Yoo Yeon-seok and Go Youn-jung were recently spotted dining together, igniting curiosity among fans about their relationship and the status of Yoo’s rumored romance with Shin Hyun-been, famously known as the “Winter Teacher” couple from Hospital Playlist. The sighting comes as the two actors promote their new drama Resident Playbook, a spin-off of the beloved Hospital Playlist, where Yoo makes a cameo appearance. This article explores the details of their dinner, the context of their professional collaboration, and addresses fan reactions regarding Yoo’s personal life.
Dinner Sighting Details
On April 20, 2025, Yoo Yeon-seok and Go Youn-jung were seen dining at a cozy restaurant in Seoul’s Gangnam district. According to eyewitness accounts reported by Sports Chosun, the two actors appeared relaxed and comfortable, sharing a meal and engaging in lively conversation. The dinner took place shortly after a promotional event for Resident Playbook, which premiered on April 12, 2025, on tvN and Netflix.
The restaurant, known for its private ambiance, is a popular spot among celebrities. Sources noted that Yoo and Go were joined by a small group, including Resident Playbook staff members, suggesting the meal was likely a casual, work-related gathering. No official photos from the dinner have surfaced, as the restaurant enforces a strict no-photography policy to protect patrons’ privacy.
Resident Playbook Collaboration
Resident Playbook is a medical drama focusing on the lives of obstetrics and gynecology residents at the Jongro branch of Yulje Medical Center. Go Youn-jung stars as Oh Yi-young, a passionate first-year resident known for her blunt honesty and cold demeanor. Yoo Yeon-seok reprises his Hospital Playlist role as Dr. Ahn Jeong-won, a pediatric surgeon, in a special cameo appearance, confirmed by multiple outlets including Times Now and Pinkvilla on February 6, 2025.
The drama, directed by Shin Won-ho and written by Lee Woo-jung, builds on the Hospital Playlist universe, featuring a new cast alongside nostalgic cameos. Yoo’s appearance as Dr. Ahn, affectionately called “Winter” by fans due to his romance with Jang Gyeo-ul (played by Shin Hyun-been) in the original series, has thrilled viewers. Promotional activities, including press conferences and cast interviews, have brought Yoo and Go together frequently, providing context for their recent dinner.
“We had such a great time filming together, and Yoo Yeon-seok sunbaenim was so kind and supportive on set.”
— Go Youn-jung, during a Resident Playbook press conference, April 10, 2025
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Go Youn Jung and Yoo Yeon Seok; IMAGE: Courtesy of tvN
Fan Reactions and Speculation
The dinner sighting quickly spread across social media, with netizens sharing their thoughts on platforms like X. Many fans celebrated the camaraderie between the Resident Playbook cast, noting that group dinners are common during drama promotions.
“Love seeing Yoo Yeon-seok and Go Youn-jung hanging out! They must be bonding over Resident Playbook. Cast dinners are the best!”
— User @KDramaFan123, April 21, 2025
“Hope this means more behind-the-scenes content from the set! Go Youn-jung is killing it as Yi-young.”
— User @YuljeLover, April 21, 2025
However, some netizens speculated about a potential romantic connection, given Yoo’s history of dating rumors. Others quickly dismissed this, pointing out the professional nature of the gathering and the presence of other staff members.
“People need to chill, it’s just a work dinner. Yoo Yeon-seok is probably just being a supportive sunbae to Go Youn-jung.”
— User @DramaAddictKR, April 21, 2025
The “Winter Teacher” Connection: Yoo Yeon-seok and Shin Hyun-been
The sighting reignited questions about Yoo’s rumored relationship with Shin Hyun-been, his Hospital Playlist co-star. Their characters, Ahn Jeong-won and Jang Gyeo-ul, formed the beloved “Winter Garden” couple, earning widespread fan adoration. Off-screen, Yoo and Shin have been the subject of dating rumors since 2020, fueled by their chemistry and occasional public appearances together.
In a 2021 interview with Elle Korea, Yoo praised Shin’s professionalism, saying, “She’s an amazing actress and a great person to work with.” Shin, in a 2022 Vogue Korea feature, described Yoo as “kind and thoughtful.” Despite these comments, neither actor has confirmed a romantic relationship, and their agencies have consistently denied dating rumors, most recently in January 2025, per News18.
Fans of the “Winter Garden” couple expressed mixed feelings about the dinner sighting:
“I’m a huge Winter Garden shipper, so seeing Yoo Yeon-seok with Go Youn-jung feels weird, but it’s probably just work-related.”
— User @WinterGarden4Ever, April 21, 2025
“Shin Hyun-been is also in Resident Playbook with a cameo, so maybe she was there too? Let’s not jump to conclusions.”
— User @KDramaSleuth, April 21, 2025
Shin is confirmed to make a cameo in Resident Playbook as Jang Gyeo-ul, per Soompi on April 18, 2025, which may explain why fans are hopeful for her involvement in promotional activities.
Yoo Yeon-seok’s Recent Activities
Yoo Yeon-seok, 40, has been enjoying a busy 2025. Following the global success of When the Phone Rings (2024), where he starred as Baek Sa-eon alongside Chae Soo-bin, Yoo has balanced acting, hosting, and fan engagements. He won the Rookie Award in the Talk/Reality category at the 2024 SBS Entertainment Awards on January 29, 2025, for his work on the variety show Whenever Possible, as reported by Times Now.
Yoo also faced a tax investigation earlier this year, with the National Tax Service imposing a 7 billion KRW (approximately $4.8 million) penalty for alleged tax evasion related to his company, Forever Entertainment. His agency, King Kong by Starship, clarified on March 14, 2025, via Soompi, that Yoo is contesting the penalty and has requested a reassessment.
Go Youn-jung’s Rising Stardom
Go Youn-jung, 28, is cementing her status as a leading actress with Resident Playbook. Her portrayal of Oh Yi-young has earned praise for its depth and relatability. Go previously starred in Moving (2023) and He Is Psychometric (2019), showcasing her versatility. During a Resident Playbook promotional interview with Hankook Ilbo on April 15, 2025, Go expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the drama and work with veterans like Yoo.
“Being part of the Hospital Playlist universe is a huge honor. I learned so much from everyone, especially Yoo Yeon-seok sunbaenim.”
— Go Youn-jung, Hankook Ilbo, April 15, 2025
Addressing Rumors and Clarifications
No official statements from Yoo Yeon-seok’s or Go Youn-jung’s agencies have addressed the dinner sighting, likely due to its professional context. King Kong by Starship, Yoo’s agency, has a history of responding only to significant rumors, as seen with the tax investigation and past dating speculations with Chae Soo-bin and Kim Ji-won. Go’s agency, MAA, similarly maintains a low profile unless necessary.
Regarding Shin Hyun-been, her agency, Yooborn Company, reiterated in a January 2025 statement to OSEN that she and Yoo are “close colleagues and nothing more.” Fans continue to hope for a “Winter Garden” reunion, especially with both actors’ cameos in Resident Playbook.
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As of April 26, 2025, Resident Playbook is airing weekly on tvN and streaming on Netflix, with strong viewership ratings reported by Nielsen Korea. Yoo Yeon-seok is preparing for the second season of Whenever Possible, set to return in May 2025, per Sportskeeda. Go Youn-jung is focusing on Resident Playbook promotions, with no new projects announced. Shin Hyun-been is filming an upcoming drama, The Second Moon, slated for late 2025, according to Star News.
The dinner between Yoo and Go appears to be a professional outing tied to Resident Playbook, and no credible evidence suggests a romantic link. Fans eagerly await more Resident Playbook episodes to see Yoo and Shin’s cameos, hoping for a nostalgic nod to the “Winter Garden” storyline.
CREDITS: Tenasia
