Dating speculation involving VERIVERY’s Kangmin and KISS OF LIFE’s Julie has spread rapidly online, which has prompted both idols’ agencies to respond.
On September 28, footage allegedly showing a man and woman on a date circulated widely on Weibo, China’s largest social media platform. The short clip, believed to be taken from CCTV inside a private bar room, featured a male figure and a female companion sharing affectionate moments. In the video, the man can be seen stroking the woman’s hair while she lies on a sofa and hugging her from behind. The woman is also shown smoking an e-cigarette.
Soon after the video went viral, netizens began speculating that the pair were Kangmin of VERIVERY and Julie of KISS OF LIFE. However, the video’s credibility was quickly questioned, as the man’s face appeared blurred, making identification difficult.
Kangmin’s Agency Issues Firm Denial
On September 29, Jellyfish Entertainment, the agency managing Kangmin and VERIVERY, released an official statement refuting the claims. The company said, “Recently, we confirmed that baseless rumors targeting VERIVERY members have been indiscriminately spread and circulated through portal sites, online articles, various communities, and social media.
They continued, stressing the seriousness of the issue: “These rumors are completely untrue and are malicious falsehoods that seriously damage our artists’ reputation.”
The agency emphasized that protecting their artists remains their top priority and announced plans to pursue strict legal measures. “We place the highest priority on protecting our artists and will pursue strong legal action without leniency against the creation, dissemination, and reproduction of malicious rumors,” they added. Fans were also encouraged to report harmful posts or content related to the matter.
KISS OF LIFE’s Agency Responds to Julie’s Involvement
Meanwhile, S2 Entertainment, the agency representing Julie and KISS OF LIFE, took a different approach. Instead of confirming or denying the rumors, the company commented, “Since this concerns the artist’s private life, we cannot confirm any details.”
The statement left fans guessing as the label did not confirm or deny the leaked CCTV footage.
On the work front, Kangmin recently competed on Mnet’s survival show BOYS 2 PLANET, which wrapped up on September 25. Despite strong performances, he finished 9th, narrowly missing the chance to debut in the final project group, Alpha Drive One. His
Julie’s group, KISS OF LIFE, is preparing for their Japanese debut with their first Japanese mini-album, TOKYO MISSION START, which will be released on November 5.