Crash Landing on Love: How Can a Workplace Romance Work?

When Korean star Son Ye Jin announced her upcoming wedding to fellow Crash Landing On You lead, Hyun Bin, she wrote: “Isn’t it destiny?” And who wouldn’t believe their love story to be destiny? The two were already big names in Korea, but they only got to know each other (and fell in love) while working on CLOY. Suffice to say, they had the dream workplace romance. 

Do you and your partner work together? Are you and your special someone contemplating on having a romantic relationship in the office? If so, the following tips from experts might help you navigate through your workplace romance. 

1. Check the Company Policy

At the height of CLOY’s fame, fans waited with bated breath for the on-screen couple to announce a real-life romantic relationship. But Son Ye- Jin and Hyun Bin remained silent. 

Until December 2020 when they, and their respective agencies, confirmed their romance. Later, we learned they actually started dating in March 2020, about a month after CLOY ended. 

We don’t know why they kept things quiet. But it’s safe to assume they didn’t go against the wishes of their respective agencies, seeing as how VAST and MS Team supported them both. 

Chances are, your company does not totally prohibit workplace romance, but they might have some policies to reduce complaints about harassment, favoritism, and conflict of interest. They might also not allow certain public displays of affection. 

2. Remain Professional

The BinJin couple probably fell in love while working on Crash Landing on You, but their feelings sure didn’t affect their work and careers negatively.

When pursuing or having a workplace romance, you must hold yourself to high professional standards even if the company is lenient. 

Make sure you accomplish your tasks well and you do not bring relationship troubles to work. 

In other words, your romantic relationship should never affect your work. 

3. Be Discreet 

Even if some PDA are allowed, it’s best to refrain from doing any altogether. Don’t use company time to send each other love notes or texts and definitely don’t make your relationship a topic of what should be a professional conversation. 

Note that being discreet doesn’t mean not telling people at work that you’re dating! In fact, it’s better if people in the management learn about the relationship from you and your partner. 

4. Avoid Favoring Your Partner

One of the most challenging aspects of workplace romance is making sure you don’t favor your partner. Whether it’s helping them with their tasks or siding with them during heated conversations, people might view it as favoritism. 

Likewise, when things are not going well in your relationship, don’t “announce” it by not helping your partner, particularly when you’re required by your role to do so. Also, avoid making things difficult for them just because you have the authority to assign tasks. 

Remember: stay professional. 

5. Be Prepared 

And finally, a workplace romance, like any other relationship, is not guaranteed to last a lifetime. You have to work hard for it every day. 

You may not want to think negatively, but you have to be prepared in case your relationship ends. How are you going to handle working with your ex? What if it’s you who want to end the romance? 

Also think professionally about instances like, what if you and your partner end up fighting for a promotion? What if he or she becomes your superior? 

Learn more about Healthy Relationships here.