Han So-hee → Chaeyoung, dating rumors pop up all the time... Public reactions vary widely [TEN Focus]

The dating rumors of stars that started in February seemed to be gradually quieting down, but a new dating rumor has emerged again and is heating up the entertainment industry. The public is expressing mixed reactions to the entertainment industry, which has poor weather, with some saying it is fun and others saying it is increasing fatigue.

On the 5th, the agencies of Twice's Chaeyoung and singer Zion.T acknowledged their dating rumors. Earlier this morning, a media outlet reported that the two people, who met through an acquaintance of Chaeyoung, developed into a romantic relationship and have been dating for six months.

Chaeyoung was embroiled in dating rumors with tattoo artist Chim Hwasa in 2020. At the time, Chaeyoung's JYP Entertainment did not acknowledge this and stated, "We have no position." Chaeyoung, who appeared on the web entertainment show 'Turkeys on the Block' in 2021, said, "A decadent and sexy style is my ideal type." Zion.T, who has a strong image of a skinny musician, matched Chaeyoung's previously mentioned ideal type.

Zion.T was also reported to be dating once in 2015. The opponent was Esom. At the time, the agency denied the relationship, saying, "We are close friends, but we are not in a romantic relationship." The two publicly acknowledged their relationship for the first time since their debut in the entertainment industry. Chaeyoung, who debuted as a member of the group in 2015, was born in 1999, and Zion.T, who debuted in 2011, was born in 1989, making them 10 years apart.

This is the fifth dating rumor reported in less than two months, including the dating rumor between Karina and Lee Jae-wook that was reported at the end of February. Han So-hee and Ryu Jun-yeol, who were sparked by eyewitness rumors on social media, acknowledged that they were lovers on the 16th of last month. Then, on the 24th of last month, Kim Sae-ron posted a photo of Kim Soo-hyun and her face close together on her SNS, sparking dating rumors. Kim Soo-hyun's side denied this, and Kim Sae-ron ultimately remained silent. The next day, on the 25th, it was reported that Jihyo, who is in the same group as Chaeyoung, has been dating Yoon Sungbin for a year. In response to this, each agency released a statement saying, “It is a private matter, so we cannot confirm it.”

For two months, the entertainment industry was abuzz with controversy related to dating rumors. After Karina admitted to being in a relationship, she posted a handwritten apology, leading to heated debates such as "Is dating something to apologize for?" and "Dating is a fatal blow for an idol in the prime of their group activities." As for Han So-hee and Ryu Jun-yeol, the entertainment industry is going through a rough patch as Hyeri, who ended her 6-year public relationship last year, became involved and rumors of a transit relationship arose.

Although Jihyo and Yoon Sungbin passed away relatively calmly, the public's interest was further heightened as the dating rumor broke out a day after the controversy caused by Kim Sae-ron. Kim Soo-hyun was on the rise with tvN's 'Queen of Tears'. The topic of conversation was raised as to whether he actually dated Kim Sae-ron, who was the same age as him.

Before officially announcing her breakup with Ryu Jun-yeol on the 30th of last month, Han So-hee was embroiled in controversy over whether she was sniping Hyeri in a long post she wrote on social media, and issues also arose in the process of communicating with fans on her blog. The confusing relationship between Han So-hee and Ryu Jun-yeol ended in a breakup after two weeks. Discussions about the appearance of the two people who were considered for the casting of 'Dazzle' were halted.

On the 2nd, Karina and Lee Jae-wook acknowledged their breakup after five weeks of public dating. As for the reason, the pain caused by malicious comments and feeling sorry for the fans were depicted. In particular, a truck protest was held to criticize Karina's romantic relationship. The two developed into a romantic relationship after attending the Prada Collection in January. It was only about a month later that their romantic relationship was reported. Even though they weren't in a long relationship, some people reacted with regret at the fact that their relationship was revealed to the public forcibly, and they were criticized so much that they eventually decided to break up.

Three days after their breakup was announced, new dating rumors between Chaeyoung and Zion.T surfaced. The public, somewhat tired of repeated rumors of a relationship and breakup, took a relatively calm attitude, respecting their privacy instead of showing great interest. Celebrities refer to people who make a living through the love of the public. That's how close the relationship between the public and celebrities is, and the public receives news about them so easily that it's difficult to choose between them. The entertainment industry news that had been non-stop for about two months stimulated the public's dopamine, but on the other hand, it also increased fatigue and decreased interest.

Ten Asia Reporter Lee So-jeong forusojung@tenasia.co.kr