SHINee’s Taemin has broken his silence following recent dating rumors with dancer NO:ZE, sharing a candid and emotional message with fans on the communication platform Bubble on April 18, 2025. The K-pop idol expressed his regret over the speculation and reaffirmed his commitment to his supporters, addressing the toll of public scrutiny in a heartfelt statement.
The rumors began on April 15, 2025, when photos surfaced on an online community, appearing to show Taemin and NO:ZE walking arm-in-arm and sharing a hug. The images, though blurry, sparked widespread speculation, with netizens pointing to similarities between the man’s outfit and a photo of Taemin previously shared by SHINee member Key in December 2023. This wasn’t the first time the pair faced such rumors—similar speculation arose in February 2024 when fans claimed to hear Taemin’s voice in a NO:ZE livestream and noticed matching clothing and home decor in their social media posts.
On April 17, Big Planet Made Entertainment, Taemin’s agency, issued a statement denying the rumors:
“We apologize for the delay in confirming the matter due to Taemin’s ongoing schedule. Taemin and NO:ZE are close colleagues who have worked together. We respectfully ask that people refrain from excessive speculation.”
NO:ZE, born Noh Ji-hye, gained fame through Mnet’s Street Woman Fighter (2021) and has worked as a backup dancer for Taemin’s performances, including his 2023 song Guilty and 2021 track Advice. Their professional collaboration, including NO:ZE’s appearance at Taemin’s concert in December 2024, fueled fan theories about a closer relationship. Some fans even speculated that a photo of the two at an event, seated a row apart, and NO:ZE’s presence at Taemin’s emotional concert performance hinted at a personal connection.
In his Bubble message, Taemin reflected on the challenges of addressing rumors:
“You’ve been having a hard time with everything that’s been going on lately, right? I feel so sorry and apologetic because my fans love me so much. It’s been really upsetting due to all the misunderstandings caused by fragmented information and seemingly convincing words.”
He acknowledged the complexity of public perception, noting:
“Not everyone, but many people tend to want to hear the answer they prefer rather than the truth… So maybe that’s why, after going through various things since I was young, I’ve learned to hold back on speaking too much.”
Taemin, who debuted with SHINee in 2008 and began his solo career in 2014, emphasized his gratitude and dedication to his fans, saying:
“What’s certain is that I hope you’ll continue to trust me like you always have. And in return for that trust, the love, and the sincerity you’ve given me, I’ll do my best to be someone who gives back. I’m always grateful, and I love you.”
Fan reactions on X have been mixed but largely supportive. One user, @moidixmis, posted:
“Taemin is a person like anyone else. People date, get married, have kids—it is a natural part of life. There’s nothing controversial about it🤦🏻♀️.”
Another, @hanbintheclouds, wrote:
“Here we go again… what does it matter? Taemin and NO:ZE are adults. Taemin has been in the industry for 17 years. Let him live his life!”
However, some netizens speculated about a past relationship, with an anonymous Instiz post suggesting Taemin and NO:ZE may have dated and parted ways, though no evidence supports this claim. Others defended Taemin’s privacy, with one X user, @GoldenAjik, sharing:
“Taemin was always sincere about his work, treats the fans well and was always working hard. He never got into any dating rumors.”
Taemin, now 32, has maintained a relatively scandal-free career, making these rumors particularly notable. He moved to Big Planet Made Entertainment in April 2024 after leaving SM Entertainment, and released his fifth mini-album, ETERNAL, in August 2024. NO:ZE, 29, trained at Hanlim Multi Art School and has danced for artists like EXO’s Kai and ZICO, establishing herself as a prominent figure in South Korea’s dance scene.
The agency’s denial and Taemin’s message have largely quelled the rumors, though some fans continue to debate the nature of the pair’s relationship. Big Planet Made Entertainment has not issued further statements, and Taemin is preparing for a SHINee concert in Seoul next month. The latest update, as of April 18, 2025, confirms Taemin’s focus on his career and fans, with no additional comment from NO:ZE’s side.
Credits: sports.khan.co.kr
