The K-pop world was buzzing with speculation on July 25, 2025, when reports emerged linking Lovelyz member Lee Mijoo to Hanwha Eagles baseball player Lee Jin Young. However, the dating rumors were quickly shut down by her agency, marking another chapter in the idol’s closely watched personal life.
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Lee Mijoo Breaking Down the Dating Rumors
On July 25, 2025 (KST), Tenasia reported that Lovelyz member Lee Mijoo is in a new relationship with Hanwha Eagles’ baseball player Lee Jin Young. The speculation began when eagle-eyed fans noticed similarities between items shown in both celebrities’ social media posts and YouTube content.
Earlier this month, Lee Mi Joo revealed her home through a vlog shared on her YouTube channel. Then, on July 21 KST, Hanhwa Eagles player Lee Jin Young also shared content that sparked fan theories about a possible connection between the two stars.
Official Response: “Completely Unfounded”
The rumor mill came to an abrupt halt when Lee Mijoo’s agency, Antenna, issued a firm denial. “The dating rumors between Lee Mijoo and Lee Jin Young are completely unfounded. They do not know each other at all. They’ve never even met.”
This swift response demonstrates how quickly agencies move to address speculation in the highly scrutinized world of K-pop celebrity relationships.
Key Players in the Rumor
| Person | Profession | Background | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lee Mijoo | K-pop Idol/TV Personality | Lovelyz member, YouTube creator | Single (confirmed) |
| Lee Jin Young | Professional Baseball Player | Hanwha Eagles team member | No comment |
| Song Bum Keun | Soccer Player | Mijoo’s ex-boyfriend | Broke up early 2025 |
Mijoo’s Recent Relationship History
In April last year, she confirmed she was dating soccer player Song Bumkeun, but the couple reportedly broke up earlier this year after nine months of public dating. The relationship with the soccer star was one of the few times Mijoo publicly confirmed her romantic life, making fans particularly curious about her current relationship status.
Recently, Mijoo revealed in her YouTube channel during a fortune-telling session that she currently does not have a boyfriend, which aligns with her agency’s denial of the baseball player dating rumors.
The Power of Fan Investigation
The dating rumors showcase the incredible detective skills of K-pop fans, who can spot the smallest details across different social media platforms. In this case, fans noticed similar household items or backgrounds that led them to theorize about a romantic connection.
This isn’t uncommon in the K-pop world, where fans regularly analyze:
- Social media posts for matching locations or items
- Timeline coincidences in celebrity activities
- Background details in photos and videos
- Social interactions at public events
For more insights into K-pop fan culture and celebrity watching, check out our Korean entertainment section.
Impact on Both Celebrities
For Lee Mijoo:
- Continued public interest in her personal life post-breakup
- Demonstrates her growing influence as a solo personality
- Shows the challenges of maintaining privacy as a public figure
For Lee Jin Young:
- Unexpected spotlight on the baseball player’s personal life
- Introduction to K-pop fandoms unfamiliar with baseball
- Example of how sports stars can get caught up in entertainment news
The Reality of K-pop Dating Culture
This incident highlights the intense scrutiny K-pop idols face regarding their personal relationships. Unlike Western celebrities, Korean idols often face:
- Agency control over relationship announcements
- Fan expectations about remaining “available”
- Media speculation based on minimal evidence
- Privacy challenges in the digital age
The quick agency response also demonstrates standard crisis management in the Korean entertainment industry, where rumors can significantly impact an idol’s career and public image.
What This Means for Fans
For Lovelyz fans and Mijoo supporters, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting celebrities’ privacy while staying engaged with their professional activities. Fans can expect more updates from Mijoo only when she’s ready to share them on her own terms.
The swift denial also allows fans to focus on Mijoo’s upcoming projects and activities without distraction from unfounded speculation.
Looking Forward
As Lee Mijoo continues her career as both a group member and solo personality, this incident demonstrates the ongoing challenges of maintaining privacy in the digital age. Her agency’s prompt response sets a clear boundary while protecting both her and the baseball player from unnecessary speculation.
For those following K-pop relationship news and celebrity culture, this story exemplifies how quickly rumors can spread and be debunked in today’s fast-paced media environment.
Stay updated with the latest K-pop news and celebrity updates on our entertainment news section and celebrity relationships coverage.
The Broader Context
This rumor also comes at a time when several K-pop idols have been more open about their relationships, suggesting a slowly evolving industry attitude toward idol dating. However, as this incident shows, speculation and agency responses remain common features of Korean entertainment culture.
For international fans following Korean celebrities, this provides insight into how differently romantic relationships are handled in the Korean entertainment industry compared to Western celebrity culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Lee Mijoo and Lee Jin Young actually dating despite the agency denial? A: Based on the official statement from Mijoo’s agency Antenna, the two celebrities have never met and do not know each other. The rumors appear to have been based on fan speculation from social media posts rather than actual evidence of a relationship.
Q: Why do K-pop agencies respond so quickly to dating rumors? A: K-pop agencies typically respond swiftly to dating rumors to protect their artists’ reputations and careers. In the Korean entertainment industry, uncontrolled speculation can significantly impact an idol’s image, fan relationships, and commercial opportunities, making quick clarification essential for damage control.
