Following Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo’s surprise wedding announcement Wednesday morning, their previous comments about each other have gained renewed attention.

Fans are claiming their previous comments hinted at affection for each other, although the two stars had consistently denied reports they were dating,

(Blossom Entertainment)

Appearing at Song Joong-ki’s fan meeting event held in Sichuan, China in June 2016, the actress said about Song Joong-ki, “I anticipated (meeting him) even before ‘Descendants of the Sun’ since people around me praised him a lot. While filming, I realized he is a sincere and thoughtful person and I think he is a cool friend.”

Song Joong-ki answered, “I received much help from Song Hye-kyo while filming and learned a lot from her. She really was reassuring and I appreciate her as a senior colleague and partner.”

(KBS)

At an awards ceremony last year where the couple jointly won the grand prize for their roles in the hit drama series “Descendants of the Sun,” the two credited each other.

“I attribute this honor to Hye-kyo, the great senior colleague and a beautiful and lovely partner. Thank you,” Song Joong-ki said.

“I think I was able to win this award because I met the best partner Song Joong-ki. Thank you again, Song Joong-ki,” Song Hye-kyo said.

By Kim So-yeon (syk19372@heraldcorp.com)