Singer-songwriter Chang Kiha has become the center of heated online discussion after confirming his relationship with actress Yoon Ga-i, with much of the conversation focusing on the couple’s 18-year age difference.
On June 27 (KST), Korean media reported that the 44-year-old musician and 26-year-old actress had been dating for more than two years. Shortly afterward, Yoon Ga-i’s agency confirmed the relationship, while Chang Kiha’s representatives stated that the couple has been together for approximately two years.
According to reports, the two first met in 2023 while working on Coupang Play’s SNL Korea. Chang Kiha appeared as a guest host, while Yoon Ga-i was a regular cast member. They reportedly bonded over their shared interests in music and film before their friendship developed into a romantic relationship. The confirmation quickly became one of the most discussed entertainment stories in South Korea.
While many fans congratulated the couple and wished them happiness, discussions on Korean online communities largely centered on the pair’s age gap.
A post about the relationship on theqoo attracted hundreds of comments, with opinions sharply divided. Some users questioned the significant age difference and noted that this is the second time Chang Kiha has publicly dated a woman considerably younger than himself. Others drew comparisons to Leonardo DiCaprio, referencing the Hollywood actor’s widely discussed pattern of dating younger women.
Several commenters also mentioned Chang Kiha’s previous public relationship with singer IU, who is 11 years younger than him. Among the critical reactions were comments such as:
- Korean DiCaprio is here.
- He only dates younger women?
- If they’ve been together for two years, they started dating when she was even younger. That feels strange.
- It makes me uncomfortable.
Some commenters speculated about Chang Kiha’s dating preferences based on his public relationships, although these remarks reflected personal opinions rather than verified facts.
Not everyone agreed with the criticism. Many netizens pointed out that Yoon Ga-i is a 26-year-old adult capable of making her own decisions and argued that outsiders should respect the couple’s privacy. Supportive comments included:
- She’s 26. She’s an adult, and they’re dating because they like each other.
- She’s not barely in her twenties. Maybe she likes him too.
- Third parties don’t need to attack them over a consensual relationship.
The discussion illustrates how celebrity relationships involving notable age gaps continue to generate debate online. Some people view the difference in age as uncomfortable and question recurring patterns in a public figure’s dating history. Others argue that relationships between consenting adults should not be judged solely on age, emphasizing that both individuals are independent adults.
Neither Chang Kiha nor Yoon Ga-i has publicly responded to the online debate beyond confirming their relationship.
Sources: Theqoo
You must be logged in to post a comment.