Stray Kids' Hyunjin finally addresses the dating rumors surrounding him and fellow idol, aespa's Karina. With the several scandals in Korean entertainment today, does it include these two?
The talks began when a netizen noticed the background of Hyunjin's smartphone. Though it was quite blurry, the fan believed it was a selfie of Karina.
This even started an online debate, as some suggested the image could be a snap of his pet dog instead. Anyhow, to add fuel to the fire, fans also noticed that the two had the same "Dear U. Lysn Bubble" names with blue hearts in the end.
"Ie" was also added to the back of their names. So, are these rumors true or not?
To shut down the claims, Hyunji finally broke his silence about it and showed his phone's lock screen on Bubble, Koreaboo noted. He revealed his phone's background, which was a sketch of two lovers sharing a kiss.
"My heart fluttered while watching a drama, so here's a croquis," he said. As expected, fans filled the comment section with their own sentiments.
Many claimed it was quite impossible for these two to go on a date, especially since Karina is only a rookie. They also found the evidence "undeniable" and "slightly unbelievable," per AllKpop.
One fan asked why Hyunjin would make a bold move to put a photo of Karina on his phone. Another claimed it was crazy how the GIF edit revealed the transformation. Others added people were so quick to make a conclusion about idols' relationships.
Meanwhile, Hyunjin went on a hiatus in February after being surrounded by a number of bullying allegations, The Straits Times noted. Though many denied the issue when it became a hot topic in South Korea earlier in the year, the Stray Kids member bravely came forward.
He issued an apology while his management, JYP Entertainment, suspended all of his promotional activities indefinitely. In a statement, the company said its talent would take the time to "self-reflect" after stopping his career activities.
He had deeply regretted everything he had done and started self-reflecting. At the time, Hyunjin finally understood that he hurt different people in middle school with his "rough and unsuitable words."
He sincerely apologized to those he had hurt and did the best that he could to help those people heal. To recall, in the same month, an anonymous poster accused Hyunjin of verbal abuse and being violent toward this mysterious person during middle school when they were only teenagers.
