Actress Mei Nagano (25) and actor Kei Tanaka (40) are at the center of affair rumors reported by Shukan Bunshun on April 23. The report alleges that Nagano was involved with both Tanaka and rising South Korean actor Kim Mu-Jun (26), her co-star in the currently airing TBS Sunday drama Caster.

Tanaka, who has been married since 2011 and is a father of two, previously co-starred with Nagano in the 2021 film And, the Baton Was Passed. Meanwhile, Nagano and Mu-jun’s growing closeness was also reported, as the two share multiple scenes in Caster, where Nagano plays a director and Mu-jun plays an assistant director.

Both actors’ agencies have denied any romantic involvement. Nagano’s agency stated that “Tanaka and Mu-jun are respected colleagues” and admitted her behavior may have led to misunderstanding. Tanaka’s agency said it wants to believe his statement that “there was no affair,” but acknowledged his actions may have caused confusion.

TBS has confirmed that Nagano will continue her role in Caster, with no changes to the broadcast schedule. Both Nagano and Tanaka are currently busy with numerous projects and commercial endorsements, and the scandal may have further implications as it unfolds.