The four members of BLACKPINK, Jennie, Lisa, Rosé and Jisoo, have been making headlines in 2023 as main characters of dating rumors.
First, Jennie has been embroiled in rumors of being in a romantic relationship with BTS member V since May last year. Despite YG’s position that they couldn’t check the artist’s private life, witnesses were found here and there, from the Jeju pictures last year to the recent two shots of Jennie and V enjoying a Paris date in May. However, Jennie still remains silent regarding the photos but seems to have recognized the “dating rumor” by releasing her dating outfits on SNS.
Earlier in April, Rosé was rumored to be dating actor Kang Dong Won, who is 16 years older than her. It started with evidence of couple items, such as necklaces and clothes of the same brand, and the witness of the two attending an art fair and private gatherings together. Kang Dong Won was still under the same agency as Rosé until December last year. As usual, YG responded that they couldn’t confirm the artists’ private life but later reversed their position, stating “Rosé and Kang Dong Won’s romance rumor is goundless”.
Last month, Lisa drew attention by being mentioned in a romance scandal with Frédéric Arnault, the son of Forbes’ second richest man and CEO of a Swiss luxury watch brand. Frédéric Arnault’s father is luxury brand LVMH’s Chairman Bernard Arnault. Last year, Frédéric revealed himself as a fan of BLACKPINK by posting proof shots taken at the group’s LA concert and pictures taken with Lisa and BLACKPINK members on Instagram. Later, dating rumors arose as Lisa and Frédéric were spotted having a meal together at a restaurant in Paris. YG did not respond to this case.
Even before Lisa’s dating issue cooled down, Jisoo admitted to dating actor Ahn Bo Hyun, who is 7 years older than her. On August 3rd, both Jisoo and Ahn Bo Hyun’s sides said, “They are getting to know each other little by little with good feelings. We would appreciate it if you could give them a warm look”. Many people were surprised when Jisoo, a member of a world-famous girl group with great influence in name and in reality, honestly publicized her romantic relationship. In addition, the unusual move of YG Entertainment, known for their passive responses to artists’ dating rumors, confirming the news immediately also drew keen attention from the public.
Foreign media highlighted Jisoo’s dating confession in breaking news. BBC said, “It is rare for a K-pop star to reveal her personal life. 10 years ago, the K-pop industry was still banning idols from dating or even using personal phones. Jisoo’s global influence has changed the idol industry, giving idols more freedom.” The Los Angeles Times stated, “Jisoo took an unusual step”. Similar articles appeared on various media outlets, such as Variety, Yahoo Japan, Sina Entertainment, etc. and created hot topics.
In fact, Jisoo’s dating issue showed a contrasting atmosphere to Lisa’s contract renewal controversy, raising fans’ curiosity. BLACKPINK is currently facing an important point in their career as their exclusive contract with YG will expire this August after 7 years since the group’s debut on August 8th, 2016. Amid the uncertainty of the contract expiration, Jisoo unexpectedly changed the atmosphere as she gained praise for her courageous move. Above all, YG’s changed attitude towards dating also resulted in various predictions among fans. Attention is focused on what else will happen before BLACKPINK’s contract renewal comes.
Source: Daum
