HYBE’s global girl group KATSEYE has been enjoying steady popularity since their debut, but this time, it is member Sophia who has caught the public’s attention — not for her performances, but for her personal life.
On September 1, images of Sophia with Leon Barretto began circulating widely on X (formerly Twitter), quickly going viral. The photos showed the two appearing close in what seemed to be different casual settings, fueling speculation that the two may be in a relationship.
Leon Barretto is no stranger to the spotlight. He is the younger brother of Filipina actress Julia Barretto and is known to have attended the same high school as Sophia. Over the years, Leon has also carved out his own identity as a social media personality, sharing glimpses of his lifestyle with a growing online following.
The viral post quickly sparked mixed reactions among fans and netizens. Many praised Sophia for seemingly breaking away from the rigid “no-dating” image often imposed on idols. At the same time, some were cautious, pointing out that the two could simply be maintaining a long-time friendship from their school days. A few netizens argued that it’s unfair to jump to conclusions without any confirmation.
This is not the first time K-pop idols have faced scrutiny over dating rumors. HYBE artists, in particular, often attract global attention whenever personal relationships are speculated, as the company manages some of the industry’s biggest names. With KATSEYE still building its international reputation, all eyes are now on how Sophia and her management will handle the situation.
Sources: Koreaboo
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