It’s the new generation of K-Pop where dating is slowly shedding the tag of being a scandal. Celebrities are less apprehensive about being in a relationship than earlier.
Some agencies even imposed a dating ban on trainees/idols in the starting years of their debut to avoid any distractions. In the previous generations of K-Pop, artists were under strict scrutiny for their personal life.
Some fandom displayed toxic parasocial relationships with the idol upon the revelation of their “dating scandal.” Artists were afraid of losing their popularity since fans would often stop being stunned.
Seventeen, one of the most popular 3rd gen K-pop bands, consists of 13 members and three subunits– dance line, rap line, and vocal line. One of the vocal line members, Joshua Hong, was recently under the limelight when one Carat (fandom name for Seventeen) posted “evidence” of his possible relationship with a model. The now-viral tweet consists of several exhibits showing the “rumored couple” flaunting matching clothes/accessories.
What’s with the Couple Items?
A Twitter thread shows pictures of Joshua donning similar outfits to a model’s. In the Korean dating culture, many couples match their outfits on a date.
Completing 100 days of being together is considered a huge milestone in Korea; couples usually celebrate with matching outfits.
The OP (original poster) uploaded the following pictures with the caption: “Joshua, were you in the arms of another girl while I couldn’t sleep because of you?”
These images imply that Joshua must be in a relationship with the model; this is his attempt to ease Carats into knowing about his relationship.
Is Seventeen’s Joshua Dating?
These are just speculations based on circumstantial evidence. Neither Joshua nor his agency has come forward with any official statement. Most netizens also pointed out OP’s naivete in showing random images to prove a point.
The rumored model was identified as Cho Mi Young, who even appeared in a dating reality show, “Before Somerise.”
When Mi Young posted her birthday video, fans pointed out a peculiar laughter that matches Joshua’s.
Joshua also has a hobby of making bracelets, which he often makes for his band members.
The hawk-eyed “Sher-tizens” noticed a similar bracelet in this video.
Lastly, a few proofs of being “at the same place, at the same time” were posted, deducing that Joshua and his rumored girlfriend were together.
This created a ripple effect of Carats believing that Joshua is indeed in a relationship. However, these rumors still need to be confirmed or denied.
Parasocial Relationships In K-Pop
This phenomenon has been studied in psychology, where a person is emotionally, mentally, and monetarily to another human. But this is a one-sided relationship where the other is unaware of the existence of the person who “loves” them to this degree without expecting much in return.
These parasocial relationships have been prevalent ever since the celebrity culture began. People would devote their precious time to their idols just out of pure admiration. The PR agencies took advantage of this phenomenon by creating a specific image of the celebrity. Fans would fall in love with this “persona” without knowing the person at all.
Parasocial relationships have become a facet of the K-Pop universe. The idols are assigned a specific image by their agency and asked to display these mannerisms accordingly. The primary intention is to make the fans fall for the idol.
Several video compilations show a celebrity displaying kind/considerate behavior, being adorable, or being masculine with vulnerability. A portion of the fandom becomes obsessed with the “exhibition” and starts considering these celebrities as their own (like a romantic partner).
Some fans went overboard with the obsession, leading to stalking and sending bizarre letters. One fan even tried to poison an idol so they could be forever etched into their mind, while a group of fans planned to kidnap a whole band. Such behavior is given a term in Korea– called “Sasaengs.”
While such obsession is still prevalent, most fandoms have dismissed this invasive behavior, often calling out the toxic fans. Moreover, this generation seems more accepting of their idol’s dating life and respects their privacy.
Here’s a case study for comparison– Hyuna and Edawn were expelled from their agency Cube Entertainment after coming out about their relationship in 2016. Compared to that, many agencies are now supporting their idols and taking legal action against any malicious comments.
A recent example is when Ahn Bo Hyun and Jisoo dating reports were released. On the other hand, if the rumors are untrue, the artist’s agency issues a formal statement denying the speculations, as seen in Yoona and Junho’s dating rumors.
From the countless tweets on the #JoshuaHongGirlfriend, it can be concluded that Korean netizens have evolved from taking idol relationships in a negative connotation. More Carats are congratulating Joshua if the rumors are true. Regardless of whether he is in a relationship, it’s a massive step for “idol culture” to promote healthy parasocial relationships.
Anyways, this is our estimation of his relationship–
What are your thoughts on these rumors? Do you believe that he is in a relationship? Or is it none of our business?
Let us know your take in the comments section below.
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