Are VERIVERY’s Kangmin and KISS OF LIFE’s Julie in a relationship? Are the two K-pop idols in question actually hiding behind a camera in a viral CCTV video? Or is this a hoax?
A short clip from some CCTV footage surfaced on Weibo and spread quickly. In the clip, a male and female can be seen being affectionate with one another in a private bar room and many users assumed the male is Kangmin and the female is Julie. As speculation spread and the agencies involved spoke out, it became one of the hottest topics in K-pop.
So what happened and what did each party say?
2. What sparked the rumors?
The issue began circulating when a CCTV video was uploaded to Weibo, growing in K-pop communities and social media networks. The video seemed to be filmed in a private bar room with a young man and woman spending time with each other.
In the video, the man is shown stroking the woman’s hair while she is resting on a sofa, then, in a display of affection, holds her from behind. Meanwhile, the woman is shown using an e-cigarette, further contributing to the uproar among the online community.
While the video quality was poor and it was hard to see faces, many netizens speculated it was VERIVERY’s Kangmin and KISS OF LIFE’s Julie. The speculation became more believable when the same netizens speculated that fellow member Yeonho of VERIVERY was also present during the suggested time.
What first began as a low-quality viral clip quickly gained traction and became a trending topic of conversation, encouraging debates as to whether the idols involved were actually who was being suggested, or simply mistaken.
3. Agency Responses
As the rumor escalated rapidly, both agencies intervened with very different responses. Jellyfish Entertainment (managing VERIVERY’s members Kangmin and Yeonho) provided a definitive denial.
The company referred to the dating subject as nothing but “malicious falsehoods” intended to compromise their artist’s reputation. They elaborated that the comments were untrue and would pursue serious legal action against anyone “making, sharing, or duplicating” any material that pertained to the rumor.
Fans were also encouraged to report malicious posts to the company’s official email, where they would immediately act on it. S2 Entertainment, Julie’s agency, maintained a neutral stance. Rather than denying or acknowledging, they exclaimed that the issue was related to the artist’s private life, and therefore the company would not make any additional comment.
This allowed for speculation and consequently continued to spur conversation amongst fans and a few media outlets. Because of the contrast responses to the rumor, it gained additional attention from the fans and media, and raised an interesting question about how agencies manage scandals and rumors under the high-pressure system of the K-pop industry.
4. Fans’ Reactions & Online Buzz
As soon as the video went viral, fans and internet users had two sharply divided opinions about it.
- Some accepted the video as proof, pointing to the gestures and appearance being typical of Kangmin and Julie. They asserted that the intimacy captured via video, what they referred to as “skinship“, was sufficient proof for them to believe dating rumors.
- Even so, others had a competing narrative, suggesting there was too much blurry resolution to identify the idol even at a distance, there was too much hairstyle variability, and there was too much pixelation of the facial structure to clearly identify them. They concluded that the people in the video could not be classified as idols.
But beyond the identification of Kangmin and Julie as the individuals in the video, another discussion began about privacy. While for some this was simply a spicy morsel, unthinkably disrespectful and inappropriate for others, it was a violation of privacy that we must denounce and defend against: Idols have a right to their own personal lives.
As the discussion gained momentum, calls for the video to be immediately removed grew louder, as did demands for stricter policies on false rumors or leaks of personal video footage. Fans worked largely through fan sites and other online message boards to appeal to both companies not only to act but to place the mental well-being, safety, and goodwill of the idol first and foremost in their business decisions for the idol or idols.
5. Impact on Artists
Although rumors have continued to circulate on the internet, their implications for the artists’ careers will not be ignored.
- Kangmin has recently been brought to the surface due to being on the survival program Boys II Planet. Even though Kangmin performed well during the show, he finished in 9th place, which meant he did not get an opportunity to re-debut in the final line-up. Because Kangmin is an idol who is attempting to re-build his career and image, dating rumors are damaging to him because they may overshadow Kangmin’s hard work and reputation re-building efforts.
- Julie, on the other hand, is preparing for her official debut in Japan later this fall. This is an important time in her career since promotions overseas can determine the idols’ long-term success. However, dating rumors have detracted from her music and brought unwanted controversy. Julie has found herself in the headlines prior for other small controversies, which makes this even more challenging for her.
The K-Pop industry is very competitive and public image usually dictates as much as if not more than talent, so reputation and opportunities, regardless if all rumors, impacts the future of the artist–regardless if the artists deserve it or not.
6. Why These Rumors Matter in K-pop
In K-pop, dating rumors are more than just rumors — they can entirely change the trajectory of an idol’s career. Even if rumors are not confirmed, a dated idol can experience mutiny of fans, diminished job opportunities, or the cancelation of group schedules.
The differing reactions by Jellyfish Entertainment, and S2 Entertainment demonstrate how agencies have different approaches to protecting (or distancing) an artist. Some agencies outright deny action to defend reputation, while others choose neutrality, providing additional room for rumor and speculation.
There is a larger issue at play: Where is the line between an idols personal life and public’s interest? Rumors, gossip, etc., are an extension of a larger issue in K-pop, regarding privacy, respect, and the scrutiny idols face in their daily lives.
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
7. Conclusion
Recent dating speculation involving VERIVERY’s Kangmin and KISS OF LIFE’s Julie has captured the attention of the K-pop world’s fans. Jellyfish Entertainment has firmly denied the rumors, while S2 Entertainment has taken a neutral stance on the situation, noting that it is a private matter concerning the artist. This sharp distinction between responses has led to heightened discussion and speculation, especially online.
However, please keep in mind that unverified rumors can damage the idol’s reputation and create mental distress. Fans and netizens should exercise caution in their discussions and avoid conclusions based on low-quality videos or speculation.
While fans continue to await more clarity, one aspect is clear: Kangmin and Julie’s careers continue. And hard work, talent and commitment will continue to characterize their success.
