Japanese actors Kei Tanaka and Mei Nagano are at the center of affair rumors, with claims also linking Nagano to Korean actor Kim Mu Jun. All parties have denied the allegations, calling them baseless.
Affair Rumors Spark Controversy
On April 23, 2025, Japanese magazine Shukan Bunshun published a report alleging an affair between Kei Tanaka, 40, and Mei Nagano, 25. The report claimed the two, who starred together in the 2021 film And So The Baton Is Passed, began a romantic relationship in September 2024.
Tanaka, a married father of two, was reportedly seen entering Nagano’s apartment on April 19. Photos published by the magazine showed them together, including a mirror selfie from October 2024 and a Halloween photo with stickers on their cheeks.
The magazine further alleged that Nagano was also romantically involved with Kim Mu Jun, her co-star in the TBS drama Caster. Photos reportedly showed Kim visiting Nagano’s apartment multiple times.
Agencies and Actors Deny Allegations
Kei Tanaka’s agency issued a statement denying the affair. They emphasized that Tanaka, who has been with the agency since age 15, maintains a professional relationship with Nagano.
“We want to believe that there was no affair. Kei Tanaka has been with our agency since he was 15 years old.”
Mei Nagano’s agency, Stardust Promotion, also denied the claims, stating that both Tanaka and Kim are professional colleagues. They apologized for any misunderstanding caused by the reports.
“Tanaka and Kim Mu-jun are senior performers and colleagues.”
Kim Mu Jun’s agency, 9 Ato Entertainment, firmly denied any romantic involvement with Nagano. They clarified that the two are close colleagues due to their work on Caster.
Public and Social Media Reactions
The allegations have sparked significant backlash, particularly against Tanaka due to his marital status. Fans expressed concern for his wife and two daughters, married since 2011.
“How could Tanaka do this to his family? His kids must be heartbroken.”
“Nagano was supposed to be the next big star, but this might ruin her career.”
Some netizens questioned the credibility of the photos, suggesting they could be misinterpreted. Others speculated about Nagano’s rising career, including her role as a Prada ambassador since 2023, now potentially at risk.
“Those photos don’t prove anything. They could just be friends hanging out.”
“Prada might drop Nagano if this scandal grows bigger.”
Background of the Actors
Kei Tanaka gained fame through the BL drama Ossan’s Love. In And So The Baton Is Passed, he played Morimiya, the stepfather of Nagano’s character, Yuko. His career has been marked by steady success until this controversy.
Mei Nagano, born in 1999, debuted in the 2009 film Hard Revenge, Milly: Bloody Battle. She has starred in projects like Daytime Shooting Star, My Love Story!, and Half Blue. Currently, she plays a lead role in Caster, which premiered on April 13, 2025.
Kim Mu Jun, 26, is a rising Korean actor known for dramas like Nevertheless, The Speed to You 493km, and My Dearest. He entered the Japanese market with Black Pean 2 and now stars alongside Nagano in Caster. He is set to appear in the upcoming SBS drama Kissing for No Reason!.
Details of the Alleged Incidents
According to Shukan Bunshun, Tanaka and Nagano were spotted on April 15, 2025, spending three hours at an izakaya before returning to her apartment. The report claimed Tanaka stayed overnight on multiple occasions and that the pair checked into hotels together.
When confronted, Tanaka initially denied staying at Nagano’s apartment but later admitted to it. He claimed his wife was aware of his behavior and would not be upset.
“She knows what I’m like, so I think rather than being mad at me, she’d say, ‘Don’t cause trouble for Nagano.’”
The report also alleged that Nagano invited Kim to her apartment multiple times. On one occasion, after Kim returned to Korea, Nagano reportedly met Tanaka for dinner and returned to her apartment with him.
Impact on Careers and Public Image
The scandal has drawn attention in both Japan and Korea, with fans expressing shock and disappointment. Nagano’s role as a Prada ambassador has come under scrutiny, with speculation that the brand may distance itself to protect its reputation.
Tanaka faces significant criticism due to his family status. Some fans have defended him, citing his long-standing career and the lack of concrete evidence.
Kim, who has been focusing on his role in Caster, has faced unwanted scrutiny. His agency’s swift denial has helped clarify his stance, but the rumors have temporarily overshadowed his professional achievements.
Current Status of the Situation
As of April 24, 2025, all three actors and their agencies have denied the affair allegations. No further statements have been released by Tanaka or Nagano. Kim’s agency continues to emphasize his professional relationship with Nagano.
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The controversy remains a topic of discussion online, with fans and netizens divided over the validity of the claims. For now, the actors are focusing on their ongoing projects, with Nagano and Kim continuing their roles in Caster.
CREDITS: Shukan Bunshun, Stardust Promotion, 9 Ato Entertainment
