On May 15, 2025, Zhao Lei, an idol from the boygroup R1SE, stunned fans with an emotional and unexpected life update: he had tied the knot in Bali with his longtime girlfriend—who, according to circulating reports, was once his sasaeng fan.
The Surprise Announcement and Handwritten Letter
According to koreaboo, the announcement first came on Valentine’s Day, when the idol posted a handwritten letter and wedding photos on Weibo.
In his heartfelt message, he opened up about his personal struggles and the journey that led to this major decision.
“At this moment, I write this letter feeling grateful and anxious. All these years since debut, I have continuously been learning how to become the real me. For a majority of my 26 years, I have felt uncertain and insecure but still I am lucky. I want to thank all of you who have supported me, it’s your love that lets me walk through every uncertain moment.”
He explained that the decision to marry was not rushed, but rather the culmination of growth and reflection.
“Many people believe that marrying at 26 years old is too young, but for me it’s not early. My drifting has turned to dust and settled and my future has just begun.”
The groom expressed a strong sense of responsibility—not only toward his partner but also toward his fans.
“Whether it’s for you all who support me, or for the one I love, I want to assume this responsibility, and I want to be worthy of every piece of the most innocent love.”
“May everyone who believes in love eventually find bliss, may we all be able to be braver with love and move forward.”
Who is the Bride?
His bride, once a viral influencer known as QKO, had been deeply involved in supporting him during his early career. While many fans initially admired her dedication, some criticized her for allegedly exhibiting sasaeng behavior—such as tracking his schedules and meeting him at airports. In a 2016 post, QKO even revealed that she met her then-boyfriend (believed to be the idol) during a flight that year.
Despite the controversial beginnings, their relationship endured and evolved, culminating in a romantic wedding held in Bali.
Adding to the emotional tone of the day, the wedding became a mini reunion for the idol’s original group. Fellow members of R1SE, who had debuted with him in 2016 through the Chinese survival show X-Fire, flew in to attend the event.
One member, Peng Chuyue, shared photos from the celebration online, showing smiles, camaraderie, and heartfelt congratulations for the couple.
The wedding has sparked discussion among netizens, ranging from admiration for their love story to ongoing debate about the ethics of sasaeng culture. Still, many fans have rallied behind the couple, sending congratulations and praising the idol for his maturity and sincerity.
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