Kim Ha-neul and Kim Jae-won Reunite 24 Years After Iconic K-Drama Romance

Actress Kim Ha-neul sent fans into a wave of nostalgia on February 28 when she shared photos on social media of her reunion with actor Kim Jae-won, marking the first time the two have appeared together in 24 years since their hit drama Romance aired in 2002.

A Caption That Says It All

Kim Ha-neul posted the images with a simple but powerful caption: “Reunited with Romance.” The photos show the two actors posing warmly together in what appears to be a school setting, evoking the classroom dynamic that defined their characters in the original series. Despite nearly a quarter century having passed, fans were quick to note that the pair still radiated the same chemistry that once captivated millions of viewers.

The Occasion Behind the Reunion

The meeting was not a chance encounter. It was arranged for a special program on Japan’s satellite television channel, which is commemorating the rebroadcast of Romance as part of its celebration of hallyu classics. The special feature brought Kim Ha-neul and Kim Jae-won together to look back on the drama, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and candid reflections on a production that shaped both their careers.

Kim Ha-neul’s agency, Billions, confirmed that the special aired on February 28 at noon Japan time, with the actress and her former co-star revisiting memories from the original shoot over two decades ago.

A Drama That Defined an Era

Romance was a groundbreaking series that dared to tell a love story between a female high school teacher and her male student. What could have been a controversial premise was handled with such sincerity and emotional depth that it became one of the most talked-about dramas of 2002. The show’s most famous line — “You’re a student, and I’m a teacher” — remains one of the most quoted phrases in Korean drama history, still referenced in pop culture today.

The series played a pivotal role in the early wave of hallyu, gaining a devoted following not only in South Korea but also in Japan, where Korean dramas were rapidly gaining popularity during that period.

Reflecting on a Career-Defining Role

In comments shared alongside the reunion, Kim Ha-neul expressed how meaningful the experience was. “Romance was a major turning point in my acting career,” she said. “A lot of time has passed, but the passion and excitement from those days remain precious memories. It was truly special to meet Kim Jae-won again and talk about that era.”

The reunion has sparked conversations among fans about the enduring appeal of early 2000s K-dramas and the possibility of revisiting classic series. Whether or not a sequel or remake ever materializes, the image of Kim Ha-neul and Kim Jae-won standing together once again has proven that some on-screen partnerships transcend time.