A recent newspaper report said that SHINee's Jonghyun and actress Lee Yoo Bi have dated since the end of last year but both stars deny that they are involved in a romantic relationship.
When stars spend time together, it's inevitable that fans will wonder exactly what their relationship is. Rumors spread quickly and sometimes take on a life of their own. And such rumors may result in an article that requires the couple to confirm or deny their relationship.
A Sports Seoul news report recently said that the two friends were now lovers. The story said that they spent time together in Seoul's Gangnam neighborhood and were seen to be holding hands. The article also said that the stars' mutual friend, Davichi's Kang Min Hyuk, played matchmaker.
The stars and their agencies were quick to issue statements denying that there was any romantic involvement.
Sidus HQ, Lee Yoo Bi's agency, said that not only were the rumors untrue, but that they have previously denied such rumors. Nothing had changed.
"The rumor has come up in the past," said a Sidus HQ representative. "We checked and the rumor is still not true. The two of them are close but not dating."
What's true is that Jonghyun, Lee Yoo Bi and Kang Min Hyuk are good friends. All three stars are the same age and have the same interests so they enjoy spending time together.
SM Entertainment was also quick to deny the rumors that involved their star Jonghyun.
"We have confirmed that the dating rumor is false and groundless," said an SM representative. "Lee Yoo Bi is just a member of their group of friends."
Kang Min Kyung's agency also had something to say about the rumors. Core Contents Media said that not only was the rumor false but Kang Min Kyung did not play matchmaker for the two friends.
According to a Core Contents Media executive, Kang Min Kyung met Lee Yoo Bi through the MBC drama "Vampire Idol."
"Lee Yoo Bi is interested in music so Kang Min Kyung helped her musically while Lee Yoo Bi gave Kang Min Kyung advice about acting," said a Core Contents representative.
Lee Yoo Bi is the new emcee for the music show, "Inkigayo."
"They watch musicals together and are close friends," said the Core Contents Media representative. "We don't know why such false rumors would be published. Kang Min Kyung was also very surprised."
While fans will assume a couple is dating if they spend time together but that's not always the case, say the stars. For now the couple remain friends.
