*January 1, 2023 Update*
If you're a K-drama or K-pop fan, you already know that at the start of the new year, the South Korean news group Dispatch would report about a new celebrity couple. Here's a look back at some of the "New Year's Couples" that were revealed over the past years:
1. IU and Lee Jong Suk
Date announced: December 31, 2022
Unlike the usual ~tradition~, the New Year's couple was announced earlier than the *expected* date! On December 31, Dispatch claimed that Hallyu A-listers IU and Lee Jong Suk have been dating for four months after being friends for a decade. They also reported that the two went to Nagoya, Japan for a Christmas vacation along with IU's younger brother. On the same day, both IU and Jong Suk's respective agencies confirmed that their friendship has evolved into a romantic relationship. Aww!
2. Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin
Date announced: January 1, 2021
Starting off with the best news we've heard so far this year, Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin's individual agencies have confirmed that the Crash Landing On You stars are ~really~ dating. According to Soompi, the BinJin pair has been dating for eight months and they realized their feelings for each other after their hit K-drama was aired. It was also said that the two love bonding over golf! Before CLOY, they have already worked together in the movie The Negotiation, where Binnie said the most kilig things about Ye Jin. <3
3. Super Junior's Heechul and TWICE's Momo
Date announced: January 2, 2020
In August 2019, news outlet Market News reported that the two K-pop idols were dating but it was declared untrue by JYP Entertainment and SJ Label. However, a day after New Year, it was also Market News who revealed Heechul and Momo's relationship, which was then acknowledged by their agencies! Despite their *super* busy schedules, Heechul and Momo found true love and great support in each other after having a senior-junior relationship. One look at the Super Junior member's IG account and you will already see how much he has adored our dancing queen since 2017!
4. EXO's Kai and BLACKPINK's Jennie
Date announced: January 1, 2019
2019 gave us one of the pairs that had us shooked, but we were equally happy to see them as a couple! SM Entertainment confirmed that Kai and Jennie were dating and stated that they "have become fond of each other." Dispatch reported that they have been together since October the prior year, and even went to Paris during Fashion Week. Fans have also said that their Instagram posts, which showed that they were in the city of love, were already hints of their love story! Less than a month after the news was revealed, SM Entertainment announced that the two have split.
5. BIGBANG's G-Dragon and Lee Joo Yeon
Date announced: January 1, 2018
Dispatch claimed that BIGBANG's leader G-Dragon and former After School member Lee Joo Yeon were dating three years ago. According to them, the two K-pop stars enjoyed a four-day trip to Jeju Island. Before this, they were already caught up in a *lot* of rumors about their ~relationship.~ When it comes to statements from their labels, Soompi remarked: "Both YG Entertainment and Better Ent were reached for comments and the agencies responded that they would have to first speak with their respective artists before releasing an official response."
6. JYJ's Junsu and EXID's Hani
Date announced: January 1, 2016
Junsu and Hani may be the complete opposite of each other but that didn't stop them from becoming a pair! Based on a report by Dispatch, it was Junsu who first fell for our girl. The two were seen spending quality time together and would often go on dates, with Junsu picking up Hani in his car after she finishes her promotions for EXID's comeback at that time. In September 2016, they parted ways due to their hectic schedules.
7. Lee Seung Gi and Girls' Generation's Yoona
Date announced: January 1, 2014
Another news that made us flip out was when Lee Seung Gi and Yoona's relationship was confirmed! Apparently, they were already a couple in October 2013. Yoona has always been Seung Gi's ideal type even before they dated, and to see them together was just so sweet. In fact, Dispatch described what they had as "nice love" because they are very considerate of each other and wouldn't go on dates past bedtime! Sadly, they were reported to have drifted apart in August 2015.
8. Rain and Kim Tae Hee
Date announced: January 1, 2013
Good news coming through: Rain and Kim Tae Hee's longtime relationship led to a wedding four years after they were announced as a couple by Dispatch! Their relationship is stronger than ever as they are already parents to two children. Sweet!
