Most K-Pop fans know that dating scandals can erupt overnight, leaving idols and netizens in a frenzy. While dating is a normal part of life, for idols under the constant gaze of the public eye it can lead to unwanted attention and controversy. Here, we explore three female idols who found themselves at the heart of dating rumors, sparking debates about privacy and the cost of fame.

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1. IU

Back in 2012, IU was embroiled in a dating scandal with Eunhyuk from Super Junior. The controversy ignited over a cozy photo of them together, which IU accidentally posted on her social media. The photo, showing them in casual attire, quickly spread across the internet, fueling rumors of their alleged relationship.

At the time, the seven-year age gap between IU and Eunhyuk was a hot topic. Rumors had been swirling even before the photo leak. IU’s agency, Loen Entertainment, had to step in to explain that the photo was taken when Eunhyuk visited a sick IU. They urged fans to refrain from overinterpreting the situation. Despite the apology and explanation, the incident left IU in a difficult spot.

2. BLACKPINK’s Jennie

The BLACKPINK star has not been spared from the dating rumor mill. In May 2022, social media was abuzz with sightings of Jennie and BTS‘s V in Jeju Island, hinting at a possible relationship. The situation was brushed off in the name of ‘personal privacy’ by their agencies. However, the following year, leaked photos and videos of the two holding hands in Paris reignited interest.

These leaks, which included intimate moments in Jeju Island and behind-the-scenes glimpses, raised serious concerns about privacy breaches and the dangers of hacking. Jennie’s past rumored relationship with G-Dragon from BIGBANG in 2021, which went unaddressed, is another “scandal” the idol has constantly been troubled with.

3. Kim Sae Ron

Most recently, actress Kim Sae Ron found herself in hot water after a late-night post. She shared an intimate photo on her Instagram story that showed her and actor Kim Soo Hyun close to each other, which was quickly deleted. However, the damage was done — the photo spread like wildfire across online platforms, sparking rumors of a romantic relationship.

Gold Medalist clarified that the dating rumors were baseless and suggested the photo was from a time when both actors were under the same agency. Yet, the incident caused a lot of hate to come to Kim’s way from fans of the shows in which Kim Soo Hyun stars.