It’s no secret that K-pop idols find it hard to date because many worry that being part of a relationship can jeopardise their career. Even if the stars date someone, most would shy away from announcing their relationship, fearing their fans might not react as positively.
However, these stars made shocking moves in 2024 and boldly revealed their relationship and partners to the world. Love was definitely in the air in 2024 – and these beloved K-pop idols are the proof! Here are all the K-pop idols and singers who confirmed their relationship in the past eight months:
HyunA (Soloist & Former 4Minute Member) & Yong JunHyung (Soloist & Former Highlight/BEAST Member) (김현아 & 용준형)
Soloist HyunA and former Highlight/BEAST member Yong JunHyung seemingly confirmed their relationship in early 2024 through an Instagram post but never publicly revealed their relationship. Nevertheless, the couple announced in June that they’re tying the knot in October. While HyunA seems unapologetically in love with JunHyung, the couple’s relationship has been heavily mocked since the beginning, mostly because of JunHyung’s supposed ties to the Burning Sun scandal.
Mijoo (Lovelyz Member) & Song Bum Keun (National Football Player) (이미주 & 송범근)
Fans discovered Mijoo’s relationship with Song Bum Keun after the public noticed similarities in their Instagram posts – or “lovestagram”. The news was then subsequently published by various news outlets in Korea, attracting tons of attention. Mijoo’s reaction to her relationship news getting dropped was even caught on camera since she was filming for a variety show then. Despite being nervous about the public’s reaction, Mijoo and Bum Keun’s relationship was met with positive responses.
Chaeyoung (TWICE Member) & Zion.T (Soloist) (채영 & 자이언티)
The news of TWICE rapper Chaeyoung and R&B singer Zion.T dating surprised fans because it appeared out of nowhere, given that the two never had any public interactions prior. Nevertheless, fans supported the relationship, especially knowing that the solo artist seemed to fit the girl group member’s ideal type of someone artistic with a slender build. Since the dating announcement in April, the pair has kept a low-profile relationship – but fans did recently spot Zion.T at TWICE’s concert in Japan in July.
Bomi (Apink Member) & Rado (Producer) (윤보미 & 라도)
Bomi and K-pop music producer Rado shocked fans after it was revealed that the couple have been dating for seven years. Rado is part of the production duo Black Eyed Pilseung and known amongst many Apink fans as a longtime producer for the girl group, having worked with them on tracks like “I’m So Sick” and “Dumhdurum”. After the revelation, PINK PANDAs start digging through past videos where the pair dropped hints of the relationship, leading many to wonder why they never picked up on the hints.
Ailee (Soloist) & Choi Sihun (Reality Show Contestant) (에일리 & 최시훈)
Earlier this year, news outlets reported that solo singer Ailee was seeing a non-celebrity and even planned on marrying her partner next year. Soon after, the singer personally confirmed the news and the identity of her boyfriend – Choi Sihun, who appeared on Netflix’s Singles Inferno. The news was met with tons of excitement from fans, who were ecstatic that the 35-year-old had found her love.
Honourable Mention:
Karina (aespa Member) & Lee Jaewook (Actor); Jihyo (TWICE Member) & Yun Sung-bin (Olympic Gold Medalist) (카리나 & 이재욱; 박지효 & 윤성빈)
Karina from aespa and Jihyo from TWICE were two other idols who got caught up in dating rumours this year. Karina confirmed her relationship with actor Lee Jaewook in February – but the pair then announced their break up in April. On the other hand, Jihyo was reportedly dating Olympic gold medalist Yun Sung-bin but has never confirmed the rumours. Until now, fans have wondered whether the two are together or just acquaintances.
