As rumors swirl about the relationship between WINNER's Song Min-ho (31) and actress Park Joo-hyun (30), Song Min-ho's agency YG Entertainment (hereafter YG) has stated that it is "unable to confirm," leading to reactions suggesting that this is essentially an acknowledgment of the relationship.
Earlier that day, a media outlet reported that Song Min-ho and Park Joo-hyun, who became acquainted through their appearance in the 2022 Netflix film "Seoul Vibe," have been dating for two years.
According to the outlet, the two have been spotted working out together at a fitness facility in Gangnam, Seoul, and were also seen together in Yangyang, Gangwon Province. Rather than secretly dating, Park Joo-hyun has been freely mingling with Song Min-ho's acquaintances in the music industry, interacting like friends.
Additionally, Song Min-ho sent a coffee truck to support Park Joo-hyun on the set of her 2022 drama "The Golden Marriage: The Chosun Marriage Ban." Park Joo-hyun also attended an event for Song Min-ho's brand launch in October 2022, leaving a photo as proof.
A representative from YG Entertainment stated to Maeil Business Star Today on the 18th regarding the dating rumors, "We cannot confirm the personal life of our artists." A representative from Park Joo-hyun's agency 935 Entertainment also stated, "We cannot confirm as it is a personal matter," neither affirming nor denying the dating rumors.
Netizens reacted to YG's response, suggesting that it is "essentially an acknowledgment of the relationship." This is because YG has typically responded quickly with "not true" when a relationship is indeed false.
In the case of dating rumors involving BLACKPINK's Jennie and BTS's V, as well as AKMU's Lee Chan-hyuk and fromis_9's Lee Sae-rom, YG stated "unable to confirm," but for false rumors like those involving BLACKPINK's Jisoo and soccer player Son Heung-min, and BLACKPINK's Jennie and producer Teddy, they quickly responded with "not true."
However, in the case of Rosé and Kang Dong-won, YG also stated "unable to confirm," leading to speculation that the two might be dating, and eventually YG reversed its stance, stating "not true."
Meanwhile, born in 1993, Song Min-ho debuted on August 17, 2014, with WINNER's first full album and later appeared on Mnet's survival program "Show Me the Money 4," where he finished as the runner-up. Park Joo-hyun, born in 1994, debuted in the 2019 one-act drama "Drama Stage - Wife's Bed." She gained recognition for her leading role in the Netflix series "Human Class." On November 29, she won the Best New Actress award at the 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards for her first leading film "Drive" (directed by Park Dong-hee).
Song Min-ho is currently serving as a social service worker and has recently been embroiled in allegations of inadequate service, claiming he did not properly report to his workplace at the Mapo Community Benefit Facility. In response, YG Entertainment denied the allegations, stating, "The reason for sick leave is an extension of treatment received before service, and all other leaves were used in accordance with regulations."
[Shin Young-eun, Star Today Reporter]
