Who would have thought that a lot of unexpected Korean couples would be announced in 2023? From idols to actors, several dating news surprised fans this year, but we compiled some of the most “not in my bingo card” couples. In case you missed it, here are five couples that sure had us blown away at first sight with their relationship announcement.
Unexpected Korean Couples That Had Fans’ Hearts Fluttering
2023 has been a year of relationships, new ones, and heartbreaks. While many have been announced to have started their romance, others have ended their relationships. One of the most unexpected Korean couples to break up was Reply 1988 stars Lee Hye Ri and Ryu Jun Yeol, which concluded their six-year relationship. But, on the brighter side of love, many Korean celebrities also revealed their partners, and who are we to complain? Here are some of our shocking favorites!
5) HIGHLIGHT Dongwoon and Fiancée
Talk about the unexpected, and if you’re a LIGHT, Son Dongwoon’s announcement took the fans’ minds away. Despite not having any dating news, in June, Dongwoon dropped the news that he was getting married to his non-celebrity fiancée. He gave a handwritten letter to share the news to everyone and how their story began.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ct_ckj7RFKP/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
The two tied the knot last September, and the HIGHLIGHT member even apologized for keeping it for quite a while. However, with this handwritten letter, readers can truly understand how he feels so much love and care for his wife and their relationship. They had a private ceremony, given that they were not in the same line of work. We hope for long years of love and happiness for the couple!
4) MAMAMOO HwaSa and Mystery Businessman
Around June 2023, reports regarding MAMAMOO HwaSa’s dating life circulated. The K-pop idol was said to be in a relationship with a businessman for about five years already. The news popped out with the MAMAMOO members’ contract expiration with RBW Entertainment and HwaSa signing to a new agency, P Nation.
Sports Seoul also revealed that the mystery businessman previously worked in the music industry before he became an entrepreneur. Moreover, the outlet adds that the man is 12 years older than HwaSa. It might have been mixed emotions for fans, but it does not seem to bother the Maria singer.
P Nation commented about the dating rumor circulating on June 30, stating that they cannot confirm the dating news as this is their artist’s personal life. If by any chance this is true, both are indeed at the right age to be together. If not, well, it still surprised fans as one of the most unexpected Korean couples in 2023.
3) Lim Ji Yeon and Lee Do Hyun
From co-stars to real-life partners, The Glory actors Lim Ji Yeon and Lee Do Hyun were one of the most unexpected Korean couples to have been announced this year. The two’s relationship had been an open secret on the set of Netflix’s series, but they did not make it obvious, according to some crew.
[UPDATE] Dispatch unveils dating photos of Lim Ji Yeon and Lee Do Hyun
It was revealed they developed feelings at the actors' retreat session last summer
Source: https://t.co/uCu0GZLFSA https://t.co/Rjwkedg2oz pic.twitter.com/noRgnkOIPa
— The Seoul Story (@theseoulstory) April 1, 2023
Dispatch revealed that Ji Yeon and Do Hyun were dating on April 1, which had fans doubting if it was true, considering it was April Fools’ Day. However, after a while, their respective agencies confirmed the news that the two had been seeing each other with good feelings.
We have yet to see them together again, may it be in a drama or just a cute Instagram interaction. But we still have to wait for Lee Do Hyun’s return from his military service, so let’s support Lim Ji Yeon with her acting endeavors for now.
2) BLACKPINK Jisoo and Ahn Bo Hyun
Nearly topping this list of the most unexpected Korean couples in 2023, who have imagined hearing about dating news between BLACKPINK Jisoo and Ahn Bo Hyun? We don’t think anyone saw this coming, but reports suggest that the two have been seeing each other since May.
The Korean entertainment outlet Dispatch was the one who revealed the dating news. Both the celebrities’ agencies then confirmed the relationship. Interestingly, fans uncovered some ‘hints’ that the two had been together for quite a while before the announcement. Check out their Instagram, AKA lovestagram posts, and see what we’re talking about.
https://twitter.com/lookatsena/status/1693989808920760677?s=46&t=A5n_kOBUAINv7uUgSNPFUA
- Unfortunately, the unexpected may have been one of the possible themes of their dating lives, as Jisoo and Bo Hyun’s relationship had ended. In October, YG confirmed that the two had broken up due to their busy schedules. Is there any possibility for them to work in the future or get back? Well, we have to let life and the two of them decide.
1) IU and Lee Jong Suk
They may not be announced in 2023, but we can still add them as IU and Lee Jong Suk were Dispatch’s New Year Couple. Their relationship was revealed at the end of 2022, and they were reported to be dating for four months already. If this isn’t your favorite among all the most unexpected Korean couples in 2023, then who doesn’t know who else could be it?
Their letters!! 😭 So they’ve liked (or been liking) each other for some time now but only acted on it now?!!😩 My hearttt!! Ahh that Kang Dan I illustration! I get you Jongsuk! 🥺💜 I wish you both the best! Please be happy. 🫶🏼
Lee Jongsuk IU https://t.co/5JYBsOhbSr pic.twitter.com/jwNo6d6x28
— KEI: Forever My Moon 🌙 (@stanastro1602) January 1, 2023
The classic friends-to-lovers trope happened between the two, and we couldn’t help but admire how the two look great together. Both artists confirmed their relationship, and many knew how they met and began being friends as Inkigayo MCs in 2012.
There is no other way to end this list with IU and Jong Suk’s relationship. Every K-drama fan went on a rollercoaster of emotions with how they make a perfect couple, accepting that their favorite actor and actress are already together. Can we see the two of them together soon? Oh, we sure hope so!
She found Him, He found Her ❤️
Our parents ❤️❤️IU : Jongsuk : pic.twitter.com/TbRVV9hwuB
— 마음 | JAKAENAGA 🐉 (@akdmaeum) November 3, 2023
Oh, indeed, love is in the air this 2023, not just in the South Korean entertainment industry but in the show business. Dating and relationships may be quite something that idols and actors don’t usually talk about, but it’s nice to know that these stars have found support and love in someone.
Is there any more dating news that we missed out on this list? Share them with us in the comment below. Among all the most unexpected Korean couples of 2023, which dating news had you falling off your chair?
