[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Seul-gi] Ok Taec-yeon (32, real name Ok Taec-yeon), a member of the idol group 2PM, has admitted to dating a non-celebrity woman, sparking dissatisfaction among some idol fans. These fans had previously criticized the premarital pregnancy and marriage news of EXO's Chen, as well as TVXQ's Max Changmin's acknowledgment of dating and marriage, calling it "an act of deceiving fans."
On the 23rd, a media outlet reported that Ok Taec-yeon was enjoying dates with his non-celebrity girlfriend at a ranch in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province. In response, Ok Taec-yeon's agency, Fifty One K (51k), confirmed, "It is true that Ok Taec-yeon is dating a non-celebrity woman. They are seeing each other well."
Netizens who heard the news reacted with comments such as "Cool to openly admit the relationship," and "Since Ok Taec-yeon is at that age, I hope he has a good relationship and gets married soon," congratulating him on the dating news.
However, some idol fans expressed dissatisfaction, pointing out that "admitting to dating is an act of deceiving fans."
A Twitter user, Mr. A, vented, "Since when did idols openly admit to dating? They owe their position to the fans, yet they don't even make the minimal effort to hide their relationships. It's outrageous."
This is not the first time that an idol's announcement of a romantic relationship has sparked fan dissatisfaction.
Earlier in January, EXO member Chen (28, real name Kim Jong-dae) announced his girlfriend's premarital pregnancy and their marriage.
Chen posted a handwritten letter on the fan community, stating, "There is a woman I want to spend my life with. I was worried and concerned about what might happen because of this decision. I was communicating with the company and consulting with the members."
He added, "Then a blessing came to me. Although I was quite surprised because I couldn't carry out the plans we had discussed with the company and members, this blessing gave me more strength. I hesitated about when and how to tell you, but I couldn't delay any longer, so I cautiously gathered the courage."
Chen's announcement triggered strong backlash from fans, including statements demanding his removal.
The online community 'DC Inside' EXO gallery stated, "We do not support member Chen's choice and feel it is unfair for him to continue activities under EXO's name. We demand his withdrawal. Chen's sudden actions betray the trust of fans and show no consideration for the group, making it a selfish choice."
Moreover, in December last year, TVXQ member Max Changmin (32, real name Shim Chang-min) acknowledged dating a non-celebrity girlfriend and announced their marriage on the 12th.
In a handwritten letter, Max Changmin said, "This is not something to say lightly or easily, so even as I write each word, I am trembling and nervous. I apologize to the fans who have supported me with great affection for surprising you with this sudden news, and I feel sorry and heavy-hearted for those who might feel hurt."
He continued, "I am dating a woman. We have built trust and a good relationship, and naturally, I decided to spend my life with her. We plan to hold the wedding in September, at the end of summer."
Fans' reactions to the consecutive announcements of idols' marriages and dating have been mixed. Various online communities and social networking services (SNS) have been flooded with posts from fans congratulating the idols on their marriage and dating news, as well as criticism from fans who say idols lack responsibility in their profession.
Fans congratulating the idols said, "It's admirable how they consider their girlfriends. Idols are human too and have private lives. Demanding that they not date or marry is fans' 'power harassment.' We should celebrate them."
However, some fans criticized, saying, "Why are they idols? If they gained popularity thanks to fans' love, they should also accept losing some of it. Even if marriage is understandable, not making the minimal effort to hide dating is deceiving fans."
Netizens' reactions were also divided. One netizen said, "I understand the fans' feelings," while others pointed out, "Just because they are idols, does that mean they shouldn't have private lives?" criticizing the fans' attitudes.
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