Love is in the air for K-Pop! The past year has seen a whirlwind of dating news, particularly for female idols. Fans are buzzing and netizens are joking about a possible shift in who these stars are choosing to date.
Traditionally, K-Pop idols dating other idols wasn’t unusual. However, recent headlines suggest a trend – female idols are looking outside the industry for love.
The spark ignited in early 2023 when news broke about singer IU dating heartthrob actor Lee Jong Suk. “Dispatch,” a popular Korean media outlet known for celebrity reveals, shared photos hinting at their connection. Since then, the couple has shown sweet support for each other publicly.
Fans were surprised next by reports of BLACKPINK‘s Jisoo dating actor Ahn Bo Hyun. Though their romance was short-lived due to busy schedules, it added another name to the list of non-idol partners.
Wonder Girls‘ Yubin also joined the trend. In May 2023, she announced her relationship with Korean tennis player Kwon Soon Woo, but the two revealed they had split later that year.
Most recently, aespa’s Karina made headlines for dating actor Lee Jae Wook. The pair reportedly met at a fashion event, sparking a new romance.
And the plot thickens! While not officially confirmed, rumors are swirling that TWICE‘s Jihyo might be dating Olympian skeleton racer Yun Sung Bin.
Netizens React: More Freedom for Female Idols?
This string of news has K-Pop fans buzzing and netizens firing off jokes. Many online comments point out the trend – all these top female idols seem to be choosing partners outside the K-Pop world, be it actors, athletes, or those who aren’t celebrities.
the girls are really done with male idols GOOD FOR THEM https://t.co/876Ig2rb7t pic.twitter.com/VGXQSlCoNv
— aerina🎸 (@aerinagirls) March 24, 2024
the girls are really done with male idols 😭😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/uooBmGj9i0
— ✶ (@haevong) March 24, 2024
female idols are no longer dating male idols pic.twitter.com/QgBc8kxyTO
— mar 🇵🇸 (@yujimjn) March 24, 2024
29 NOT UGLY AND NOT A MALE IDOL pic.twitter.com/E9dTAfsNlK
— misandrist sana 🦉 (@hotgirImina) March 24, 2024
This shift has sparked positive reactions from fans. In the past, intense schedules and industry pressures often limited idols’ dating options. Now, fans seem happy that female idols are venturing out and finding love on their own terms. Many believe dating outside the K-Pop bubble allows for more “freedom” and privacy.
Is This Just a Coincidence, or a New Chapter for K-Pop Dating?
Whether this is a mere coincidence or a developing trend remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure – K-Pop fans are loving the new narratives unfolding. With more female idols potentially finding love outside the industry, the future of K-Pop dating looks exciting and full of surprises.