THROWBACK: The reel-to-real romance of 'Queen and I' stars Yoo In-na and Ji Hyun-woo
'Queen and I' has officially made its comeback to the Kapuso Channel on Monday, January 24.
Top-billed by South Korean stars Yoo In-na and Ji Hyun-woo, the romance fantasy series' return to Philippine television has rekindled the kilig brought by their reel-to-real romance - a relationship that unexpectedly bloomed on the set of this project.
While you rewatch their on-screen love affair on television from Mondays to Thursdays, revisit and relive their off-screen romance in this gallery.
Queen and I
'Queen and I' was a major leap in the career of South Korean actress and radio DJ Yoo In-na.
Initially launching her acting journey with supporting and antagonist roles, the romance fantasy series finally granted her the chance to take the spotlight alongside actor-musician Ji Hyun-woo.
Regine and Boong-do fall in love
'Queen and I' follows Regine Choi (Yoo In-na) and Kim Boong-do (Ji Hyun-woo) as they unravel a unique love story that defies over three centuries.
While the romance between the two main characters unfolds according to the story, the public was also incredibly hooked by the oozing chemistry shared by both actors on screen.
On-screen chemistry
As each episode passes through, the viewers started to grow more curious about their relationship behind the camera since Yoo In-na and Ji Hyun-woo were portraying their characters' romance so well.
In-between kilig
While filming the series, reports emerged that Yoo In-na and Ji Hyun-woo were apparently spending quality time together during their free days.
The pair also started sharing more intimate moments on set, acting as if they were a happy couple in love.
Fearless in love
'Queen and I' continued to thrive until the very last broadcast and to mark its end, the cast held a fan meeting where Ji Hyun-woo surprisingly professed his love for his co-star Yoo In-na.
“I wanted to confess this in front of all the fans that have shown us so much support for the drama. I am truly in love with Yoo In-na,” he said.
Dating in secret
The unexpected love declaration instantly made headlines and everyone's eyes were on the couple.
They were later spotted by Sports Seoul on a secret romantic stroll near Yoo In-na's home in Bundang, Kyeonggido.
Reel-to-real romance
A day after the paparazzi published their "secret date," Yoo In-na finally went on record to confirm their relationship at KBS' 'Yoo In Na's Turn Up the Volume' radio show.
She recounted their conversation following his shocking public confession, saying, “When the event ended, I asked him why he did that. He then told me that he has never said, 'Mom, buy this for me' or 'I really want this' about anything or felt a need for something. For the first time, he felt greedy and he didn't want to let me slip away.”
Yoo In-na's man
While hesitant at first, Yoo In-na felt grateful for his love and honest words which urged her to give their relationship a chance.
“I felt his honesty with every glance and every word. I felt his sincerity and innocence from his brave confession…I thought about it if it is something I'm allowed to do. But I started having faith. At first, I told Ji Hyun-woo to give me one week to think but I actually contacted him only two days after. While walking in the park together, I told him [that] since 'Queen In-hyun's Man' is over, we should begin Yoo In-na's Man,” she said.
A fairytale to relive
While their romance ended before Ji Hyun-woo was discharged in 2014, 'Queen and I' will always be an immortal testament to the love that was once shared by both Yoo In-na and Ji Hyun-woo.
Rewatch their on-screen romance in 'Queen and I,' airing from Monday to Thursday, 11:30 pm only in GMA.
