Match made in soap-opera heaven

Chinese swimmer Ning Zetao's appeal has spread to South Korea where even rhythmic gymnastics superstar Son Yeon-jae appears to have lost her heart.

The good-looking 21-year-old became a heartthrob after winning four gold medals at this year's Incheon Asian Games. Fans poured out their affection on Sina Weibo, China's popular microblogging service, with posts saying "he is so handsome" or similar becoming endemic.

Speaking of how irresistible Ning is, Son openly expressed her admiration on a talk show, Happy Together 3, when she recalled her chance meeting with Ning at the Asian Games.

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Son is not just an ordinary girl. The talented 20-year-old is believed to be the only one who can follow in figure skater Kim Yu-na's steps to become South Korea's next global star. She also has a flawless complexion and slim figure, making her the darling of the public.

Son also took gold at the Asiad for her outstanding performance in the individual all-round event.

Son's candid remarks about Ning fueled speculation among zealous fans who couldn't wait to pair them up. They have good reason to imagine such South Korean soap opera-style fantasy. Famous, well-groomed and close in age, the celebrity duo have everything needed to be a perfect couple, or at least an imaginary one.

The South Korean star's name led sports-related searches on Sina Weibo, with 17,077 seeking her on Friday. The hash tag "Son and Ning get together" was created on the social-networking site.

If the matchup works out - let's keep the fantasy afloat for now at least - soap opera scenes could finally extend to real life.