Gymnast Son Yeon-jae denies Park Tae-hwan dating rumors

October 28, 2014
Son Yeon-jae, left, and Park Tae-hwan (Yonhap)

Son Yeon-jae, left, and Park Tae-hwan (Yonhap)

Rhythmic gymnast Son Yeon-jae, 20, on Monday denied rumors that she is dating star swimmer Park Tae-hwan, who is four years her senior.

Appearing on SBS’s “Healing Camp,” Son said that Park is just her close friend. She said they first met at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games and have been friends since.

The rumors began swirling earlier this month at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games when Park was sighted cheering for Son during a competition.

Son said she simply respects Park as a mentor.

Son, who claimed the nation’s first Asiad gold in her sport, currently attends Yonsei University.