New K-pop couple alert! Just hours ago, it has been revealed that T-ara’s Hyomin (효민) is currently in a relationship with FC Girondins de Bordeaux player Hwang Ui Jo (황의조).
According to a report by South Korean media outlet Sports Chosun today (Monday, 3rd January), the lovebirds began seeing one another since sometime around November last year.
Hyomin (real name Park Sun Young) and Ui Jo first met through an acquaintance, the publication reported, and became friends soon after. It is also said that the duo is in a long-distance relationship, as the latter is currently playing for his team in France.
Nevertheless, Sports Chosun claimed that the “Roly Poly” hit-maker was able to spend some quality time together with her apparent beau last month by going on a trip to Switzerland together. Not only that, the two also reportedly travelled back and forth between France and Korea together.
For those who aren’t familiar with Ui Jo, the 29-year-old athlete plays as a forward for Ligue 1 club Bordeaux and also for the South Korea national team. Football fans will also be seeing him in action for this year’s World Cup tournament in Qatar. Meanwhile, Hyomin debuted as a member of T-ara in 2009.
Following the exclusive report, Dispatch also stepped in action by posting some photos of Hyomin and Ui Jo together, in addition to revealing that the couple has made it official with their budding romance. “Hwang Ui Jo and Hyomin are dating like good friends. As they are more mature, they respect each other’s boundaries and businesses,” one source told the outlet.
Dispatch further reported that Ui Jo and the 32-year-old singer have also confirmed their relationship. The couple stated, “We’re currently in a stage of getting to know each other better with good feelings.”
Sources: AllKpop (1)(2), Sports Donga.
