K-pop singer Lee Eun-young, 25, who is professionally known as Ben, and South Korean singer-songwriter Kim Han Jun, 28, who is professionally known as 40, are currently being romantically linked. Both musicians have issued official statements via their agencies to shut down the rumors.
"They are close friends who came to know each other while working," Ben's agency said in a statement obtained by All KPop. "It's true that the two are close but the dating reports are false."
In a separate statement obtained by the same publication, 40's label explained that the dating rumors surfaced because they are close friends who meet often. Both artists have previously collaborated on music but apparently are not dating.
"The rumors may have come about because they're very close and meet often," 40's label said in statement obtained by Naver. "Cut they are really not dating."
There was a speculation that the rumored couple was dating for six months after being spotted together on several occasions in and around Seoul since summer. However, it seems like fans who were excited by the prospect of their romantic pairing will be left disappointed.
Ben gained popularity after featuring on several soundtracks for dramas including "Producer," "Oh My Ghostess," "Moonlight Drawn By Clouds," "Oh My Venus" and "Another Oh Hae Young." She will also make an appearance in the "Death Note" musical, which is based on the manga and anime of the same name by Tsugumi Ohba and manga artist Takeshi Obata.
Ben will play the character of Light's girlfriend Amane Misa in the musical, which is slated to premiere in January 2017. The stage production stars famous musical stars such as JYJ's Kim Junsu, Han Ji Sang, Park Hye Na, and Kang Hong Suk.
Meanwhile, 40's claim to fame was his track "Please Take My Love Letter." His other music credits include "Soul," "Counting Stars" and "Sing the Spring." Check out the songs of both musicians below: