Japanese actress Mei Nagano (25) has been swept up in a double-dating and alleged affair scandal involving married actor Kei Tanaka (40) — but her agency strongly denies the claims.
📰 On April 23, Shukan Bunshun reported that Nagano was "entangled in a forbidden romance", pointing to an alleged inappropriate relationship with Kei Tanaka. The outlet published photos of the two allegedly arm-in-arm and claimed Tanaka was seen staying at Nagano's residence.
The pair met while filming the 2021 film And, the Baton Was Passed, where they played a stepfather and daughter.
📸 The report also raised suspicions of another romantic link between Nagano and rising Korean actor Kim Moo-joon (26), who currently co-stars with her on the TBS drama Caster, which premiered on April 13.
🎙️ Kim Moo-joon's agency, 9Ato Entertainment, responded exclusively to Dispatch, stating,
"They are not dating — just good friends who got close while filming together."
They clarified,
"They had dinner together during an out-of-town shoot, but her mother was also present. They are absolutely not in a romantic relationship."
🎭 Who's who in the triangle?
- Mei Nagano is a beloved Japanese actress known for her innocent image and strong acting chops since her childhood debut.
- Kei Tanaka, married since 2011 to singer Sakura, is a father of two. He starred in the Japanese film Stolen Identity.
- Kim Moo-joon debuted in 2020 and gained attention for his role as Crown Prince Sohyeon in the Korean drama My Dearest. He's active in both Korea and Japan.
As the situation unfolds, fans are watching closely to see how the alleged "scandal triangle" will affect each star's image and career.
[Photo Credit: Film Still from And, the Baton Was Passed, 9Ato Entertainment]
