Japanese actor Kentaro Sakaguchi has been entangled into a shocking love triangle scandal with reports alleging that he has been in a long-term relationship with an older girlfriend while also engaging in a secret romance with top actress Mei Nagano.

According to a report by Shukan Bunshun on September 9, Sakaguchi has been living with his girlfriend, a hair and makeup artist, for the past four years. The actor, who has recently been active in Korea, was even spotted visiting the country with her.

However, Japanese media also reported that Sakaguchi began dating Mei Nagano three years ago, despite his long-term relationship. The two first met while filming the 2015 movie My Love Story!! and later worked together on Masked Ward, which reportedly deepened their bond.

Fans were further fueled because of Nagano’s controversial past. Earlier this year, she was involved in a scandal with married actor Kei Tanaka, which damaged her “pure” public image.

As news of Sakaguchi and Nagano’s alleged romance broke, many fans expressed disappointment and even betrayal.

“This really goes against his ‘pure and clean’ image that many K-fans loved,” Esther Park (12), Kentaro fan, said. “His romantic, sincere and gentle character portrayed in the Korea-Japan joint drama Things That Come After Love garnered him a lot of fans, who also admired him in BlackPink Lisa’s music video. It really is shocking to see him involved in a scandal like this.”

Neither Kentaro nor Nagano’s agencies have released an official statement, but fans and media predict that the scandal could have serious consequences for both stars’ careers.