Top stars Zo In-sung and Kim Min-hee made public their relationship Wednesday.

The couple released statements through their respective agencies after a paparazzo released photos of the two out on a date.

Zo’s IOK Company and Kim’s Soop Management said that “they met at a private gathering earlier this year, and since then the two have been building their relationship.” They also asked the fans to support their new relationship.

The two have known each other for over 10 years since their debuts as fashion models in the late 1990s, but they got to know each other just recently through their mutual friends, the agencies said.

Meanwhile, the paparazzi media outlet that broke the story announced in advance that it was to reveal a scoop concerning a “top star couple,” building up anticipation among star-watchers.

Yet, the pre-announcement seemed to have backfired, with the news largely failing to surprise the public when it was actually announced.

By Suh Hye-rim (sheren6735@heraldcorp.com)