Dating in the K-pop industry is often a topic approached with caution, and sometimes outright avoidance. It’s not uncommon for idols to be under strict no-dating policies. Furthermore, these rules are meant to help them stay focused and maintain a clean image among fans. Whether it’s due to parasocial dynamics or the fear of public scrutiny, romantic relationships continue to be a taboo subject in Korean entertainment.
However, during a recent YouTube interview titled “We Asked Shindong Questions We Were Curious About,” SUPER JUNIOR (슈퍼주니어) member Shindong (신동) spoke openly about dating as an idol. His honest and unfiltered responses surprised both fans and the interviewer.
During the conversation, host JM asked Shindong whether he often meets members of the opposite gender as a celebrity. In response, Shindong said dating is possible, for those who put in the effort. If he wanted to pursue someone, he explained, he could ask for numbers at broadcasting stations. Additionally, the idol also mentioned that he could approach fellow celebrities during industry meetups. However, despite having those opportunities, he emphasised that he’s never acted on them.
Shindong went on to point out that confidence plays a major role in how many idols find romantic partners. According to the dancer, several of his friends have successfully started relationships simply by being bold enough to make the first move. As for himself, he admits to receiving messages in his inbox but rarely feels compelled to reply, noting that online personas can differ significantly from real-life interactions.
When asked about his future plans regarding marriage, Shindong shared that he once set a personal goal to tie the knot by the age of 48. However, recently, his perspective has shifted. These days, he finds himself thinking more about starting a family. He’s even expressed a growing desire to have a child. Some of his friends have advised him not to wait too long. After all, starting a family can become more difficult with age, he’s also taking into consideration.
Although he hasn’t made any firm decisions just yet, Shindong’s openness provides a rare glimpse into the personal life of an idol navigating both fame and future aspirations. In an industry where romantic topics are often kept behind closed doors, his honesty brings a refreshing layer to the ongoing conversation around love, relationships, and adulthood in the K-pop world.
Watch the interview here or skip to 9:15 for his take on the topic:
Zaima Humaira contributed to this article
