Seoul, South Korea – Super Junior member Shindong recently revealed that his previous dating news went unnoticed due to the attention surrounding another high-profile celebrity couple. This confession made headlines earlier in the week, shedding light on the challenges faced by K-Pop idols when it comes to their personal relationships.
In addition to discussing this incident, Shindong also addressed the common misconception that he is married. Following his announcement of his first relationship on the popular variety program ‘Strong Heart’ in 2010, many people wrongly believed he had tied the knot. Shindong shared that even his current girlfriend’s parents thought he was already married, adding to the misunderstanding surrounding his personal life.
Shindong’s situation stands out among K-Pop idols, as he is one of the few who has had three public relationships throughout his career. This raises the question of how many other idols can be named who have also had multiple public relationships. Shindong’s openness about his dating life challenges the traditional “idol image” that many K-Pop idols are expected to maintain.
For Super Junior, one of the longest-running idol groups in the K-Pop industry with a 19-year career, the members’ ability to uphold their “idol image” is a topic of interest. Among the group, Shindong is not the only member to have been involved in dating news. Heechul, another Super Junior member, was in a high-profile relationship with TWICE’s Momo from 2020 to 2021. Ryeowook, on the other hand, is currently dating former TAHITI member Ari.
Netizens had diverse reactions to the news of Super Junior members’ dating lives. Some expressed surprise, with comments such as “Oh, Shindong isn’t already married?” and “I had no idea Ryeowook was dating.” Others encouraged the members to embrace marriage and start families, believing it would bring happiness to both the idols and their fans.
The disclosure of Shindong’s dating news becoming overshadowed by another celebrity couple’s announcement sheds light on the intricate dynamics within the K-Pop industry. Balancing personal relationships with the expectations of maintaining a carefully crafted idol image can be challenging. However, more idols like Shindong are breaking the mold and embracing a more open approach to their personal lives. This gradual change in perspective may pave the way for a more accepting environment within the K-Pop industry.