Actors Park Shin-hye and Lee Jong-suk, the much-adored couple of hit drama series "Pinocchio," told fashion magazine InStyle Korea how they first met.

"We first met for a promotional shoot of a fashion brand in 2013," said Park Shin-hye in the magazine's April issue. "At the time, Jong-suk was filming (drama series) 'I Can Hear Your Voice.'"

The actress said she was "a little worried" at the first meeting, because he had a pale complexion while she was a little tanned at the time.

"I remember Shin-hye pulled cool poses (for the photo shoot)," said Lee.

Actress Park Shin-hye. (InStyle Korea)

The two actors were soon reunited for a follow-up photo shoot six months later, during which they took part in a televised interview for a celebrity show.

"I find it difficult to do video interviews, but I felt secure with Shin-hye by my side," said Lee of their growing friendship.

"I noticed Jong-suk is surprisingly shy and withdrawn. But he's also very sweet," said the 25-year-old actress.

"Pinocchio" actors Park Shin-hye (left) and Lee Jong-suk. (InStyle Korea)

But when the actors were paired as a couple for "Pinocchio," which kicked off in mid-November last year, Park worried they wouldn't suit each other on screen.

"Jong-suk is good-looking, but people said we wouldn't complement each other (as a couple), maybe because my double eyelid folds are thick and I have big eyes," said Park, who previously won plaudits in 2013 high school drama "The Heirs" opposite actor Lee Min-ho.

Those remarks soon subsided, however, as soon as the drama series took to the air.

"Perhaps we suited each other more than was expected," said Park.

Lee, also 25, was less concerned, saying he trusted Director Jo Soo-won's casting choices.

"Pinocchio" actors Park Shin-hye (right) and Lee Jong-suk. (InStyle Korea)

The two actors, who have since "Pinocchio" met for joint commercial projects including a campaign for outdoor clothing brand Millet, heaped glowing praise on each other.

Park complemented Lee's "warm gaze," while Lee said that Park lifted up the spirits of the mostly male crew members.

Park spoke affectionately of other costars, such as actress Lee Yu-bi and actor Kim Young-kwang, who played fellow reporters.

"Pinocchio," which concluded in mid-January, gained an international cult following and loyal fan base during its three-month run. The series won seven SBS Drama awards last year, hosted by its broadcaster SBS, including the Best Couple Award.

Actor Lee Jong-suk. (InStyle Korea)

By Yoon Sarah (sarah356@heraldcorp.com)

Read follow-up article "Park Shin-hye, Lee Jong-suk's first meeting in photos."