On April 23, 2025, actress Nagano Mei, 25, found herself at the center of controversy as the "Shukan Bunshun Electronic Edition" reported allegations of a double affair involving actor Tanaka Kei, 40, and Korean actor Kim Mu-jun, 26. The report claimed that Nagano was romantically involved with both men, causing an uproar among fans and media alike.
In response to the swirling rumors, Nagano's agency, Stardust Promotion, swiftly denied the allegations. They stated, "Tanaka-san and Kim Mu-jun-san are merely seniors and colleagues in the acting field, and there are no facts of a romantic relationship." Furthermore, the agency acknowledged that Nagano's actions could have led to misunderstandings and emphasized that she has been firmly instructed to be more cautious in the future.
The agency also expressed regret over the distress and confusion caused to stakeholders, advertisers, staff, and fans, issuing a public apology for the situation. They stated, "We deeply apologize for the great concern and trouble caused to everyone involved, including clients and fans who support us." This response came after the report alleged a double affair, claiming that Nagano was involved with both Tanaka and Kim, who is currently her co-star in the TBS drama "Caster."
Tanaka, who married former actress Sakura in 2011 and is the father of two daughters, also denied the allegations in an interview with Bunshun, asserting, "There is no truth to the affair claims." His agency reiterated that they view Nagano as a friend and colleague, dismissing the notion of any romantic involvement.
The rumors began to gain traction after Bunshun hinted at a major story involving a popular heroine from a currently airing drama and a prominent actor. The report described Nagano's supposed double affair, highlighting her interactions with both Tanaka and Kim. The situation escalated when it was reported that Kim had allegedly stayed at Nagano's home, adding fuel to the fire.
Despite the denials from both agencies, the speculation continued to circulate online, with Nagano's name trending on Google following the report. Her agency's firm denial aimed to quell the gossip, but the damage was already done, leading to widespread debate among fans and commentators.
In an interesting twist, clips from Nagano's past Instagram live stream resurfaced, where she expressed her views on romance and relationships. In the video, she stated, "I’ll say it clearly! I won’t compromise! Absolutely not," and added, "I won’t correct or deny anything from now on, but please understand that I’m not the type of person who compromises! If I were to compromise, I would report it." This statement has been shared widely on social media, adding another layer to the ongoing discussion about her personal life.
As the story continues to unfold, both Tanaka and Nagano are scheduled to proceed with their professional commitments. Tanaka is set to perform in a stage production starting in early May and remains active in various commercials. Nagano's ongoing work in the TBS drama "Caster" also continues as planned, despite the distraction of the rumors.
The situation highlights the intense scrutiny that public figures face, particularly when it comes to their personal lives. As fans and media speculate on the truth behind the allegations, both actors are navigating the challenges of maintaining their professional personas amid personal controversies.
In the world of entertainment, where relationships can often become a topic of public discourse, the fallout from this incident serves as a reminder of the complexities that come with fame. As Nagano and Tanaka continue their careers, the question remains whether this controversy will have lasting effects on their public images and personal lives.
Ultimately, the denials from both parties suggest a desire to move past the rumors and focus on their professional endeavors. However, the public's curiosity and the media's relentless pursuit of stories will likely keep the spotlight on them for the foreseeable future. The entertainment industry is no stranger to drama, and this latest chapter in Nagano and Tanaka's lives is just one of many that capture the public's imagination.
