A casual snapshot of actress Kong Hyo-jin ignited sudden pregnancy chatter online, but her agency quickly put the rumors to rest.

On Oct. 22, Kong shared a set of everyday snapshots on Instagram without a caption.

After recently posting updates from a trip to Japan with her husband, singer-songwriter Kevin Oh, Kong appeared in the new photo wearing a long dress layered with a jacket and flashing an easy smile. What caught attention was a relaxed pose―hand on her waist, stomach slightly pushed out―that had some fans speculating she might be expecting, with congratulatory comments pouring in.

As the rumors spread, Management SOOP stepped in on Oct. 23 to shut them down, stating, "The pregnancy rumors are not true at all."

Kong married Kevin Oh, who is 10 years her junior, in 2022. He completed his mandatory military service and was discharged this June. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)