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For over a decade, the South Korean media outlet Dispatch has built a reputation for breaking major celebrity dating news every January 1. This annual event, which began in 2013, has unveiled some of the country's most high-profile relationships, turning it into an anticipated tradition among fans and media.
Despite its history of explosive revelations, New Year’s Day couple announcements have notably slowed. After canceling to report any dating news in 2024, rumors swirled about whether the tradition would return in 2025.
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These speculations further fueled public debates, with netizens calling for an end to what many see as an intrusive practice that violates celebrities' personal lives. An X user, @pinkcorgisrule wrote,
"How about Dispatch just focus on taking good pics and staying out of celebs’ personal lives? Just a thought."
Netizens have taken to social media to express their thoughts. They demand its withdrawal, arguing that exposing private relationships without consent is unethical.
"it’s been like 4 years without dispatch releasing a new couple, let’s just stop doing it forever," a netizen added.
"Dispatch should stop this tradition Let’s the artists reveal it themselves whenever it’s comfortable for them to share," a user wrote.
"Let’s stop this crap once and for all," another person remarked.
"Maybe you should start respecting idols and people in general dispatch. Maybe we don’t care who is dating anyone anymore because we want people succeeding not having their lives turn upside down for public entertainment. And if you do you’re a terrible person," an X user commented.
Another voiced frustration over how the tradition distracts from pressing national matters, especially during political unrest in South Korea.
"They respect the victims but not the privacy of a person who wants to live," an X user added.
"no one cares about their obsession of invading people's privacy," a person remarked.
"It took them an actual tragedy, a plane crash, to stop this bs? Disgusting," a user commented.
Dispatch’s New Year couple revelations: a look back at the history (2010–2023)
Since its inception, the outlet has annually unveiled celebrity relationships on New Year’s Day, becoming a defining tradition in Korean entertainment. Here’s a year-by-year account of the couples revealed by Dispatch since 2010, along with some memorable details:
1) 2010: Yoo Hae-jin and Kim Hye-soo
The outlet’s first-ever New Year couple reveal featured actors Yoo Hae-jin and Kim Hye-soo. Their unexpected relationship sparked widespread interest, as they were seen as an unconventional pair in the industry. Unfortunately, the couple parted ways in 2011, but their reveal set the stage for what became an annual spectacle.
2) 2013: Rain and Kim Tae-hee
After skipping reveals in 2011 and 2012, the outlet resumed its tradition with the powerhouse couple Rain and Kim Tae-hee. At the time, Rain was serving in the military, and their understated yet affectionate dates drew admiration. The couple, married in 2017 now have 2 daughters.
3) 2014: Lee Seung-gi and SNSD's Yoona
This beloved idol couple made headlines in 2014. Lee Seung-gi, who had publicly called Yoona his ideal type, was spotted enjoying casual car dates with her. Their romance, however, ended in 2015, leaving fans nostalgic for their fairy-tale pairing.
4) 2015: Lee Jung-jae and Im Sae-ryung
The romance between Squid Game actor Lee Jung-jae and chaebol heiress Im Sae-ryung became a hot topic in 2015. Their sophisticated style and the high-profile nature of their relationship drew significant attention.
5) 2016: JYJ's Kim Jun-su and EXID's Hani
In 2016, the outlet spotlighted the relationship between JYJ’s Junsu and EXID’s Hani. Fans were touched by Hani’s admiration for Junsu, which had inspired her dream of becoming a singer. Their relationship ended later that year due to their hectic schedules.
6) 2018: BIGBANG's G-Dragon and After School's Lee Joo-yeon
The outlet shook the entertainment world by revealing that BIGBANG’s G-Dragon and former After School member Lee Joo-yeon were dating. The couple’s glamorous pairing generated buzz, although their agencies denied the reports.
7) 2019: BLACKPINK's Jennie and EXO's Kai
K-pop superstars BLACKPINK’s Jennie and EXO’s Kai were unveiled as a couple in 2019. Their casual dates and matching outfits became the talk of the town, but their relationship ended shortly after the reveal.
8) 2021: Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin
In 2021, the outlet revealed the romance between Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin, who had starred together in the hit drama Crash Landing on You. Their on-screen chemistry translated into a real-life love story that culminated in marriage, making them one of South Korea’s most celebrated couples.
9) 2022: Hwang Ui-jo and T-ARA’s Hyomin
T-ARA’s Hyomin and soccer star Hwang Ui-jo were the focus of Dispatch’s 2022 report. Their long-distance relationship, with dates in Switzerland, was notable for its elegance and sophistication, though the couple eventually broke up.
10) 2023: IU and Lee Jong-suk
The 2023 revelation featured IU and actor Lee Jong-suk, whose transition from close friends to romantic partners delighted fans. Their shared accessories, including a luxury Bottega Veneta bag, added a stylish element to their story. The couple continues to thrive, embodying a real-life K-drama romance.
The revelations of couples were skipped in 2012, 2017, 2020, and 2024 due to various reasons, including significant national or global events. These gaps have added intrigue to the tradition, with fans speculating each year about potential reveals.
As the tradition faces increasing scrutiny for its invasive nature, its future remains uncertain. However, the legacy of these iconic couple announcements continues to captivate fans and spark conversations within the entertainment industry.
