Rappers Dok2 and Lee Hi Confirm Relationship Amid New Music Release

Rapper Dok2 and singer Lee Hi have effectively confirmed their romantic relationship, capturing public attention.

On October 28, both artists shared photos and videos together on their Instagram accounts. On the same day, they announced the establishment of their joint label '808 HI RECORDINGS' and released a duet track titled 'You & Me'. The song features lyrics like "I'd choose you again even if I were reborn" and "It's too much for a childish love," conveying a message centered around love.

Lee Hi expressed her feelings by saying, "Happy birthday to my one and only DOK2 and 808HI," and added in English, referring to Dok2 as 'MY MAN'. Dok2 responded with a comment saying "Much love" accompanied by heart emojis, showing his affection. He also referred to Lee Hi as 'MY LADY' on his social media, hinting at their relationship while promoting their new song by saying, "Is everyone listening well? More songs coming soon."

Earlier that day, a media outlet reported that the two have been dating for about five years. According to the report, they first met in 2016 through a broadcast program and developed their relationship from collaborators to lovers. With their long-standing relationship, the release of their duet song is seen as a public acknowledgment of their romance.

The label introduced the track on music platforms like Melon and Genie, quoting hip-hop journalist Kim Bong-hyun, who described it as "a track with deeply affectionate lyrics about love." He added, "Perhaps Dok2 and Lee Hi could become the most powerful artist couple in the scene since Tiger JK and Yoon Mi-rae." Following the news of their relationship, fellow artists extended their congratulations. Rapper Sleepy, known to be a close friend, commented "Let's get married," while DinDin reacted with a 'like'.

Meanwhile, Dok2 was previously embroiled in controversy after being listed among high-profile tax delinquents by the National Tax Service in 2023. He later announced that he had paid off approximately 672 million won in taxes, including comprehensive income tax, local taxes, and health insurance premiums, by June of last year.

Earlier this year, Lee Hi faced controversy over operating an unregistered one-person agency. In January, it was reported that the agency she established had been operating without registration with the relevant authorities for an extended period. '808 HI RECORDINGS', where Lee Hi serves as the representative, was registered as a public culture and arts planning business with the Mapo District Office in Seoul on January 21, nearly five years and nine months after its establishment in April 2020.

At the time, the agency (DoOver) stated, "We were unaware that individual business owners also need to register as a public culture and arts planning business," and added, "This occurred due to the ignorance and oversight of both the company and the artist, and we will ensure to thoroughly check related laws and procedures."

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr