Singer G-Dragon has addressed the fifth dating rumor with actress Lee Joo-yeon. Ultimately, a stance of 'not true' emerged, but the response from internet users remains skeptical.
G-Dragon's side stated on the 6th, 'We clarify that the dating rumor between G-Dragon and Lee Joo-yeon, which has recently continued to raise suspicions, is not true,' marking the first official response after breaking the silence that lasted over a month following the dating rumor raised in April.
This is not the first time the two have faced dating rumors. The origins trace back to 2017, when a video of Lee Joo-yeon and G-Dragon playfully interacting through a mobile application was shared on social media, sparking dating speculations. Both sides quickly dismissed it with a brief explanation, saying they are 'just close colleagues,' but the suspicions have continued to resurface.
In 2018, scenes of the two enjoying paragliding at the same location were captured, leading to rumors of trips together to places like Hawaii and Jeju Island. Although the explanation was that they were with friends in Hawaii, fans' suspicions that 'it's hard to explain unless they are in a romantic relationship' did not easily dissipate.
In 2019, a controversy arose over a social media video posted by Lee Joo-yeon, which she soon deleted. Although her face was obscured by an app sticker in the video, as the effect wore off, G-Dragon's face was revealed, reviving the rumors. At that time, Lee Joo-yeon's side stated, 'It's difficult to confirm due to personal privacy.'
The current dating rumor originated from a photo Lee Joo-yeon posted on social media in April. Though it was a simple selfie of her sitting on a black sofa with a cat, some internet users claimed that the shape and arrangement of the sofa, along with the position of the frame in the background, resembled G-Dragon's home decor. There were even suggestions that the cat was wearing the same collar as G-Dragon's pet, fueling 'reunion rumors.'
However, the conclusion was the same this time. G-Dragon's side drew a clear line with a brief statement of 'not true,' thereby categorizing the fifth dating rumor, which has persisted for about 8 years since 2017, again as 'not true.'
However, public reactions are divided. On one side, there are those who say, 'At this point, they seem to be just really close,' and 'They could just be old friends,' accepting the conclusion of the dating rumors. Conversely, other internet users cautiously suggest, 'It's the same denial, but the circumstances are becoming more detailed,' and 'This time it feels real, just that they are not saying anything.'
In the 8 years of recurring suspicions, there has been no clear evidence or confirmation of a romantic relationship. Yet simultaneously, vague explanations and various circumstances have kept the doubt of 'Could this really be true this time?' alive. With the fifth dating rumor, G-Dragon and Lee Joo-yeon are once again holding up the shield of 'not true.' Will this explanation truly be the final clarification, or is it just the beginning of more speculation? Fans are still closely watching the two's movements.
[Photo] OSEN DB, SNS
[OSEN]