Choi Ji-woo(L) and Jang Dong-gun(R)

In a desperate bid to stifle rumors started by "netizens" that they are to marry, South Korean movie stars Jang Dong-gun and Choi Ji-woo have reported the matter to Internet police.

By the end of June, the Web was awash with messages claiming Jang and Choi had already reserved a hotel for their wedding ceremony and had even decided the honeymoon destination.

Some "netizens" also posted messages alleging parents on both sides met each other to discuss the wedding details.

Although the star actor and actress paid no attention to the stories at first, they were moved to break their silence and take action when the rumors continued to spread.

In addition to turning to the police, who have been asked to help identify the origin of the stories, both Jang's and Choi's agents also made public announcements — maintaining that while the stories are no more than online rumors, they are in effect privacy violations, which severely affect the stars' personal lives.

This is not the first time Choi has been the subject of marriage rumors.

Press reports earlier this year alleged she was set to marry the boss of a film company this July, and more recently a series of well-publicized marriage "scandals" linked Choi with numerous Korean actors.

Both Jang and Choi contend their on- and off-screen relationship in recent years has been purely platonic. They last appeared on screen together six years ago, a working relationship which did not produce any love affair.

stifle : 抑止；遏制

platonic: 柏拉图主义的，纯理想的，不切实际的