South Korean actress and singer Kim Sejeong has directly confronted speculation that she and fellow actor Ahn Hyo Seop, with whom she starred in "A Business Proposal," had gone on a joint vacation to Japan.

On Tuesday, Kim Sejeong used a live broadcast on Weverse, a popular online platform connecting fans and artists, to debunk the rumors. Under the caption, "Should I study for a bit?" she interacted with fans for an hour, during which time she addressed one user's question about the Japan trip rumors.

Astonished, she asked, "There's a rumor spreading that Hyo Seop and I went to Japan together?" Kim Sejeong clarified, "I travelled with my best friend and my older brother. That's who accompanied me to Japan," thereby laying to rest the speculation.

 

Her candid response during the live broadcast received widespread appreciation from fans. One fan commented, "Sejeong's brave manner of addressing this issue on live broadcast is characteristic of her. She has always been forthright, particularly if it concerns rumors that could harm others. I appreciate her doing this. Some fans seem to lose sight of reality. They're not a couple. End of story."

Another fan celebrated her courage, "This is exactly why I have always supported Sejeong! I appreciate her bravery. The industry needs more celebrities like her who don't hesitate to openly address rumors. SHE'S ABOVE HER AGENCY. WAY TO GO, GIRL."

The rumors gained momentum when both Kim Sejeong and Ahn Hyo Seop shared pictures from their individual trips to Japan on Instagram around the same time, leading some fans to make assumptions about a possible romantic getaway, as per a report by Koreaboo.

Additionally, during the live session, some fans highlighted how other actors, like Lee Sung Kyung, Ahn's co-star in "Dr. Romantic 3," were negatively impacted by overzealous fans.

"Lee Sung Kyung was unfairly criticized and body shamed by some fans for working professionally with Ahn. All for Sejeong to debunk their fantasies. Sejeong seemed genuinely puzzled, questioning, 'Why would I go to Japan with him?'" tweeted one fan.

Kim Sejeong is set to reprise her role as Do Ha Na in the second season of "The Uncanny Counter," alongside Jo Byeong Gyu, Yoo Jun Sang, and Yeom Hye Ran. On Tuesday, tvN released the first teaser for the upcoming season, offering a glimpse into the series' action sequences and new characters.