Blackpink Jisoo has made headlines as she becomes one of the few high-profile K-pop stars to openly acknowledge her romantic relationship, a rare move in an industry known for its privacy and strict control over artists’ personal lives. The 28-year-old singer has been linked with actor Ahn Bo-hyun, 35, and Korean media reports suggest that the couple is “getting to know each other with good feelings.”
The revelation of their relationship is significant, considering the closely monitored and pressurized nature of the K-pop industry, where fans and record companies expect stars to keep their personal lives under wraps. However, Jisoo’s agency, YG Entertainment, and Ahn’s agency have both confirmed the relationship and appealed to the public for support and understanding.
Ahn Bo-hyun is a well-known Korean model and actor who has garnered attention for his roles in popular drama series such as “Itaewon Class” and “Yumi’s Cells.” While public acknowledgement of relationships by K-pop idols has become more common in recent years, it still remains a rare occurrence, as agencies have historically discouraged or outright banned stars from dating or disclosing personal relationships to protect their marketability.
Sociologist Patrick Williams of Nanyang Technological University in Singapore explains that idols being seen in private relationships might not align with the image that agencies want to project. The illusion of romantic availability can strengthen fans’ emotional connection with idols, leading to increased loyalty and devotion.
However, Blackpink, one of the world’s most popular K-pop groups, is an exception to this norm. They have risen to global stardom, headlining major music festivals like Coachella and drawing massive crowds to their concerts. Each member of Blackpink commands a massive following on their individual Instagram accounts, with followers ranging from 73 million to 93 million.
Blackpink, Jisoo’s decision to go public with her relationship has been met with generally positive reactions from fans. Comments like “Congratulations BABY” flooded her Instagram account, receiving thousands of likes. However, the rarity of such public acknowledgments in the K-pop industry has also sparked interest and discussion among fans and media alike.
Rob Schwartz, an Asian correspondent for Billboard, points out that Jisoo’s timing is intriguing, given that she is currently at the peak of her career. The willingness to share her relationship status is seen as unusual considering the intense scrutiny stars face in the industry.
Comparisons have been drawn to BTS, another globally renowned K-pop group. None of the members of BTS have publicly acknowledged dating anyone, and they maintain a carefully guarded image of their personal lives. K-pop stars, especially those at the height of their fame, often face backlash from some fans if their relationships become public knowledge.
In 2019, K-pop stars Kang Daniel and Jihyo faced a backlash when their relationship was exposed by the media. Angry fans targeted a celebrity rumored to be their matchmaker, leaving threatening messages on social media.
Despite the challenges and potential risks, Jisoo’s willingness to embrace her relationship signifies a shift in the K-pop industry. As more K-pop bands gain international recognition and global success, artists are gradually gaining the confidence to push back against the constraints imposed by the industry. Dr. Williams believes that the international stature of stars like Jisoo allows them more freedom to be themselves and express their personal lives.
Jisoo’s decision to acknowledge her relationship reflects a growing maturity within the K-pop industry, and it may pave the way for more stars to embrace authenticity and openness in the future. As the world of K-pop continues to evolve, artists like Jisoo are taking steps to shape a more open and confident industry that reflects the changing demands and expectations of their global audience.