lisa cai xukun met gala interaction

On the morning of May 5 (KST), the “Oscars of fashion,” the Met Gala, took place under the theme Costume Art with the dress code Fashion is Art, celebrating the connection between fashion and artistry. On the green carpet, Lisa captivated the public with a look resembling a living sculpture, wearing a sheer, mist-like dress that perfectly highlighted her figure.

Notably, Cai Xukun was also present at this year’s event. Backstage, Lisa and Cai Xukun had an unexpected encounter. Lisa gently lifted her veil and took the initiative to shake hands with the Chinese star upon seeing him. Meanwhile, Cai Xukun greeted the BLACKPINK member warmly with a nod. Despite lasting only about six seconds, their interaction quickly drew massive attention and spread rapidly online.

Lisa and Cai Xukun previously worked together as mentors on the idol survival show Youth With You in 2020. Their sweet moments on the program led fans across China, Korea, and Thailand to enthusiastically “ship” the pair.

In addition, fans have pointed out several clues that once fueled dating rumors. On her birthday in 2020, Lisa posted a photo of a bright blue sky with sunlight. Around the same time, during Youth With You, mentor Ella had asked Cai Xukun, “Who is your sun?” Shortly after Lisa’s post, Cai Xukun shared a song titled “It’s You” on his social media, which many interpreted as a subtle response directed at her. Some netizens also claimed that Cai Xukun once traveled to South Korea to visit Lisa.

Six years later, both stars have undergone significant changes. Lisa has risen to become a global icon, while Cai Xukun faced a major career setback following personal controversies. In 2023, he was accused of involvement in a one-night stand that resulted in pregnancy and allegedly pressured for an abortion. His subsequent statements, perceived as evasive and defensive, drew heavy criticism from the public.

The scandal severely impacted Cai Xukun’s career at its peak at age 25. By November 2025, he was reportedly blacklisted by authorities for attempting to rehabilitate his image through cultural exchange events and commercial concerts.

Despite their vastly different career trajectories, Lisa and Cai Xukun’s brief reunion at the Met Gala has reignited public interest, proving that even a six-second interaction can dominate headlines.

Sources: K14