"Stop hyping this" — Internet reacts as speculations for Dispatch's annual New Year's couple reveal goes viral amidst Korea's political turmoil

As January approaches, rumors about Dispatch's annual New Year couple reveal have reignited debates online. The South Korean media outlet, known for disclosing celebrity relationships every January 1, is facing backlash this year. Many consider the practice invasive and inappropriate, given the nation's current political climate.

South Korea is experiencing widespread unrest, with thousands of citizens protesting in the streets and demanding the resignation of President Yoon Suk-yeol. Against this backdrop, netizens have criticized the media outlet's rumored reveal as a distraction from critical national issues.

Social media users voiced their frustrations, with some condemning the outlet for continuing a practice many see as a breach of privacy. An X user wrote:

"Stop hyping up this sh*t, it is a breach of privacy and no it is non of your business who dates who. If idols wanna reveal who they are dating, they will do it themselves. Until then it is none of our business."

Others also joined the debate, urging that celebrities should be given the freedom to manage their personal lives without media interference.

"this is seriously a major violation of privacy," an X user wrote.

"Imagine “exposing” consenting adults for liking each other. Dispatch’s downfall is on the way," another netizen mentioned.

"let's expose the weirdos and corrupt people within the industry, instead of invading idol's private romances," a person remarked.

"I mean dispatch should be banned ..how dare they reveal people private life ..without their permission ..get a life !!!," a user commented.

While many fans have criticized Dispatch, others remain curious about this year's potential couple reveal, highlighting the outlet's history of breaking some of the most talked-about stories in Korean entertainment.

"We better get a 2025 dispatch couple we CANNOT have another letdown like last year," a netizen wrote.

"Can't wait for big reveal," an X user commented.

"I'm over this. Instead let's reveal corrupt higher ups in the entertainment industry. It's about time k-pop needs thorough cleansing," a netizen remarked.

Dispatch has maintained its silence, neither confirming nor denying whether it will proceed with the annual reveal.

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List of couples revealed by Dispatch over the years

Fans of K-entertainment have eagerly awaited these revelations in the past since the tradition started in 2013. On the other hand, critics have long questioned the ethics of the outlet's methods, which reportedly include surveillance and detailed investigations of celebrities' private lives.

Despite ongoing criticism, Dispatch has uncovered some of the biggest celebrity relationships in South Korea. Here's a look at the couples revealed in the past years:

• 2010: Kim Hye-soo and Yoo Hae-jin
• 2013: Rain and Kim Tae-hee
• 2014: Yoona (Girls' Generation) and Lee Seung-gi
• 2015: Lee Jung-jae and Lim Sae-ryung
• 2016: Kim Jun-su (JYJ) and Hani (EXID)
• 2018: G-Dragon (BIGBANG) and Lee Joo-yeon
• 2019: Jennie (BLACKPINK) and Kai (EXO)
• 2021: Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin
• 2022: Hyomin (T-ARA) and Hwang Ui-jo
• 2023: IU and Lee Jong-suk

Notably, there were no reveals in 2012, 2017, 2020, and 2024 for various reasons, including the 2020 pandemic.

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While past revelations have generated excitement and shock within the entertainment community, the backlash surrounding this year's potential announcement reflects a shifting attitude toward media intrusion and privacy in South Korea.