Have you ever watched a K-drama and thought, “Wow, this couple is so cute together!”—only to find out later that they actually have a big age gap in real life? 😱
Yup, it happens a lot in K-dramaland! Korean actors are known for their youthful visuals, so sometimes, it’s hard to tell their real ages. But let’s be honest—when the chemistry is on fire, who even cares about age differences?
So, which on-screen K-drama couples have the biggest age gaps in real life? Let’s dive in! 👀
Gong Yoo & Kim Go Eun (12-Year Age Gap)
If you’re a Goblin fan (and honestly, who isn’t?!), you probably felt the love between Gong Yoo and Kim Go Eun. Their emotional rollercoaster romance had us crying, laughing, and wishing we could be Ji Eun Tak just for a day.
But did you know these two actually have a 12-year age gap in real life?
- Gong Yoo was born on July 10, 1979
- Kim Go Eun was born on July 2, 1991
That’s quite the difference, but let’s be real—Gong Yoo doesn’t age. Ever. His vampire-like genes make this gap almost invisible on-screen. Their chemistry was so natural that age was never even a factor!
Kim Yoo Jung & Yoon Kyun Sang (12-Year Age Gap)
In Clean with Passion for Now (2018), Kim Yoo Jung and Yoon Kyun Sang gave us a swoon-worthy romance between an adorably messy girl and a germophobic CEO. But here’s something wild—the actors are 12 years apart in real life!
- Kim Yoo Jung was born on September 22, 1999
- Yoon Kyun Sang was born on March 31, 1987
Despite the age gap, Kim Yoo Jung’s mature visuals made them look great together. And let’s not forget how oppa vibes Yoon Kyun Sang is—his tall, broad-shouldered CEO energy was everything in this drama!
IU & Lee Joon Gi (11-Year Age Gap)
If you’ve ever watched Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, you know how much IU and Lee Joon Gi’s tragic love story hit us right in the feels. 💔
Well, prepare to be surprised—they actually have an 11-year age gap in real life!
- Lee Joon Gi was born on April 17, 1982
- IU was born on May 16, 1993
Lee Joon Gi was 34 when the drama aired, but honestly? His youthful looks and insane charisma made him blend perfectly with IU’s character. And their undeniable chemistry? Just chef’s kiss. 👌✨
Moon Ga Young & Yoo Yeon Seok (12-Year Age Gap)
In The Interest of Love (2022), Yoo Yeon Seok and Moon Ga Young played two bank employees caught in a complicated romance. Their on-screen tension was so intense that their real-life age gap didn’t even matter!
- Moon Ga Young was born on July 10, 1996
- Yoo Yeon Seok was born on April 11, 1984
The difference? 12 years—but you’d never guess it from their flawless acting and natural chemistry. Seriously, how does Yoo Yeon Seok still look like he’s in his late 20s? We need his skincare routine ASAP.
Im Siwan & Jo Yu Ri (13-Year Age Gap)
Now, let’s talk about a fresh pairing that got K-drama fans buzzing—Im Siwan and Jo Yu Ri in Squid Game 2!
These two played former lovers in the highly anticipated sequel, and despite their 13-year age gap, they looked totally believable as a couple.
- Im Siwan was born on December 1, 1988
- Jo Yu Ri was born on October 22, 2001
With Im Siwan’s eternally boyish looks, it’s no wonder their pairing worked so well. He still gives off oppa-next-door energy, even though he’s already in his mid-30s!
Lee Min Ho & Gong Hyo Jin (7-Year Age Gap)
When When the Stars Gossip (2025) dropped, K-drama fans lost it! Not only was it a sci-fi romance (rare!), but it also starred two of the industry’s most legendary actors—Lee Min Ho & Gong Hyo Jin.
These two played a doctor and an astronaut on a mission in space, and honestly? Their chemistry was out of this world (pun totally intended 😉).
But fun fact: they actually have a 7-year age gap in real life!
- Gong Hyo Jin was born on April 4, 1980
- Lee Min Ho was born on June 22, 1987
Still, with Lee Min Ho’s mature aura and Gong Hyo Jin’s ageless beauty, the difference was barely noticeable. Plus, let’s be real—Lee Min Ho can literally romance anyone and make it look iconic. Period.
Age is Just a Number in K-Dramaland!
Korean actors are truly something else. They defy aging, give us legendary on-screen romances, and make us forget about real-life age gaps altogether.
At the end of the day, what matters most is the chemistry, and these couples absolutely nailed it. Whether it’s a 7-year gap or a 13-year one, when the acting is that good, age is the last thing on our minds.
Which of these K-drama couples surprised you the most? Or do you have a favorite on-screen pairing with an age gap? Spill your thoughts in the comments below! 👇✨