Acclaimed actor dating reporter 30 years his junior

Actor Baek Yoon-sik, 66, is dating a reporter who is 30 years his junior, his agency said Friday.

“They started dating in June 2012. Mr. Baek Yoon-sik first met her at a meeting held among his acquaintances,” said an official from Namoo Actors Co. The official added that the couple were in a “serious relationship” but did not comment on whether or not the two were planning to get married in the near future.

Baek’s girlfriend, a 36-year-old reporter for a local broadcaster, was revealed to the public by a tabloid newspaper earlier in the day. The newspaper said that the unnamed reporter had been an avid fan of the actor.

The veteran actor debuted in the 1970 as a TV actor, and has appeared in scores of dramas and movies. One of his most noted performances came in the 2004 film “The Big Swindle,” where he played a master con artist.

Baek is critically acclaimed as well, having been honored at most major film awards ceremonies in South Korea. He won “Best Supporting Actor” awards at the Grand Bell Film Awards, Blue Dragon Film Awards, Korean Film Awards, and Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival for his appearance in 2003 film “Save the Green Planet!”

Baek divorced his wife in 2004 and has two sons, Do-bin and Seo-bin, who are both actors.

(khnews@heraldcorp.com)