Who Is Nicholas Braun’s Secretive GF, Hyunji Ward? Inside ‘The Sheep Detectives’ Star’s Love Story

Hugh Jackman and Nicholas Braun-starrer, The Sheep Detectives is currently grabbing all the headlines. The mystery-comedy film hot the theatres on Friday, May 8, 2026 and has already garnered significant positive reviews. The fans have taken to social media to express their appreciation for the enjoyable plot and the actors’ stellar performance. Nicholas Braun has particularly gone past expectations and shone in the film. Even the media outlets’ verdicts on him are all good. He has been trending ever since the movie was released.

Regarding Nicholas’ movie, Sheep Detectives, it follows a flock of unusually intelligent sheep as they investigate the murder of their beloved shepherd. The film blends live-action with realistic CGI animal characters. Critics seem enthusiastic about the movie, describing it as a whimsical, surprisingly emotional cross between Babe and Knives Out. With a blend of comedy, drama, and emotion, Sheep Detectives have already won over the audience and are opening to a decent box-office collection. Amid that, let’s take a look at the real-life romance of the reel ‘Tim Derry’ (Nicholas Braun).

Who is Nicholas Braun’s girlfriend, Hyunji Ward?

Hyunji Ward is an American film industry professional who is best known as the girlfriend of Nicholas Braun. According to a report by Elle, she works as a creative executive at TeaTime Pictures, the production company founded by Dakota Johnson and Ro Donnelly. Deadline reported that Hyunji acquired the position after getting promoted in 2023, as part of a larger expansion at the company. Before joining TeaTime Pictures, she reportedly spent three years working in the Motion Picture Department at United Talent Agency (UTA), which also represents Braun.

Talking about education, Hyunji graduated from Wesleyan University in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature and American Studies. As for her personal life with Nicholas Braun, the couple has remained tight for years. They have been together even before she stepped into the job world. Both supported each other’s careers and continue to share an enduring bond. However fans don’t get to pry in her life much as she kept her Instagram private.

How did Nicholas Braun and Hyunji Ward’s love story start?

Nicholas and Hyunji have kept the exact details of how they first met completely private, as they don’t enjoy publicity of their relationship. Nicholas has made it clear in various interviews. The couple chose to keep the initial spark of their love story out of the public eye. However, public records and timelines suggest their paths likely crossed through their mutual ties in the entertainment industry.

Before becoming a creative executive at Dakota Johnson’s production company, Hyunji spent three years working in the motion picture department at United Talent Agency (UTA). Because Nicholas is also a client of the same agency, it is probable that their professional circles overlapped during her time there. However, it is based on speculations and has not been confirmed by the couple.

Nicholas Braun and Hyunji Ward’s first public appearance first public appearance

Nicholas Braun and Hyunji Ward’s first high-profile public appearance at a basketball game in Toronto in March 2023. At that time, Nicholas was snapped with his arms wrapped around Hyunji, according to Elle. He didn’t comment on his relationship even after his series, Succession, brought immense spotlight on him. The actor recently shared the reason during an episode of SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live. We were frustrated with the constant paparazzi and public interference in our quality time on dates. He said:

“People would take pictures from afar. They spot you at restaurants and they would spot me on dates, which was annoying for the other girls that I was trying to date.”

Nicholas Braun and Hyunji Ward’s subsequent public spottings fuelled dating rumours

Nicholas Braun and Hyunji Ward attended the HBO & Max Post-Emmys Reception on January 15, 2024, in West Hollywood. That same month, the actor was photographed kissing Hyunji at their table after his project, Succession, won Best Drama Series at the Critics’ Choice Awards. The next month, the duo was seen together again at Netflix’s SAG Awards party in Los Angeles. Glimpses of their public appearances also went viral online, with speculation rife about their relationship. Though the kiss unofficially confirmed that they were dating, he hard-launched Hyunji not until a year later.

Nicholas Braun and Hyunji Ward went Instagram official

Nicholas kept his relationship with Hyunji private for some time before finally answering everyone’s query about his love life. He went Instagram official with his ladylove, Hyunji Ward, by sharing his love for her in a heartfelt birthday tribute. In the March 2025 birthday dedication he called her “the absolute joy of my life”. The post featured rare, candid photos of the couple doing their usual thing, including traveling, eating together, and posing with their cute furry friend. It included their silly as well as glam moments. Even after going public with their relationship, the couple kept their romance mostly out of the public eye.

Photo Credit: Amazon MGM Studios

Other Photos Credit: Nicholas Braun/IG

What are your thoughts on Nicholas Braun and Hyunji Ward’s private relationship? Let us know.

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