IVE member Rei (레이) has recently been swept up in dating rumors with rapper pH-1 (본명 박준원), who is 15 years her senior. The news quickly spread among Korean and international fans, but the so-called “evidence of romance” presented by netizens has largely sparked a backlash from fans, with many exclaiming, “How can this even be considered dating?”
Recently, a netizen posted on social media claiming that Rei and pH-1 were dating, citing their interactions on social media as “evidence of romance.” The post quickly garnered attention from fans in Korea and abroad.
The netizen listed several alleged “clues,” including pH-1 consistently liking and commenting on Rei’s Instagram posts. Rei also used one of pH-1’s songs as background music in an Instagram post, which pH-1 seemingly reposted in an Instagram story. Additionally, the two had interacted on social media using emojis.
These interactions were immediately interpreted by some netizens as proof of a romantic relationship, with some even speculating further. However, other netizens argued that the two could simply be friends or colleagues in the music industry, and that social media interactions like using songs, liking posts, and commenting were not sufficient to prove a romantic relationship.
The related posts have now accumulated over 2 million views, but the focus in the comment section has shifted from whether the two are dating to dissatisfaction with this culture of dating speculation.
Many fans believe that normal interactions between idols and artists of the opposite sex are often over-interpreted by netizens. They argue that merely liking a post or using another artist’s song can lead to a “dating” label, which in turn discourages artists from normal professional interactions.
One netizen bluntly stated, “You guys are really abnormal, this is why idols are now afraid to even interact with colleagues.” Another scoffed, “Please, rappers in the Korean hip-hop scene, go date people your own age.” Someone else questioned, “Just because her IG post used his song, you’re saying they’re dating? Are you serious?”
Other fans expressed frustration, saying, “This is why K-pop idols can’t meet with colleagues, because you always want to turn normal interactions into dating rumors.” Some even spoke up for Rei directly: “She just likes his song,” and “Can’t she make friends outside her circle, or even be friends with people of the opposite sex?”
Currently, the alleged relationship between Rei and pH-1 has not been confirmed by either party. The Instagram interactions circulating online are merely netizens’ interpretations, and there is no concrete evidence to prove that the two are dating.
pH-1, a Korean-American rapper, officially debuted in 2016 with the single “Wavy.” Having grown up in the United States, his music style blends Korean and American hip-hop elements, gradually establishing his name in the Korean hip-hop scene.
The year after his debut, pH-1 joined H1GHR MUSIC, founded by Park Jae-beom (Jay Park), and released his first EP, The Island Kid. In 2018, he participated in Mnet’s rap survival show Show Me the Money 777, further boosting his popularity. He later served as a mentor on High School Rapper 4.
Subsequently, pH-1 continued to release works such as HALO, X, and But For Now Leave Me Alone, remaining active in the Korean hip-hop scene and accumulating significant popularity and recognition.
