Why Lee Je-hoon Abandoned His No-Dating Rule at 41

Lee Je-hoon has never been one to hold back when it comes to honesty, but his latest appearance on SBS's variety show My Little Old Boy might be his most candid moment yet. The 41-year-old actor, who has spent the better part of the last five years embodying the cool and calculated taxi driver Kim Do-gi, dropped a bombshell during the March 15 broadcast — he has officially abandoned his long-standing rule about not dating fellow celebrities, calling the entire principle a waste of time.

The revelation came during a lighthearted conversation with fellow guest Bae Yu-ram, and it quickly became the most talked-about moment of the episode. But what made it truly memorable was not just the confession itself — it was the raw, self-deprecating humor with which Lee Je-hoon delivered it, giving fans a rare window into the personal life of one of Korean cinema's most private leading men.

The Rule That No Longer Exists

When asked whether he avoids romantic relationships with people in the entertainment industry, Lee Je-hoon was characteristically direct. He admitted that he used to maintain a strict personal policy against dating celebrities, but has since come to the conclusion that the rule served no real purpose. In his own words, it was all a useless endeavor that only limited his options without offering any meaningful benefit.

The actor went further, expressing genuine interest in appearing on dating reality shows. When Bae Yu-ram playfully suggested a celebrity version of the popular dating program Transit Love, Lee Je-hoon did not hesitate to raise the stakes. He countered that if that option was not available, he would even consider appearing on I Am Solo, a show known for featuring ordinary singles looking for love — a suggestion that drew roaring laughter from the studio.

But the most endearing moment came when Lee Je-hoon declared his personal timeline for romance. He stated plainly that his goal is to start a relationship this year and get married next year. The announcement drew an immediate and perfectly timed response from Bae Yu-ram, who quipped that the actor says the exact same thing in every single interview — a remark that left Lee Je-hoon laughing and unable to deny the accusation.

A Heart That Wants to Feel Again

This is not the first time Lee Je-hoon has opened up about his feelings regarding love and relationships. In a series of interviews following the conclusion of Taxi Driver Season 3 in January 2026, the actor spoke candidly about how his romantic emotions had gradually dried up over the years due to an intense focus on work.

During those conversations, he compared his emotional state to a withering tree, expressing a sincere desire to nurture new growth and allow himself to feel romantic connections again. He mentioned that he had been experiencing love vicariously through the content he consumed — dramas, films, and stories — but acknowledged that indirect experience could never truly replace the real thing.

The candor was striking coming from an actor who has traditionally kept his personal life firmly behind closed doors. Lee Je-hoon has always been respected in the industry for his professionalism and dedication to his craft, having led the Taxi Driver franchise across three seasons from 2021 to 2026. The first season earned a remarkable 16 percent viewership rating, and the series has since become one of SBS's most reliable hits.

From Screen Hero to Real-Life Romantic

On the show, Lee Je-hoon also demonstrated that his approach to romance might be more theatrical than strategic. In a segment that had the studio audience gasping, he presented a bouquet of 100 roses in a grand confession gesture — though the details of the demonstration remained firmly within the variety show format, the moment revealed a romantically inclined side of the actor that fans rarely get to see.

He also admitted with characteristic self-awareness that his dating strategy has not exactly been effective. In past interviews, he revealed that he had experienced situations where his feelings for someone went unrequited or where timing simply did not align. Rather than becoming jaded, however, Lee Je-hoon appears to have channeled those experiences into a renewed determination to put himself out there.

His co-stars and colleagues have offered their own observations. Actress Pyo Ye-jin, who starred alongside him in Taxi Driver, described Lee Je-hoon as one of the most special and precious people in her life, noting that their relationship transcends typical on-set chemistry. Comedian Lee Su-ji, who appeared with him on the variety show Sister's Teahouse, revealed that Lee Je-hoon had personally reached out to her after filming to express how much he enjoyed the experience — and she jokingly claimed to have deployed her best flirting skills during their scenes together.

What Fans Are Saying

The response from fans has been overwhelmingly warm and supportive. Social media platforms lit up with messages encouraging the actor to find love, with many expressing that his honesty makes him even more endearing. Comments ranged from playful suggestions about potential matches to heartfelt wishes that his goal of dating this year and marrying next year might actually come true this time.

The episode also reignited interest in Lee Je-hoon's broader career trajectory. At 41, he stands at an interesting crossroads — a seasoned actor with critical acclaim and commercial success, but also someone who is openly seeking the kind of personal fulfillment that fame alone cannot provide. His willingness to discuss these desires on national television, without pretense or deflection, has only deepened the public's affection for him.

As Lee Je-hoon continues to navigate both his professional ambitions and his personal aspirations, one thing is clear: the actor who spent five years playing a vigilante hero on screen is now on a very different kind of mission. And if his track record of determination is any indication, fans might want to keep their eyes on the entertainment headlines — because when Lee Je-hoon sets a goal, he tends to find a way to make it happen.