Son Ho Young recently shared how a false dating rumor with Song Hye Kyo damaged their once-strong friendship. The god member revealed this story on MBC’s Radio Star during the August 6 episode. He explained how media rumors created an awkward situation that eventually led to their friendship fading away.
Son Ho Young Recalls His Close Friendship With Song Hye Kyo
During the show, Son Ho Young talked about his early career days when he was very close with Song Hye Kyo. He mentioned that they often met at social gatherings and had a natural, fun friendship.
“Right after I debuted, I had many friends, and I was really close with Hye Kyo. She liked meeting people, and we often hung out at get-togethers. We had a fun and natural friendship.”
At that time, both were rising stars in the entertainment industry. Song Hye Kyo was gaining fame for her acting, while Son Ho Young was part of the popular group god. Their friendship was purely platonic, but the media turned it into something else.
How a False Dating Rumor Changed Everything
The situation took a turn when a news outlet published an article suggesting a romantic relationship between them. Son Ho Young still remembers the headline, which referred to their bond as a “pink friendship.”
“I still remember the article headline — it said something like ‘Pink friendship.’ After that, things got really weird.”
Back then, dating rumors were taken very seriously. Companies often restricted artists from being seen together to avoid further speculation. The rumor made their friendship uncomfortable, and they eventually stopped meeting.
The Impact of Celebrity Dating Rumors in the Past
In the early 2000s, dating scandals could heavily affect an artist’s career. Unlike today, where celebrities sometimes confirm relationships openly, past idols had to be extremely careful.
Son Ho Young explained that even innocent meetups became difficult.
“Back then, if a scandal happened, it would shake the whole company. We weren’t even allowed to be seen in the same place with a female celebrity.”
The pressure from agencies and public perception made it hard for them to continue their friendship. Song Hye Kyo also denied the rumors, stating they only saw each other as friends.
Son Ho Young Also Faced Homosexual Rumors With Yoon Kye Sang
Besides the Song Hye Kyo rumor, Son Ho Young shared another strange experience. Fans once spread rumors that he was in a relationship with his god bandmate Yoon Kye Sang.
“There were fanfics going around that said I was dating Kye Sang hyung. Someone even made fake pictures of us holding hands or kissing.”
He laughed about it now, but at the time, such rumors were shocking. The entertainment industry has since evolved, but false stories still affect celebrities’ personal lives.
Fans Reflect on the Lost Friendship
After Son Ho Young’s revelation, fans expressed sadness over how a simple rumor ended a genuine friendship. Many pointed out how celebrity culture sometimes forces stars to distance themselves even from close friends.
Some fans also noted that Song Hye Kyo has always been private about her personal life. This incident shows how rumors can create unnecessary barriers between people.
How the Industry Has Changed Since Then
Compared to the early 2000s, the K-pop and K-drama industry is now more open about dating. Many celebrities confirm relationships publicly without facing severe backlash. However, false rumors still spread quickly, especially on social media.
Son Ho Young’s story serves as a reminder of how media speculation can impact real-life relationships. While he and Song Hye Kyo are still successful in their careers, their friendship remains a thing of the past.
Also Read: Gong Yoo Rejects Coffee Truck But Seo Hyun Jin Sends It Anyway – Song Hye Kyo Joins the Fun
Credits: biz.chosun.com, MBC Radio Star, Facebook
