Yoon Eun-hye recently shared a behind-the-scenes story from the 2007 K-drama Coffee Prince, revealing a playful moment with co-star Gong Yoo that led to dating rumors. The anecdote, discussed on MBC’s talk show The Manager, has reignited fans’ love for the iconic series and its unforgettable chemistry.
A Playful Kiss That Stirred Rumors
During a break in filming Coffee Prince, Yoon Eun-hye recounted how Gong Yoo surprised her with a light kiss. This moment was spotted by their co-star Chae Jung-an, who jokingly asked, “Be honest. Are you two dating? I saw everything.” The playful accusation didn’t stop there—a photo of the kiss reportedly circulated among the production crew and fans, fueling speculation about a real-life romance.
“Be honest. Are you two dating? I saw everything.” — Chae Jung-an to Yoon Eun-hye, witnessing the kiss
The incident added to the buzz surrounding the drama, which was already a hit for its bold storytelling and strong performances. Fans on platforms like X echoed the excitement, with posts recalling how the chemistry between Yoon Eun-hye and Gong Yoo felt so real that many hoped they were a couple.
Coffee Prince: A Timeless K-Drama Classic
Coffee Prince, which aired on MBC from July 2 to August 28, 2007, follows Go Eun-chan (Yoon Eun-hye), a tomboyish woman mistaken for a man, who works at a cafe run by Choi Han-gyul (Gong Yoo). The series, based on Lee Sun-mi’s novel, explores their unlikely romance, touching on themes of identity and acceptance. It became a massive success, with the final episode earning a 27.8% rating.
The drama’s appeal lies in its mix of humor, heart, and groundbreaking storytelling. Go Eun-chan disguises herself as a man to secure a job at the cafe, which only hires good-looking male staff. Choi Han-gyul, unaware of her true gender, hires her.
System: Coffee Prince remains a fan favorite, celebrated for its fresh take on romance and social issues. Its 17 episodes are still praised for strong performances and a chemistry between Yoon Eun-hye and Gong Yoo that fans still rave about.
Behind-the-Scenes Chemistry
Yoon Eun-hye shared that many scenes in Coffee Prince were more intense than she expected. She was so immersed in her role as Go Eun-chan that she didn’t realize how bold some moments, like the kiss scenes, would appear on screen. During a 2020 documentary, My Dear Youth – Coffee Prince, Yoon Eun-hye and Gong Yoo rewatched their famous kiss scene, revealing it wasn’t fully scripted. Gong Yoo noted that Yoon Eun-hye lifted his shirt during the scene, a spontaneous move that surprised him. Both actors laughed and cringed while revisiting the moment, showing their lasting bond.
“Look, Eun Hye lifted up my shirt. This wasn’t included in the script. I had no idea she did that till I watched it later.” — Gong Yoo, during the Coffee Prince documentary
“Nothing in this scene was written in the script!” — Yoon Eun-hye, on the kiss scene
The documentary, aired on September 24 and October 1, 2020, brought the cast together to share memories. Gong Yoo admitted he hesitated to join, fearing it might tarnish his fond memories, but found the experience nostalgic. Yoon Eun-hye described the set as an “exciting playground.”
Fan and Crew Reactions
The kiss incident wasn’t the only time Yoon Eun-hye and Gong Yoo sparked curiosity. During the documentary, they playfully asked each other why they hadn’t married yet, a moment that delighted fans. On The Manager, Yoon Eun-hye’s manager revealed he was such a fan of Coffee Prince that he wanted to change his name to Eun-chan.
Fans on X have kept the drama alive, with posts praising the cast’s reunion and emotional moments, like Yoon Eun-hye’s heartfelt letter to Gong Yoo during a 2024 interview. One user wrote, “Yoon Eun-Hye’s letter was the most beautiful one, you can see that she really loves him and cherishes so much the time they spent together doing Coffee Prince.”
Yoon Eun-hye’s Career Journey
Yoon Eun-hye, born October 3, 1984, started as a member of the girl group Baby V.O.X from 1999 to 2005. She transitioned to acting with Princess Hours (2006) and rose to fame with Coffee Prince. Despite facing controversies, like a 2015 plagiarism accusation on a fashion design show, she continued acting in dramas like Missing You (2012) and Love Alert (2018). In 2022, she joined the project group WSG Wannabe.
Her role as Go Eun-chan remains iconic. Fans praised her ability to convincingly play a man, adopting male mannerisms and cutting her hair short. Her chemistry with Gong Yoo earned her a Best Actress award at the 2008 Baeksang Arts Awards.
Gong Yoo’s Rise to Stardom
Gong Yoo, born July 10, 1979, became a household name with Coffee Prince. His portrayal of Choi Han-gyul, a carefree heir who grows into a responsible leader, showcased his range. He later starred in hits like Train to Busan (2016) and Goblin (2016). Fans admire his natural acting and charm, with one calling him “the definition of cool in every scene.”
His chemistry with Yoon Eun-hye was a highlight, with fans noting how their “Han Gyul-Eun Chan” dynamic felt like a real couple. Gong Yoo credited Yoon Eun-hye for helping him fully embody his character.
Why Coffee Prince Endures
Coffee Prince tackled themes like gender identity and acceptance, making it ahead of its time. The drama’s Hongdae cafe setting, remodeled for filming, became a tourist spot with props like Han Yoo-joo’s flower painting on display. Its mix of humor, romance, and emotional depth keeps it relevant, with fans rewatching it years later.
The cast, including Lee Sun-kyun, Chae Jung-an, and Kim Jae-wook, added depth to the story. Side characters like Jin Ha-rim (Kim Dong-wook) brought humor and heart, making the cafe feel like a real community.
Recent Updates on the Cast
Yoon Eun-hye recently reassured fans about her health, saying, “I’m eating well, no need to worry,” after concerns about her weight. She appeared on variety shows like Hangout with Yoo and starred in the 2019 drama Go Go Song. Gong Yoo remains active, with fans buzzing over a rare photo with Song Hye-kyo in 2025, though no project was confirmed.
The Coffee Prince cast reunited for a May 2025 event, thrilling fans. Posts on X called it a “heartwarming reunion,” with hopes for future collaborations.
CREDITS: Nate
