3rd Gen Idol Reportedly Dating 8 Years Older Olympic Athlete

Former APRIL member Yoon Chaekyung (29) and athlete Lee Yong Dae (37) are reportedly in a relationship.

According to media outlet SpoTV, Yoon Chaekyung and Lee Yong Dae have been dating for around a year. Lee Yong Dae is a former national badminton player, having earned gold and silver medals during the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games, respectively.

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The pair have reportedly introduced each other as boyfriend and girlfriend to others and have a close bond despite the 8-year age gap.

Lee Yong Dae was previously married to actress Han Soo Hyun (Byun Soo Mi) in 2017, with whom he has a daughter.  Due to his experience with divorce and single fatherhood, Lee Yong Dae is reportedly approaching the relationship with seriousness and caution.

While a member of I.B.I, Yoon Chaekyung was asked about her favorite sport and had praise and admiration for Lee Yong Dae.

Badminton is a sport anyone can easily enjoy even if they’re not an athlete, but Lee Yong Dae holding his racket and serving looks truly cool.

— Yoon Chaekyung

Chaekyung initially debuted as a member of PURETTY before joining the Produce 101 spin-off project group I.B.I. She was added to APRIL in 2016 and remained a member until the group’s disbandment in 2022. Since then, she has remained active in the acting industry.