Sandara Park and EXID's Hyelin graced MBC every1's "Video Star," and revealed Korean idols do flirt at music award ceremonies. As K-pop stars dating deem scandalous, the two revealed how they do it in an interview.
Hyelin revealed the time she saw idols flirting at the "Idol Star Athletics Championship," which made Sandara Park curious after she revealed she hasn't been in the program. "The place I see it the most is at the opening and closing ceremonies," she said, per Soompi. "You can see it in the way they exchange glances."
Aside from exchanging glances, Hyelin also revealed that idols would "walk past another" and secretly brushed their hand against one another. When asked if she sees this scene often, the 25-year-old star said she had seen quite a few stars that did it.
On the other hand, Sandara Park revealed her experience seeing other idols flirting. The former 2NE1 member even admitted that she was doing the same thing. "Though I haven't been to the 'Idol Star Athletics Championships,' it seems like it's pretty similar," she said.
Sandara Park then went on to say that when everyone's together at year-end awards ceremonies, idols gaze and look at each other a lot of times. When Park Na Rae asked if she had personally done it, the 34-year-old responded with a question "how could she not?"
However, idols don't have a chance to go on dates even if it is Christmas time - especially if they are at the same event. So, they only take advantage of the moment by walking pass by, saying hello, and gazing at each other.
As an icebreaker, Park Na Rae suddenly blurted out that Sandara Park had dated a fellow idol. "Well, it's something that happened so long ago like the Korean War," Dara responded, which made everyone laugh.
It is not surprising that Korean idols go on dates, too, but it looks like Korean fans and entertainment companies see it as a "scandal." According to BBC, there is a clause that bans idols from dating, and being in a relationship - especially if their agency sees the other person as "inappropriate."
Some idols even face charges as their managements files illegal suits for breaking this rule. An expert in the K-pop industry, Mark Russell, explained agencies are "very concerned" about how others see their talents. Rolling Stone also reported that dating a fellow idol is seen as "off-course detriments" to their appeal. But if they can't avoid having a relationship with another idol, they should keep quiet about it so they will never have to face a PR backlash.
