On the 2nd, a media outlet reported that Lee Na-eun visited the underground parking lot of the Yeouido Hotel, where the team’s accommodation is located, on November 14 and 15 last year, ahead of the second Asian qualifying match for the 2026 North-China World Cup, and enjoyed a car date with Lee Kang-in. After the game, he claimed to have spent time in the apartment area in Guri, Gyeonggi-do, Lee Na-eun’s home.

“They are acquaintances (not lovers),” said a Namoo Actors official at Lee’s agency, quickly denying the suspicion. However, some fans are posting malicious comments on Lee’s personal channel as of Friday afternoon. 토토사이트 추천

Some fans continue to criticize by posting comments such as “Why don’t you admit to dating,” “Lee Kang-in is a nuisance at a time when it is important in many ways,” and “Don’t deal with Lee Kang-in.”

Sports stars are facing the reality that they cannot avoid malicious comments and criticism even if they express their position on dating celebrities. When rumors of a relationship between Son Heung-min and Girl’s Day Minah were raised in 2014, similar reactions poured out.

An official from Min-ah’s agency said at the time, “I heard that he met Son Heung-min twice with good feelings,” and admitted to dating, “I know that Son Heung-min started to meet with good feelings before returning to his German team after building encouragement and friendship as fans.”

However, Son admitted to meeting with Min-a twice, but denied the allegation, saying, “We never dated. I haven’t contacted him since rumors began.” Soon after Son’s announcement was made public, many criticized Min-a, saying, “What if it affects Son’s performance?” and “Just break up.”

In 2022, Hwang Ui-jo and T-ara Hyomin were also rumored to be dating. On Jan. 3, 2022, a media outlet reported that Hwang Ui-jo and Hyomin met through the introduction of an acquaintance and maintained their friendship before developing into a couple in November 2021. Neither Hwang Ui-jo nor Hyomin spoke out regarding the dating rumors.

In response, netizens continued to criticize, saying, “I want you to focus more on soccer,” “Do you date a singer?” and “I want you to break up.”

Culture critic Jung Duk-hyun said, “A sportsperson’s performance is a very sensitive area in terms of physical and psychological aspects. The athletes must always maintain their best condition.”

He added, “Sports stars and idols’ fandom have different characteristics. Sports stars tend to be more sensitive and cautious because their performance has a big impact on their fans.”