It’s a well-known fact that many K-pop entertainment agencies impose strict dating bans on their idols. Artists are not allowed to date for a certain period of time, and even after the ban is lifted, companies often strongly advise them to keep any relationships under wraps. This is to avoid potentially damaging their reputation and to preserve the illusion that idols exist solely for their fans.
However, idols would still find a way to interact with their crushes within the industry, as risky as it is. One singer even shared her observation of what goes on behind the scenes when it came to dating. Recently, several 2nd-generation idols came together to talk about their dating experiences back in the day. Here are their stories:
In the latest episode of BIGBANG’s Daesung (대성)’s YouTube show “ZIP DAESUNG”, T-ARA’s Hyomin (효민), SISTAR’s Bora (윤보라), KARA’s Youngji (허영지), and Jewelry’s Yewon (김예원) appeared as guests. The group spent time catching up, playing games, and enjoying a meal together. At one point during the show, while enjoying their meal, the idols began sharing stories about their dating and flirting experiences during the early days of their careers.
The topic came up as they were discussing their time participating in various variety and reality shows, including the “Idol Star Athletics Championships” (ISAC), a programme notorious for fuelling dating rumours. It appears those rumours weren’t entirely baseless, as the singers admitted to having witnessed, or even experienced, subtle interactions between idols.
Jewelry’s Yewon recalled an embarrassing moment when she thought a male idol was waving at her from afar. She shyly returned the gesture, only to realise he was actually waving at the female idol behind her. T-ARA’s Hyomin went on to reveal that she was one of the few brave enough to take the risk of getting closer to a male idol. She secretly passed him a letter while they were walking past each other at a broadcasting station, and even hinted that the two would sneak off to the building’s staircase.
She also shared that she once snuck out of the group’s dormitory, placing a wig under the covers to make it appear as though she was asleep when their managers came in to check on them. Yewon once again shared her story of idols promising to see each other during breaks at music shows or festivals, not necessarily to interact but to see each other’s faces among the crowd without being too suspicious. Daesung described all these stories as romantic, expressing that he wished he could’ve had those experiences as well.
Perhaps, one day, K-pop idols would be able to go on dates with whoever they want without public backlash or restrictions from their agencies. Do you think that will be possible in the future?
Watch the full episode below, or skip to 42:17 for the dating/flirting stories:
Source: YouTube
