K-pop fans were in for a surprise whenHyunA and former Highlight member Yong Junhyungannounced their relationship through social media.
HyunAposted a photo and revealed that she is in a relationship with Yong Junhyung. Junhyung also shared the same photo on his Instagram on the same day.
As much as this was a surprise announcement, many articles were released late at night in South Korea as soon as HyunA made her post.
K-pop fans extended congratulations to the idol on her new relationship, but some netizens raised eyebrows at the timing of her announcement, critiquing her for revealing her dating news without giving a head’s up to her agency.
HyunA did the same thing back in 2018 when she announced her relationship with Dawn.
Upon disclosing her relationship with Dawn, she announced it through social media without notice to Cube Entertainment, her agency at that time.
The notable difference in this situation was the overwhelming support for HyunA, coupled with criticism directed at Cube Entertainment for their perceived shortcomings in artist management. Numerous voices rallied behind HyunA, arguing that her public disclosure of her relationship with Dawn was a necessary step, given Cube’s alleged mishandling of artist affairs.
However, the current situation has seen HyunA drawing criticism for seemingly disregarding the impact on her working staff. These staff members, tasked with issuing statements about the latest dating news, found themselves working unexpectedly in the middle of the night, trying to come up with a response. HyunA is currently under the agency, At Area, a company founded in 2021 by the hitmaking producer duo GroovyRoom..
One netizen explained, “HyunA when she revealed her dating news without notifying her agency. And the relationship (between her and the agency) went bad. But at the time, Cube wasn’t doing a good job either so people were supporting HyunA.” They continued, “Once again she announced her dating news at midnight without notifying her agency, lol… People are saying please consult with the agency first before doing something like this and should think about the employees who had to answer their phones late at night.”
Other netizens commented, “I really feel bad for the employees who are working until 12 AM,” “I would be so annoyed if I was a staff,” “I only feel bad for the employees who had to handle this situation in the middle of the night,” “The slight good image I had for her is gone now,” “That was the few moments when I felt bad for Cube, lol,” “The employees are the ones with the short end of the stick,” “HyunA’s image is getting worse after this dating news,” and “The stress they must feel.”
