Ailee’s husband, Choi Sihoon, finds himself linked to a controversy surrounding Wavve’s lesbian dating show ToGetHer, but both he and show contestant Riwon have denied any professional connection.
Rumors Spark Over Choi Sihoon’s Alleged Role
On May 1, 2025, Riwon, a participant in ToGetHer, addressed rumors suggesting Choi Sihoon was the CEO of her agency. The speculation arose from a screenshot Riwon shared online, where she mentioned “my influencer agency CEO.” Many assumed this referred to Choi, especially as Riwon faced backlash for her actions on the show.
Riwon stated on social media: “He is someone who has given me occasional professional advice, but he is not my agency CEO, nor does he represent me personally. I work with a separate, general agency and not the company associated with the individual in question.”
She added that she would cut ties with any connections that could harm Choi or his business. Riwon also urged the public to stop spreading unverified claims about her professional relationships.
Riwon’s Controversial Past Fuels Speculation
The rumors about Choi Sihoon emerged amid a broader scandal involving Riwon. She has been under fire for her past as a broadcast BJ, where she hosted personal streams from 2016 to 2018, November 2021 to March 2022, and February to September 2024. Riwon admitted to this history in a handwritten apology posted on Instagram on April 29, 2025.
Riwon wrote: “It is true — without excuse — that I previously hosted inappropriate broadcasts. I now have a different job, and I believed all traces of my past broadcasts were erased.”
She also faced accusations of queer-baiting and faking her lesbian identity to gain fame on ToGetHer. Riwon clarified her sexuality, stating she is a “woman who loves women” but admitted to dating a man in August 2024 due to struggles with self-denial.
Riwon explained: “I first realized my sexual orientation when I was in middle school. My first relationship was with a woman, and it lasted for two years and six months. However, there were times when I tried to deny who I was, which led me to date both women and men.”
Her past relationship with a man turned abusive, with Riwon alleging he threatened to out her and resorted to violence. She joined ToGetHer to come out on her own terms, but her past sparked heated debates online.
ToGetHer Drama Intensifies with Riwon and Hangyul Clash
ToGetHer, which premiered on Wavve on April 25, 2025, features seven lesbian contestants seeking love in a shared house on Jeju Island. The show gained attention for its stunning cast, including Riwon, Heeyoung, Seoyeon, Jinah, Hangyul, Dakyo, and Mirang. However, controversy erupted after Episode 2, when Hangyul accused Riwon of inappropriate behavior.
Hangyul claimed Riwon invited her on an overseas trip that involved “dating-style outings” and made her uncomfortable. She suggested others received similar offers. Riwon denied the accusations, calling Hangyul’s claims false and sharing message logs to support her side.
Riwon posted: “Why would I drag that kid into the mud like that? We joked about going to Thailand together on camera how is that now being used against me?”
Wavve responded on May 1, stating they were “currently verifying the situation.” Public opinion remains split, with some supporting Riwon and others backing Hangyul.
Netizens React to the Drama
The scandal has sparked varied reactions online. Some netizens defended Riwon, arguing her past as a streamer is irrelevant to her current role on ToGetHer.
“What does doing cam shows have to do with someone’s sexual orientation? lol As long as they’re not making misogynistic comments, I don’t think it matters much. Personal preference in variety show contestants is just that — personal.” — Anonymous user on TheQoo
Others expressed sympathy for Riwon, praising her courage in addressing the backlash.
“After everything, I just feel sorry for her. Everyone has a past, but she chose to stand up instead of giving up. Being LGBTQ+ in Korea is tough — she’s so brave. I love Riwon and will always support her. Please don’t let her leave the show.” — Limaln (@Limaln1346081) on X, April 29, 2025
However, some criticized Riwon, questioning her motives for joining the show.
“[Rumour] A Contestant #ToGetHer used to be a racy streamer, later was exposed to date a man that led to anger her fans & was kicked out from the platform. Streamer who used to work with her said she’s definitely not Lesbian rather she’s queerbaiting.” — Anonymous user on X
Choi Sihoon and Ailee’s Recent Milestones
Choi Sihoon, a former actor known for Single’s Inferno, married Ailee on April 20, 2025, in a private Seoul ceremony attended by stars like Baek Ji Young and Lee Mu Jin. The couple, who began dating in 2023 and registered their marriage in August 2024, shared their joy with fans.
Choi Sihoon wrote on April 21: “It truly felt like a dream. When I saw her walking towards me from a distance, I thought my heart was going to burst. She looked so beautiful, and I almost cried.”
Ailee and Choi are currently on their honeymoon in Dubai and the Maldives, posting romantic updates. On April 25, Ailee shared photos of their desert glamping experience, calling it “so romantic.”
Riwon’s Apology and Future Steps
In her apology, Riwon expressed regret for not disclosing her streaming past to ToGetHer’s production team. She apologized to the cast, crew, and LGBTQ+ community, fearing her actions might harm the show’s significance.
Riwon concluded: “I am also so sorry for tarnishing the significance of being part of Korea’s first lesbian dating show. It breaks my heart, and I am deeply sorry that, because of me alone, people may now develop harmful stereotypes about the LGBTQ+ community.”
She announced she would avoid media appearances post-show and is pursuing legal action against her abusive ex-boyfriend.
Current Status of the Controversy
As of May 1, 2025, Wavve continues to investigate the Riwon and Hangyul dispute. Riwon has deleted several Instagram posts, including those fueling the CEO rumors, and her account, with 293,000 followers, remains active but limited. Choi Sihoon has not publicly addressed the rumors, focusing instead on his honeymoon with Ailee. Fans of both Ailee and ToGetHer continue to call for clarity and an end to unverified speculation.
CREDITS: Daum