It’s no longer unusual for K-pop idols’ fans to hear about idols dating. Every couple of weeks, there are dating rumors being spread. Some couples who admitted their relationships include Girls’ Generation’s Sooyoung – Jung Kyung Ho, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo – Ahn Bo Hyun, IU – Lee Jong Suk, aespa’s Karina – Lee Jae Wook, BLACKPINK’s Jennie – EXO’s Kai…
Most couples, even after breaking up, maintain a professional relationship with their ex, and their careers aren’t greatly affected. However, there is one idol couple whose career took a downward turn after announcing their relationship, despite both being former top idols, and that’s Kang Daniel – TWICE’s Jihyo.
Daniel – the “nation’s center,” Jihyo – the leader of a top-tier 3rd gen girl group
Kang Daniel skyrocketed to fame when he participated in “Produce 101” season 2 and became the final winner. Kang Daniel was once dubbed the “Nation’s Center” and held the center position of Wanna One. Despite their short-lived activity, Kang Daniel and Wanna One quickly created a massive craze, achieving incredible accomplishments that any rookie dreams of.
After Wanna One’s contract ended and the group disbanded, Kang Daniel started his solo career in 2019. His solo albums also brought him numerous music show wins.
At one point, Daniel was described as “one of the highest-earning and most influential male soloists in Kpop,” thanks to his domestic fame. SBS’s Late Night Entertainment News described him as “more than a top idol” and declared that “he created a frenzy” as depicted in an episode of Saturday Night Live Korea.
As for Jihyo, debuting with TWICE after nearly 10 years as a trainee at JYP was a significant achievement for her. Right from their second title track, “Cheer Up” in 2016, TWICE immediately had a national hit.
Subsequently, the group had continuous comebacks with a string of hits: “TT,” “Knock Knock,” “Signal,” “Heart Shaker,” “What is Love?,” “Yes or Yes” … The period from 2016 to 2018 was when TWICE solidified their name, competing fiercely with BLACKPINK for the top spot among 3rd gen girl groups.
Shocking dating news
In early August 2019, Dispatch revealed Kang Daniel and Jihyo’s relationship with undeniable evidence. The couple had officially been together since the beginning of 2019 and, to keep it secret, often had dates at Kang Daniel’s upscale apartment. Since Jihyo still lived in the dorm with TWICE members, she usually drove herself to her boyfriend’s place.
However, Dispatch confirmed the breakup after over a year of happiness. The reason Kang Daniel and Jihyo parted ways was similar to many other celebrity couples: too busy with their schedules.
Both needed to focus on their solo careers, with packed schedules, leading to fewer and fewer dates, causing Kang Daniel and Jihyo to drift apart. Subsequently, JYP Entertainment confirmed the couple had indeed split up.
Career downturn after the breakup
Since the dating rumors until the breakup, the careers of both Daniel and Jihyo have somewhat gone downhill. As they both have a massive fanbase, when the dating news surfaced, many fans quickly turned their backs on the couple.
Kang Daniel began to show signs of slowing down. His music releases no longer make an impact, especially when compared to other successful solo artists. The past two years of awards ceremonies have also seen less of Kang Daniel than before.
Compared to Kang Daniel, Jihyo’s situation is even considered worse. From being one of the top 3rd gen girl groups, TWICE has gradually been losing their hype in Korea in the past three years. TWICE has been working hard to consistently release new albums, but their achievements have been disappointing, unable to stay on music charts for long. The era when TWICE’s every release achieved PAK, RAK status seems to have passed.
In terms of solo careers, Jihyo made her solo debut in 2023 with the album “Zone” and its title track “Killin’ me good.” Sadly, Jihyo’s solo debut didt not achieve outstanding results.
With their latest comeback and 13th mini-album, TWICE’s digital music performance continues to be underwhelming. While their album sales exceeded a million copies and reached No.1 on the Billboard 200, compared to the two girl groups that had previously topped the charts, BLACKPINK and NewJeans, TWICE does seem somewhat behind.
Many netizens feel sorry for both Jihyo and Daniel as they were once top idols but their current positions are not the same as before.
