[Aju News DB]
Dispatch, an entertainment media outlet, shook the K-pop community on Monday morning by reporting that Daniel, 22, has been dating Jihyo, 22. The media outlet released paparazzi photographs which showed Jihyo arriving at Kang's apartment in Seoul on the late night of July 25.
"Jihyo and Kang Daniel are in a relationship with mutual feelings toward each other," JYP Entertainment said in a statement released about three hours after Dispatch's report. Fans cheered and expressed support in online communities.
K-pop fans normally express anger and feelings of betrayal at romantic affairs involving their favorite artists. Sometimes, angry fans carry out cyberattacks to defame celebrities.
"Jihyo, you are a perfect girl. You would also be great in a relationship," said "tumbler99", a user at South Korean online community Clien. Another user "Propylene glycol" said: "Jihyo has worked hard. She's earned the rights to start a relationship."
Jihyo debuted in 2015 as the leader of TWICE, one of South Korea's most iconic girl bands. Kang Daniel has recently debuted solo with album "color on me".
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
