Block B's U-Kwon explains why he went public with his relationship while active as an idol

Netizens reacted to Block B U-Kwon's remarks about going public with his relationship.

On an online forum, netizens discussed a recent post by a fan who shared a chat exchange with U-Kwon on a fan communication platform. What caught attention was U-Kwon’s explanation of why he revealed his relationship back in 2012, a move that stirred major controversy in the entertainment industry until he and his then-girlfriend, model Jeon Sun Hye, broke up 10 years later in 2022.

According to the chat, the fan wrote to U-Kwon: "I mean, I just want oppa [U-Kwon] to be happy."

To this, U-Kwon replied: "I heard this and that's why I went public with my relationship, but all the fans hated me. Relationship, my ass."

Netizens were taken aback by U-Kwon's blunt honesty. His words suggested that the reason he went public was because fans kept telling him that as long as he was happy, it was fine — and so he decided to pursue his own happiness.

However, many netizens criticized him for seemingly "blaming his fans" for the backlash. Others argued his logic was flawed, pointing out that "being happy" doesn’t necessarily mean "being in a relationship." They also felt his reasoning still showed a lack of courtesy and understanding toward fans who preferred idols to keep their private lives undisclosed.

Another point of discussion was fans’ claims that "the biggest issue with U-Kwon wasn’t his public relationship, but the attitude toward his fans." They recalled moments at fan sign events where he apparently wrote curt replies on post-its, such as responding "lol" to the question, "U-Kwon oppa~ Do you like Taiwanese BB.Cs?"

Fans also remembered being upset because U-Kwon seemed to dismiss them in order to protect his girlfriend — allegedly giving her gifts from fans and openly posting her photos on Block B's fan cafe.

Others, however, tried to be more neutral, saying that back then U-Kwon "saw his fans more like his mom" and shared details of his girlfriend in that context. Some also argued in the past that his brief post-it replies were his way of saving time so he could engage more directly with fans in person.

Meanwhile, netizens noted that his ex-girlfriend is not the target of criticism, adding that she has since married and is living well with her own family.

Overall, the majority of comments questioned whether it was "necessary" for U-Kwon to blame fans for his decision, stressing that his case was "completely different" from other idols who date publicly. Many pointed out that his attitude at the time was what fueled the backlash, not simply the relationship itself.

Reactions included:

"I said be happy, not mindlessly do whatever you please;"

"The problem wasn’t that he dated publicly, it was how he shut out fans afterwards ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Whether it was fan meetings or signings, the way he acted was ridiculous??????"

"Why would he say that to a fan ㅠㅠ"

"And now he’s shifting the blame onto the fans who stuck around until the end, still wishing him happiness."

"Just do as you please."

"Honestly, even if my non-celebrity friend dated like that, I’d distance myself."

"His ex is married now and has a kidㅋㅋㅋㅋ"

"U-Kwon, if you broke up, just forget the past and move on..."

"This isn’t something you can blame on fans ㅠㅠ"

"Still, I remembered it fondly because he was consistently dating and seemed happy, but... this comment of his feels careless."

"He should really know how to separate personal and professional life..."

"Looks like he still hasn’t gotten over it."

"Is that kind of happiness really happiness?"

"I'm not even his fan, but I know people weren’t angry just because he went public with a relationship. I still remember those post-its."

"The issue wasn’t the going public, it was what came after. Other things I could overlook, but bringing both his mom and girlfriend to a concert together was too much... from a fan’s perspective, seeing them sitting together made my blood pressure skyrocket..."

"After going to the fansign, the vibe, the expressions, the looks in his eyes, the post-its... there was absolutely zero sincerity. And back then it was the kneeling fansign, so it was even worse."

"During that time, his definition of happiness in life = girlfriend."

"He wasn’t just happy, he was selfish. He even acted rude toward fans."

"Fans treated him so well he doesn’t even realize what he did wrong;;"

"So he thinks he was only criticized because he dated?"

"But actually, there were people who didn't care about his dating at all."

"Even now it seems like he just does whatever he wants."

"Even when given kind words, he twists them. Why is he like that."

"The woman broke up with him and soon after married someone else."

"Is he saying the fan’s wish for his happiness was fake?"

"Is he actually arguing with a fan right now?"

"Fans already know every celebrity dates."

"He can’t separate personal and professional life... just blaming others."

"She broke up with him, got married right away, and probably already has a kid."

"Sounds like he tried to make a joke, but it completely failed."

"Is dating the only way you can be happy?"

"A fan said they hope he’s happy, and that was his reply?!?!?!?"

"If his relationship had been exposed by others and he just drew a clear line between personal and professional life, people would have understood. But his attitude was basically that he didn’t care if people knew, and then he treated fans like that."

"Ridiculous, but honestly trueㅋㅋㅋ The fans’ words about wishing him happiness are the fakest thing."

What are your thoughts?

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