On January 18, soloist HyunA and ex-BEAST member Yong Junhyung caused a stir online after posting photos of themselves holding hands on their personal Instagram accounts.
At the time, the two didn’t provide additional information about their relationship. However, HyunA’s caption using a lovely emoticon, and her comment saying “please look at us kindly” raised speculations among fans that the two stars have started a romantic relationship.
yes, but this comment from her suggests that it is, in addition to the fact that he also posted it on his Instagram pic.twitter.com/7Aw3z8TDFD
— HyunA International (@hyuna_fb) January 18, 2024
In response to the circulating issue, HyunA and Junhyung’s respective agencies — AT AREA and BLACK MADE simply stated that it is difficult for both companies to confirm anything as it is the artists’ personal lives.
But after a few days, Junhyung has personally confirmed their relationship in a written message to fans. Through the fan community platform fromm, the singer asked that their fans support their relationship.
“We’re doing well, bringing positive energy to each other,” he wrote, according to a translation by Koreaboo.
Relationship timeline
Even before the confirmation, K-pop fans have expressed their respective thoughts regarding the possibility of the two singers dating. A few have speculated that the photo may only be for an upcoming collaboration. Meanwhile, the majority of fans, especially of HyunA, have posted negative opinions about it.
For those who don’t know, HyunA and Junhyung were once labelmates in CUBE Entertainment. To recall, the “Bubble Pop!” singer previously debuted under the agency as a member of Wonder Girls in 2007, and then re-debuted in 4minute in 2009.
On the other hand, Junhyung first set foot into K-Pop as a member of the boy group BEAST in 2009. They later left CUBE and reorganized themselves as HIGHLIGHT in 2017. Remarkably, the two stars first teamed up in HyunA’s solo debut track “Change”, which was released in 2010.
Prior to Junhyung, HyunA was in a relationship with former PENTAGON member and soloist DAWN from 2016 to 2022. Notably, HyunA and DAWN were also labelmates in CUBE Entertainment and even did sub-unit activities under Triple H. In 2018, the two left the agency after going public with their relationship.
Moreover, HyunA and DAWN got engaged in February 2022, but announced their split in November the same year.
Fans’ mixed opinions on HyunA and Junhyung being together
With the rumors that the two idols are dating, fans have shared their disappointment on social media. To recall, Junhyung was publicly scrutinized in the past for his involvement in the infamous Burning Sun scandal in South Korea.
The said scandal uncovered several crimes happening in the entertainment industry, particularly cases of prostitution, drug trafficking, and corruption. Numerous celebrities including BIGBANG’s Seungri were involved in the controversy.
HyunA's big fanbases have started closing their accounts and called her out due to her controversy dating a man involved in Burning Sun incident. pic.twitter.com/kVQFKRNE2x
— CHUNGHA Charts (@chun9hachart) January 19, 2024
During that time, Junhyung was also criticized after admitting to being part of a Burning Sun group chat. Although claiming that he never participated in filming inappropriate videos, the singer received backlash for being an enabler. Following the issue, Junhyung left HIGHLIGHT in 2019.
Considering Junhyung’s background, netizens were surprised to see HyunA’s association with him. Especially since the “I’m Not Cool” singer has been actively speaking for women’s empowerment and rights.
With this, fans have shared their disapproval of the two idols’ relationship on social media.
Featured image: HyunA and Junhyung updates fans with new photos. Credit: HyunA and Junhyung’s Instagram accounts