WINNER’s Kim Jin-woo is signaling an openness to public relationships, but with a clear caveat: don’t expect a quick trip to the altar. The singer revealed his stance on dating during a recent appearance on the MBN variety show Jeon Hyun-moo Plan 3, sparking a lively discussion with host Jeon Hyun-moo and fellow guest Kang Seung-yoon.
The conversation unfolded during a meal at a traditional Korean restaurant in Anyang, as reported on . Jeon Hyun-moo, known for his commentary on relationships, initially complimented Kim Jin-woo’s appearance, playfully questioning whether he might be mistaken for a female idol. The lighthearted banter quickly turned to the topic of Kim Jin-woo’s previous comments about being open to an “open relationship,” a statement he clarified wasn’t a desire for a non-monogamous arrangement, but rather a reluctance to hide a relationship if one developed naturally.
“If I were to date someone, I could definitely be open about it,” Kim Jin-woo explained. “It was about not wanting to hide something that was natural.”
Jeon Hyun-moo, self-described as an “expert” on the subject of public relationships, offered a wry observation: “Public dating isn’t about revealing, it’s about being revealed.” He then jokingly suggested that Kim Jin-woo’s potential partner shouldn’t harbor any hopes of marriage, a sentiment echoed by Kang Seung-yoon, who quipped that any future girlfriend should “prepare herself.”
Kim Jin-woo reinforced the point, stating plainly, “I don’t intend to get married yet. I just mean that if I were to date someone, I’d be open about it.”
The discussion also touched on the financial rewards of songwriting success. WINNER’s Kang Seung-yoon, the composer of the hit song “Really Really,” revealed the substantial royalties the track generated. He explained that while the peak earning period coincided with the song’s peak popularity in 2018, it was a significant source of income, earning him a substantial amount each month at the time. He noted that earnings have since decreased as the song’s popularity has waned.
“The biggest money came during the most popular moment,” Kang Seung-yoon said. “It’s not as much now.”
Jeon Hyun-moo, who has been publicly navigating his own romantic life, also offered some advice on the timing of marriage. He suggested that it’s a consideration that should be consciously addressed, warning against complacency. “Marriage has a time,” he said. “You have to keep it in mind. If you don’t consciously think about it, you end up like me, just living comfortably and then time runs out.”
The conversation highlights a shifting attitude towards relationships within the Korean entertainment industry. While traditionally, idols and celebrities have been cautious about publicly acknowledging romantic relationships, there’s been a growing trend towards greater openness, albeit often with carefully managed disclosures. Kim Jin-woo’s comments suggest a willingness to embrace that shift, but on his own terms, prioritizing authenticity over societal expectations.
Jeon Hyun-moo’s own experiences with relationships have been a frequent topic of discussion in the Korean media. Recent reports, including one from , indicated he sought marriage counseling with Kim Jong-kook, who recently married. He also reportedly considered a dating show, signaling a continued public interest in his personal life. A Facebook post from noted speculation about his marital status following a fortune-telling segment on a broadcast. And in , he shared the aftermath of a breakup on MBN’s Moo No Plan3.
Kim Jin-woo’s willingness to discuss his views on dating, coupled with Jeon Hyun-moo’s candid reflections, offers a glimpse into the evolving dynamics of romance and relationships within the highly scrutinized world of Korean entertainment. The conversation, while lighthearted, underscores the pressures and expectations faced by public figures as they navigate their personal lives.
