Singer-songwriter Jang Ki Ha has confirmed that he is dating actress Yoon Ga I, who is 18 years younger than him, sparking widespread discussion online. The news has also led to renewed attention surrounding his past relationship with singer-actress IU.
On June 27, Korean media reported that the 44-year-old musician and the 26-year-old actress were in a relationship. Both sides later confirmed the news, with Jang Ki Ha’s agency stating that the couple had been dating for approximately two years.
According to reports, the two first met in 2023 while working on Coupang Play’s SNL Korea, where Jang Ki Ha appeared as a host and Yoon Ga I was part of the cast. They reportedly became close through their shared interests in music and film before developing a romantic relationship.
While many fans congratulated the couple, much of the online conversation quickly shifted to their 18-year age gap. On the popular Korean community site theqoo, posts about the relationship attracted hundreds of comments, with many netizens expressing discomfort over the difference in age.
Some users even compared Jang Ki Ha to Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio, who has frequently faced criticism for repeatedly dating much younger women. Many also brought up Jang Ki Ha’s previous public relationship with IU, noting that both women he has publicly dated are significantly younger than him.
Comments online were sharply divided. Critics wrote, “Here comes the Korean version of Leonardo DiCaprio,” “She’s young enough to be his daughter,” and “If they started dating two years ago, she was even younger when they met. That’s uncomfortable.” Others questioned whether he only dates younger women and compared his dating history to a “Lolita complex.”
However, many defended the couple, pointing out that Yoon Ga I is a 26-year-old adult capable of making her own decisions. Some argued, “She’s not barely out of her teens. She’s 26 years old,” and “If they like each other, why should outsiders criticize them? Just congratulate them.”
Jang Ki Ha debuted in 2003 as a member of Nunco Band before achieving widespread recognition with Kiha & The Faces, which was formed in 2008. After the band disbanded in 2018, he continued his career as a solo artist
Meanwhile, IU unexpectedly found herself mentioned again because of her former relationship with Jang Ki Ha. The singer has recently been facing multiple controversies, including criticism surrounding the drama Perfect Crown and online speculation attempting to connect her to the deaths of Goo Hara, Kim Sae Ron, and Jonghyun of SHINee. As a result, some netizens referenced IU while discussing Jang Ki Ha’s dating history with younger women.
Jang Ki Ha remains one of IU’s most well-known former partners. The two first met in 2013 when IU appeared as a guest on his radio program. Born in 1982, Jang Ki Ha is 11 years older than IU. After getting to know each other, they reportedly began dating privately toward the end of 2013.
Their relationship became public in October 2015 after Dispatch released dating photos, surprising fans. IU later admitted that she had fallen for him at first sight and admired both his musical talent and sincere personality. Despite public discussion about their age difference, the couple remained together for around four years before officially announcing their breakup in January 2017.
Sources: kenh14
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