In the glitzy and glamorous world of K-Pop, where music, visuals, and charisma take center stage, an intriguing and often controversial aspect lurks in the shadows โ the phenomenon of dating bans imposed by K-Pop companies. Is it really possible to ban dating? Which companies ban their celebrities from dating? Find out below!
Major entertainment companies include a dating ban clause in their idol members' contracts, a practice driven by the need to maintain idols' idealized images and the resulting marketability. This is based on the belief that public relationships could disappoint fans and potentially lead to a decline in an idol's popularity. The effectiveness of dating bans is a topic of discussion, but it raises questions about a company's authority to dictate an individual's dating life. Some argue that idols should prioritize their public image and exercise courtesy by not openly dating, while others believe it's natural and justifiable for young people to date. The debate centers on the rationality and fairness of such bans.
Keep reading to find out more about this dating ban. From A to Z of idols' dating ban, each company's rules and idols' tips to hide it from their companies and fans!
Jun HyoSung
"This isn't about me. These days, junior idols are likely to keep in touch through SNS and start to have a romantic relationship"

MBN
JiSook
"Bringing out a skipping rope when you go date is very useful. I used to pretend to work out but, you know, actually met someone secretly."

bnt
LABOUM's SolBin
"I heard that ISAC is working as a good field for idols to date, and I expected, but it wasn't true."

InStyle
DIA's Jung ChaeYeon
"There's a rumor that idols exchange messages at the music broadcasting programs. But it never happened. Inwardly, I expected that, but it didn't happen to me."

bnt
YG Entertainment
BLACKPINK: "There have been no changes to the dating ban part of the contract. We are singing 'AS IF IT'S YOUR LAST', thinking about our fans who I love the most."
AKMU's ChanHyuk: "CEO Yang HyunSeok allowed only for me to date someone. Because it's good for lyrics, whatever, but he didn't let SuHyun. She's just too young."

YG Entertainment
HYBE
There has never been a dating ban for BTS so far since day 1. Also, all the members have been allowed to have cell phones.
HYBE: "Even though there are no bans on them, all of them are managing themselves to make their dreams come true."

BTS Twitter
JYP Entertainment
SoMi: "We are not allowed to date someone for 3 years after debut."

@somilips0309
Pledis Entertainment
PRISTIN's KyulKyung: "I was told there's a dating ban for 3~4 years."

Loyalty_Z
EXID
Hani: "I was told that "even if you have a boyfriend, it's only your life. So manage it well. Do what you can handle.""

OSEN