You have probably heard the oft-cited anecdote about YG Entertainment’s strict dating ban, which reportedly prohibited trainees from dating, and even after debut, required artists to abide by the rule for at least their first three years. The company was also said to separate male and female trainees, αѕѕigning them different meal times in order to limit interaction and reduce the possibility of romantic relationships. Dating has, indeed, always been a highly sensitive topic for K-pop idols.
For top-tier celebrities—especially a group of BTS’s stature—dating becomes an even more serious issue. One only needs to look at the public reaction late last year, when Jungkook was falsely rumored to be dating a fourth-generation female artist. Based on flimsy and unverified “evidence,” the story quickly spiraled out of control. The idol became a constant target of online attacks, and protest trucks were even sent to HYBE’s headquarters demanding that he leave the group.
The K-pop idol industry is built, in part, on a sense of closeness and exclusivity between idols and fans. As a result, the public often imposes a strong sense of ownership and extremely strict image standards on celebrities. When an idol is linked to dating, it is frequently equated with breaking this “exclusive bond” with fans. This perceived “loss of trust” can easily trigger negative backlash—though, of course, not all fans feel this way.
It is worth noting that Jin has been keenly aware of this since his debut, and it is also the reason he believes he “cannot date.” Jin himself has never openly stated this to the public or his fans. Instead, this Jin's thought was revealed by Kian84, his close friend from Netflix’s reality show Kian’s Bizarre B&B. Kian84 has mentioned about this recently in a video titled “Kian84man Daejanggyeong with Chuu.”
In the episode, Kian84 and singer Chuu engage in an open discussion about the hidden struggles surrounding dating and love in the entertainment industry. While talking about why idols tend to shy away from this subject, Kian84 immediately recalled a conversation he once had with Jin, in which Jin believed idols should not date because it would mean being disloyal to their fans.
“There are some celebrities like that. BTS’s Jin! Even when the camera is off, he’d say, ‘I can’t date.’ I’d ask why, and he’d respond, ‘It isn’t being loyal towards the fans.’ Then I’d say, ‘Just say that in front of the public, but just date off camera, ’ but he would say, ‘Hyung, no I can’t do that.’” Kian84 recounted.
Kian84’s revelation immediately surprised and deeply moved fans. Jin’s stance on remaining single goes beyond a rigid professional rule; it elevates the idea into a form of moral devotion. His refusal to “date off-camera”—even when suggested by a senior like Kian84—demonstrates that he does not treat loyalty as a performative facade, but rather as a core personal value.
While fans’ perspectives have gradually evolved over the years, and Jin is no longer a newly debuted artist for whom dating might feel “too soon,” he has continued to uphold this mindset to this day as a personal professional principle. He consistently places ARMY’s happiness above his own emotional needs, a stance that clearly shows how much he values his relationship with his fans.
Kian84’s account of Jin quickly went viral on social media with more than 1,5 million views, sparking a powerful emotional response. One fans commented: "After watching that interview, I thought, no matter what situation comes his way, he’s someone who would never let people down. Fourteen years into his career, he’s already earned more than enough and could afford to loosen up a little, yet he still lives by thoughts like, ‘I have to stay loyal to the fans’ and ‘I shouldn’t become a burden to the younger members.’ He’s truly a good person. And the fact that this didn’t even come from his own mouth, but from someone who worked on a program with him, makes it all the more genuine".
Others echoed the sentiment and shared similar reactions:
- He has denied many things he doesn’t want, such as dyeing his hair and acting. Artist Kim Seokjin, you are… how could anyone not love you?
- I’m not even his fan, but it’s incredible to think that this is how he feels even when there are no cameras.
- I genuinely dream of marrying Kim Seokjin. He’s good at cooking, neat and tidy, never causes dating scandals, handsome, has great physique, and doesn’t get into any nonsense outside. The ultimate husband material
- I’m crying again today because of our Seokjin. Seokjin, thank you. As expected, Kim Seokjin = loyalty
- Go ahead and date. It’s okay. You’re someone who understands our trust. You act with integrity, so it’s okay—do what you want
- Oh my, our Seokjin. Jin-ARMYs’ hearts are breaking. When it comes to loyalty, it’s Jin—our Seokjin, as always
- I’m touched by how much he thinks of his fans, but at the same time, I also feel sorry
- Ah, Seokjin… this mom-fan’s heart is breaking. But still, I’m so proud of that mindset
- The way he thinks about staying loyal to us is so beautiful
- Jin is an idol who truly shows genuine respect toward his fans. He’s the kind of person who makes fans say, ‘Seokjin, please go date—go get married.’ Honestly, Kim Seokjin’s love for his fans is real
