Actress Kim Go Eun may have tried to stay under the radar with a hat and face mask, but a recent outing with two fellow actors still managed to attract plenty of attention online.

The photos were shared on June 21 by actress Kim Yong Ji, who posted several snapshots from a casual day out with friends. Alongside the images, she jokingly wrote:

“Until the day we become the claw machine champions.”

The pictures showed Kim Yong Ji spending time with Kim Go Eun and actor Lee Sang Yi. All three stars were born in 1991 and appeared to be enjoying a relaxed day together away from work.

While the outing itself seemed completely ordinary, fans quickly focused on the interactions between Kim Go Eun and Lee Sang Yi.

In several photos, the two actors were seen walking side by side, dressed casually and wearing hats and masks. Their comfortable body language and natural chemistry led some fans to jokingly describe the outing as a “date,” especially since the pair looked so relaxed together.

The images quickly spread across social media, with many netizens commenting on how close the two appeared.

However, longtime fans were quick to point out that there is a very simple explanation.

Kim Go Eun and Lee Sang Yi have known each other for years.

The two attended the prestigious Korea National University of Arts together and were classmates in the university’s 2010 class. Their friendship dates back well before either became a household name in the Korean entertainment industry.

Kim Go Eun also shares a close friendship with Kim Yong Ji, making the outing less of a secret rendezvous and more of a reunion among longtime friends.

In fact, this isn’t the first time the trio has publicly shown their friendship. Kim Go Eun has previously shared photos featuring both Kim Yong Ji and Lee Sang Yi, giving fans glimpses into their off-screen relationship.

That history has led most observers to dismiss any dating speculation.

Instead, many fans found the photos refreshing because they showed celebrities enjoying a normal day together. Between claw machines, casual conversations, and low-key street outings, the pictures offered a rare look at actors spending time as friends rather than promoting projects or attending public events.

Still, the images demonstrate how quickly speculation can emerge whenever popular stars are seen together.

The combination of Kim Go Eun’s attempt to remain incognito, Lee Sang Yi’s presence by her side, and the pair’s comfortable chemistry was enough to make some viewers do a double take before learning the full story.

For now, there is no evidence suggesting anything beyond friendship.

If anything, the photos simply reinforced what fans have known for years: Kim Go Eun, Lee Sang Yi, and Kim Yong Ji remain close friends who have maintained their bond long after their university days.

And judging by the smiles in the photos, they seemed far more focused on conquering claw machines than fueling dating rumors.