As a K-Pop fan, you might be aware of all the rules surrounding idols, especially in their first years after their debut. One of the most popular rules many fans are aware of is the dating ban. Depending on their time as an idol and the agency, some idols are unable to date due to a dating ban. This dating ban is part of their contract and idols have to respect it if they want to successfully continue their career. This is because, in the K-pop industry, fans often consider idol dating as a betrayal by their idols. Because fans invest a lot of time, money, and energy in their group, they don't enjoy seeing their idols prioritize someone over their career as idols. Because of those reasons, the dating ban exists. But of course, this is not a generality, some fans are also very happy to see their idols dating, it is just a type of situation that can happen in Korea.
As the year passes by, the dating ban rules are changing, sometimes even getting canceled in some companies. As of now, some agencies and artists have openly talked about their regulations regarding the dating ban. Some idols have spoken nicely about their agency and the dating ban they had to respect, some agencies, on the contrary, still haven't disclosed their policies about that matter. After a few years, the rules we knew about the dating bans of some agencies changed, so here is an updated version of some agencies' policies on the dating ban.
Note: This is not a ranking
YG Entertainment
YG Entertainment used to forbid their artists from dating, but according to more recent statements, and the appearance of YG artists on TV shows, it seems like the rules have changed. Now only rookie idols are said to have a dating ban in the agency. Those who have been in the company for a long time and earn quite a lot of money are freer when it comes to dating.
JYP Entertainment
JYP Entertainment also changed its policy, opting for a 3-year dating ban, when it used to be a 5 years ban in the past. Meaning that artists that are under 3 years after debut cannot date anyone, but after 3 years, there is no more restriction.
SM Entertainment
SM Entertainment is said to not have any dating ban, the agency isn't against their artists dating either. Artists are advised to be discreet and not get caught up - in scandal - but no proper dating ban is established by the agency.
Some Idols have also expressed themselves about the dating ban and their thoughts on it.
MAMAMOO
MAMAMOO mentioned during one of their appearance on "Immortal Song" That they do not have any dating ban imposed by their agency. They are simply asked to be careful and aware of their actions and the consequences that might come with them (fans' reaction, press scandal...).
AKMU's ChanHyuk
AKMU's Twitter
He mentioned that he does not have a dating ban, on the contrary, the agency encouraged him to date, despite the original dating ban YG Entertainment has. He explained that the former CEO wanted him to experience many things and feelings in order to get inspiration and emotions to write and compose his songs.
OH MY GIRL's Mimi and SeungHee
OhMyGirl's Twitter
The two members of the group mentioned during their appearance on the "Knowing Bros" show that their agency was very strict towards female trainees, prohibiting dating, but many other things such as certain outfits and makeup look.
Rain About Ciipher's dating Ban
Ciipher's Twitter
Rain originally imposed a 5-year dating ban on Ciipher, just like JYP used to do. He justified this decision by saying that only if they concentrate on their career and give up on dating at first they can reach the top.
The dating ban is already getting lighter in most agencies, we can only hope that little by little it will change until there is no more dating ban, and idols can be free to experience love.
