a love story that would become a global phenomenon.

The Wedding: A Full Circle Moment

The culmination of Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin’s romance came in March 2022 when they wed in a private ceremony at Seoul’s Walker Hill Hotel, attended by friends and colleagues. Park Kyung Rim, who had been the host of their earlier event, was now the master of ceremonies for this life-changing event. In this role, she wasn’t just guiding the couple through their vows; she was now a part of the very fabric of their love story, a witness to the union that fans had long dreamed of.

For Park, hosting their wedding wasn’t just a career milestone — it was an honor. Reflecting on the experience during Radio Star, she expressed how special it was to be asked by the couple, both of whom had reached out personally. Their trust in her for such a monumental occasion added a layer of personal connection to her career.

What made the wedding even more meaningful for fans was the presence of someone who had watched the two stars through their careers, through the beginnings of their relationship, and now at the pinnacle of their love story. For those who had followed the couple’s journey from their time together on Crash Landing on You to their wedding, Park's role as the host tied their professional relationship to this momentous personal milestone, making her presence symbolic.

The Aftermath: From Co-Stars to Parents

The journey of Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin has not ended with their wedding. In November 2022, the couple welcomed their first child, adding another layer to their unfolding love story. While Park Kyung Rim didn't mention this milestone on Radio Star, it’s easy to imagine her smiling quietly at the news, perhaps feeling a sense of pride in having played a part in the couple’s journey from co-stars to spouses and now parents.

Their journey mirrors the arcs they played on screen — a beautiful, dramatic progression. But the addition of Park Kyung Rim to this story serves as a reminder of the people behind the scenes who often help shape the narratives we adore. For the fans, she remains a cherished part of their love story — the unsung hero who unknowingly played matchmaker, weaving together the delicate threads that would ultimately form an epic romance.

A Quiet Legacy

Park Kyung Rim’s appearance on Radio Star wasn’t just about reminiscing on her role in one particular event; it was a celebration of the unseen connections that make the entertainment industry so rich. She is a reminder that the smallest gestures, the briefest moments, can sometimes set the stage for something grand. In the case of Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin, their love story, often seen as a fairytale, was touched by the hand of a woman who had no intention of becoming their Cupid.

As their love story continues to unfold, it’s clear that the couple’s journey, much like the story of their romance, is shaped by more than just dramatic headlines. It’s built on the quiet, unexpected moments — the exchanges, the fleeting glances, and the hosts who unknowingly play pivotal roles in the stories that fans will cherish for years to come.

Park Kyung Rim’s story is not just a footnote in the love story of two of Korea's brightest stars; it’s a testament to the unpredictable nature of life, where even the smallest of gestures can ripple through time and change everything. And for fans, it’s a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the smallest players leave the biggest marks.