Chinese actor and singer Tan Jianci has become the center of renewed public debate after rookie actress Liu Yinuo confirmed that the two had previously dated, igniting controversy over their reported 16-year age gap and the timing of their relationship.

The situation began escalating on January 7, when Liu Yinuo born in 2006 and a former SM Entertainment trainee posted photos of luxury gifts on social media. Her captions, which referenced receiving the items from a special person, quickly sparked speculation that she was romantically linked to Tan Jianci, a member of the Chinese idol group M.I.C. and a well-known actor.

As rumors spread, Tan Jianci swiftly denied that he was currently dating anyone, emphasizing that he is “single.” However, shortly afterward, Liu Yinuo issued a detailed statement clarifying that while they are no longer together, the relationship did exist in the past.

“We were once together, but we have since broken up. I only wanted to keep a record of the past and did not want to be compared to women who were exposed before. Every girl deserves to be loved and respected,” Liu wrote. She also apologized for the situation escalating, saying she never expected her posts to cause controversy or discomfort.

The confirmation reignited online scrutiny, particularly surrounding the couple’s age difference. Tan Jianci was born in 1990, making him 35 in 2026, while Liu Yinuo is currently 19 resulting in a 16-year age gap. Netizens quickly questioned Liu’s age at the time of the relationship, sparking debate across Chinese social platforms.

Further complicating the issue, Liu Yinuo’s birth year has shown inconsistencies in past posts. While her public profile lists 2006 as her birth year, she previously stated that she was a 15-year-old SM Entertainment trainee in 2020, suggesting a possible 2005 birth year. These discrepancies have fueled additional speculation but have not been officially clarified.

Meanwhile, Tan Jianci has not directly addressed Liu Yinuo’s confirmation. On the same day the controversy intensified, he posted photos of his two dogs alongside his song Proof, captioning the post “PROOF: three single dogs.” Many interpreted this as an indirect response emphasizing his current relationship status rather than addressing the past.

The dating controversy unfolded against a tense backdrop in the Chinese entertainment industry. Earlier this year, influencer Tu Xiaodi triggered widespread scrutiny by alleging romantic involvement with multiple male celebrities, including Tan Jianci. Although his studio denied those claims, public attention toward his private life has remained heightened.

As a result, Tan Jianci’s rapid denial of rumors involving Liu Yinuo contrasted with earlier agency-led responses to other allegations has prompted further debate among netizens about transparency, power dynamics, and accountability in celebrity relationships.

While neither party has indicated plans for further clarification, the incident continues to fuel discussions online, highlighting how quickly personal histories can become public controversies in today’s entertainment landscape.

Sources: Sohu,Xinhua