Transit Love 4's Hong Ji-yeon Reveals the Real Reason She Broke Up With Kim Woo-jin

Hong Ji-yeon and Kim Woo-jin, the beloved couple who captured hearts on Tving's hit dating reality show Transit Love 4, have finally addressed the burning question on every fan's mind — why did they break up in the first place? In a candid Q&A video on Hong Ji-yeon's newly launched YouTube channel, the pair laid bare the surprisingly lighthearted reason behind their split and the emotional journey that led to their reunion.

The 'Celebrity Disease' That Ended It All

In the video posted on the YouTube channel 'If Jiyeon' (지연이라면), Hong Ji-yeon revealed that their breakup was triggered by an unexpected turn of events. Kim Woo-jin had gained sudden online fame through his street photographer content, which went viral and catapulted him into the public eye. Hong Ji-yeon, speaking with a mix of humor and honesty, confessed that she felt Kim Woo-jin had caught what she playfully described as 'celebrity disease' — and she simply could not handle the sudden shift in their dynamic.

Kim Woo-jin offered his own perspective, explaining that at the time he was working at a restaurant in the upscale Apgujeong neighborhood of Seoul when his social media following exploded. The surge in popularity eventually led to his casting on Transit Love 4, creating a complex situation that neither of them had anticipated.

Breaking Her Own Rules for Love

What made their reconciliation on the show particularly compelling was Hong Ji-yeon's well-known stance on relationships. Throughout the broadcast, she repeatedly emphasized her firm belief that once a couple breaks up, there should be no going back. She was visibly resistant to the idea of reuniting, wary of compromising her personal values.

Yet Kim Woo-jin's persistent efforts and genuine sincerity ultimately broke through her defenses. Hong Ji-yeon admitted that the turning point came when Kim Woo-jin made a heartfelt promise that he would never give her reason to worry again. She described this exception as being exclusively for Kim Woo-jin, adding a touching note to their already emotional story.

A First Meeting Straight Out of a Movie

The couple also delighted fans by sharing the charming story of how they first met. Hong Ji-yeon visited the restaurant where Kim Woo-jin was working as a regular customer. Struck by an immediate attraction, she made a bold move that would set the tone for their entire relationship — after paying her bill, she secretly stuck a post-it note with her phone number onto Kim Woo-jin's hand as he returned her card.

This daring gesture perfectly encapsulates Hong Ji-yeon's straightforward personality, which fans grew to love during her time on Transit Love 4. Their connection was instant, and the rest, as they say, became television history.

New Beginnings on YouTube

Hong Ji-yeon explained that her channel name 'If Jiyeon' is a clever wordplay combining her name with her love of ramen — '지연이라면' can be read as both 'If it's Jiyeon' and 'Jiyeon's ramen.' She plans to share a variety of content including daily vlogs, beauty tips, and more intimate glimpses into the couple's life together.

Since their reunion on the show's finale in January 2026, the couple has been sharing their happiness on social media. Fellow Transit Love 4 cast member Kwak Min-kyung was among those celebrating their relationship, commenting supportively on their posts. Other cast members, including Park Ji-hyun and Jung Won-gyu who also reunited on the show, reportedly maintain close friendships with the couple.

With their YouTube channel off to a strong start, Hong Ji-yeon and Kim Woo-jin continue to prove that sometimes the best love stories are the ones that deserve a second chapter.