Japanese “pure idol” Mei Nagano, often praised as the “most beautiful crying actress,” has starred in numerous films. However, following the scandal with Kei Tanaka in April 2025, the actress (born in 1999) once again became the center of controversy as she was repeatedly linked to new dating rumors. Her once pristine image has been shaken by a series of scandals.
Dating Rumors with Kim Moo-jun (May 2025)
In early May 2025, while the controversy surrounding Kei Tanaka had yet to die down, Japanese magazine Shukan Bunshun reported that Mei Nagano was romantically involved with South Korean actor Kim Moo-jun (born in 1995). He co-starred with her in the TBS drama Caster.
Kim was reportedly seen several times entering and leaving Nagano’s apartment in Tokyo. These claims quickly sparked speculation that Nagano was romantically involved with multiple actors at the same time. However, Kim Moo-jun and his agency swiftly denied the rumors, emphasizing that the two were nothing more than friends after working together.
Kim’s representatives stressed that there was no concrete evidence supporting the allegations, and that all information about his supposed relationship with Nagano was based solely on paparazzi photos and unverified claims, lacking any credibility.
Even so, the continuous rumors took a toll on Nagano’s reputation. The public began to believe she was losing the “pure and innocent actress” image that had defined her career for years.
Dating Rumors with Kentaro Sakaguchi (September 2025)
By September 2025, Shukan Bunshun once again stirred controversy by publishing a story about Nagano’s alleged relationship with actor Kentaro Sakaguchi (born in 1991).
Sakaguchi was known to have been living with his older girlfriend for four years. Nevertheless, reports claimed that he had been maintaining a private relationship with Nagano for nearly three years. The situation escalated when Sakaguchi’s girlfriend was said to have confronted Nagano directly, demanding that she end the relationship.
According to the source, Sakaguchi admitted his feelings for Nagano but did not break up with his girlfriend, leaving the situation in turmoil. The incident quickly spread across the media, adding even more pressure and criticism toward Nagano.
Two consecutive controversies within just five months—from Kim Moo-jun to Kentaro Sakaguchi—plunged Mei Nagano into a never-ending cycle of public debate. Although some of the rumors remain unconfirmed, her repeated involvement in alleged relationships, including with a man who already had a partner, has all but destroyed her carefully built “pure idol” image.
