Japanese actress Nagano Mei, 25, has found herself at the center of a scandal involving multiple romantic rumors, including one with married actor Tanaka Kei, 40. Reports emerged on April 23, 2025, suggesting that Nagano Mei is involved in a controversial relationship with Tanaka, who has five children and has been married since 2011.
The whispers of infidelity began when a Japanese weekly magazine reported that Nagano Mei and Tanaka Kei were seen together, leading to speculation about their relationship. The two actors first met while filming the movie 'It's Okay to Go Slowly' in 2021 and reportedly developed a close bond over the past year. Their relationship took a more serious turn when they were spotted getting into a car together outside Nagano's home on April 19, 2025.
Tanaka Kei's past has also raised eyebrows; he has previously been linked to rumors of inappropriate relationships during his marriage, which only adds fuel to the fire surrounding this latest scandal. Nagano Mei, who is currently starring alongside Korean actor Kim Mu-joon in the drama 'Caster', is also facing allegations of juggling two relationships at once.
On the same day the rumors about her and Tanaka surfaced, reports indicated that Nagano Mei had invited Kim Mu-joon, 26, to her home multiple times, leading to speculation that they might be romantically involved as well. However, Kim Mu-joon's agency, 9ato Entertainment, quickly denied these claims, asserting that the two are merely close colleagues.
In a statement released on April 23, 2025, the agency emphasized, "Kim Mu-joon and Nagano Mei are not in a romantic relationship; they are just good friends." This denial came in response to a growing backlash from fans and the media alike, who were shocked by the implications of Nagano's alleged double affair.
Nagano Mei's representatives also weighed in, stating that her relationship with Tanaka Kei is purely professional, asserting, "Tanaka is just a senior colleague, and there is no truth to the rumors of a romantic involvement." This strong denial attempts to mitigate the damage to her reputation as she navigates the fallout from these allegations.
The actress has been a prominent figure in Japanese cinema, known for her roles in films such as 'It's Okay to Go Slowly', 'Midday Meteor', and 'My Story!!'. Her recent experiences have not only captured public attention but also stirred controversy, particularly following an incident at the TBS show 'All-Star Thanksgiving Festival' on March 29, 2025. During the live broadcast, comedian Egashira 2:50 made an unexpected advance towards her, leading to her visibly upset reaction and tears.
Nagano later clarified on a radio show that her tears were a natural response to being startled and that she did not anticipate the prank. She expressed her apologies to fans for any worry she caused, stating, "I was surprised by the unexpected situation, and my tears were simply a reaction to that shock."
As the rumors continue to swirl, both Nagano Mei and Kim Mu-joon are focusing on their acting careers. Kim Mu-joon has made a name for himself through various drama series, including 'Nevertheless', 'The Speed to You Is 493km', and 'Yumi's Cells', and he is set to appear in the upcoming SBS drama 'Kiss Sixth Sense' in September 2025.
This ongoing saga highlights the intense scrutiny and pressure that public figures face in their personal lives, often leading to sensationalized stories that can have lasting impacts on their careers and reputations. The situation remains fluid as both actors continue to address the allegations while attempting to maintain their professional commitments.
In the world of entertainment, where relationships are often under a microscope, the line between personal and public life can become blurred. As the story develops, fans and followers of Nagano Mei and Kim Mu-joon will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how they navigate these challenges.
