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Korean celebrity relationships often capture the public's imagination, but they can also face intense scrutiny and pressure, leading to high-profile breakups. Several notable couples have recently ended their relationships, each citing various reasons from busy schedules to the pressures of public attention.
BLACKPINK's Jennie and EXO's Kai were confirmed to be dating by SM Entertainment on January 1, 2019, but chose to part ways after just a month to focus on their careers.
Similarly, Lee Jae-Wook and aespa's Karina, who went public with their relationship in February 2024, ended things five weeks later due to the overwhelming public and media attention.
There are several other Korean celebrity couples who broke up due to various reasons. The list of such couples is given below.
Some of the Korean celebrity couples who had broken up
The Sportskeeda team has picked up some of the Korean celebrity couples who had broken up. Here is the list:
- BLACKPINK’s Jennie and EXO’s Kai
- aespa's Karina and Lee Jae-wook
- BLACKPINK’s Jisoo and Ahn B-hyun
- Eddy Kim and Girl’s Day’s Sojin
- On Joo-wan and Jo Bo-ah
- Kim Go-eun and Shin Ha-kyun
- IU and Chang Kiha
1) BLACKPINK’s Jennie and EXO’s Kai
JM Entertainment confirmed the dating story of BLACKPINK Jennie and EXO Kai on January 1, 2019. The agency stated,
"Kai and Jennie have become fond of each other."
However, after a month the agency reported that the couple, who had made headlines as a "top idol couple," decided to part ways after just one month of dating. They chose to return to their senior-junior relationship, focusing on their careers and their respective groups.
2) aespa's Karina and Lee Jae-wook
Alchemy of Souls actor Lee Jae-wook and aespa's Karina revealed their dating announcement in February 2024. According to the reports, they met in Paris and started meeting each other.
However, just five weeks after their dating, this Korean celebrity breakup news hurt their fandom. They initially met at a Prada fashion show in Milan on January 14, and their frequent meetings in Lee Jae-wook’s neighborhood fueled speculation.
However, the intense public and media attention took a toll on the couple. C-JeS Studios, representing Lee Jae-wook, confirmed the breakup, citing the actor's need to focus on his current projects. Later Karina's agency confirmed the same.
3) BLACKPINK’s Jisoo and Ahn Bo-hyun
K-pop idol Jisoo from BLACKPINK and South Korean actor Ahn Bo-hyun have ended their relationship less than three months after they started dating. This Korean celebrity breakup confirmed by YG Entertainment, was attributed to their demanding schedules, which caused them to grow distant.
The couple’s romance was publicly acknowledged in August, with both agencies confirming they were getting to know each other. However, YG Entertainment stated,
"It is true that Jisoo and Ahn Bo Hyun broke up."
4) Eddy Kim and Girl’s Day’s Sojin
Girl's Day's Sojin and Eddy Kim, another beloved couple, come in the list of the Korean celebrity breakups list. Reports indicate that they met on the set of a variety show in August 2016 and began dating in April 2017.
However, Dream T Entertainment, Sojin's agency stated on December 2017,
“Girl’s Day’s Sojin and Eddy Kim recently ended their relationship. Due to the private nature of their lives, we cannot disclose the exact time and reasons.”
Eddy Kim's agency, Mystic Entertainment, echoed this sentiment, stating,
“They naturally grew apart due to their hectic schedules and have decided to support each other's futures.”
5) On Joo-wan and Jo Bo-ah
Another Korean celebrity couple On Joo-wan and Jo Bo-ah began dating in February 2015. The two actors first met on the set of the tvN drama Surplus Princess in the previous year.
However, Will Entertainment, the agency of On Joo-wan, confirmed their break up after two years by stating,
"They have recently broken up but we cannot comment on why because that is a personal matter. We can confirm however that they are no longer a couple and simply colleagues now.”
Representatives from both Will Entertainment and Sidus HQ confirmed the split, attributing it to the public attention and their busy schedules, which caused them to grow distant.
6) Kim Go-eun and Shin Ha-kyun
On August 24, 2016, it was confirmed that Kim Go-eun and Shin Ha-kyun were dating. Initially colleagues, they grew closer through their shared interest in skin scuba diving and their careers as actors.
Both under the same agency, HODU&U Entertainment, the couple had been dating for two months before going public. Despite their 17-year age difference, they received significant support from fans.
However, on March 22, 2017, it was reported that this Korean celebrity couple had ended their relationship. Their agency confirmed the breakup, stating that they had drifted apart due to their busy schedules and that the relationship had officially ended in February 2017.
7) IU and Chang Kiha
IU, a renowned singer, songwriter, and actress, is celebrated for hit songs such as Good Day, 23, and Palette, where she collaborated with G-Dragon. Chang Kiha, known for his songwriter, radio host, and actor work, debuted with the indie rock band Kiha and The Faces in 2008.
Reports of their breakup were first published by Ilgan Sports and later confirmed by both artists' agencies. In 2017, Chang Kiha’s agency, DooRooDooRoo stated,
"It’s true they recently broke up. They decided to remain good senior-junior to each other."
The couple, who had been dating for over three years, initially went public with their relationship through Dispatch in 2015. IU had previously expressed her deep affection for Chang Kiha, stating that she fell in love with him at first sight.
Read more: 7 inspiring sports K-Dramas to watch: Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo, Love All Play, and more
Other Korean celebrity couples like Lee Sung-kyung and Nam Joo-hyuk went through breakups as well. The relationships of Korean celebrity couples often face significant challenges, as seen with several high-profile breakups in 2017.
Despite their strong bond, Uee and Lee Sang-yoon ended their relationship due to their busy schedules. Similarly, Sulli and Choiza, who overcame a 14-year age gap, announced their breakup after nearly three years together, followed by public scrutiny after Sulli's passing.
Min and G.Soul also parted ways after a brief romance, reportedly influenced by G.Soul's impending military service. Lee Joon Gi and Jeon Hye-bin, who transitioned from friends to lovers, ended their secret two-year relationship just months after making it public.
