NTX, an eight-member boy group that debuted on March 30, 2021, and participated in the Korean survival show “PEAK TIME,” has actively expanded into overseas markets in recent years, with multiple activities in Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. A distinctive feature of the group is that its members not only handle vocals and stage performances but also participate in song creation, choreography, and other production aspects, earning them the reputation of a “producer-idol group.”
Recently, member Sihwa (시화) has been embroiled in dating rumors after netizens accused him of being in a relationship. Alleged “evidence” has been circulated, with comparisons made between a birthmark on his hand, the rings he wears, and his purported schedule with the woman. The related content quickly sparked heated discussion online.
An anonymous netizen recently announced plans to reveal “dating evidence” for Sihwa, subsequently posting several alleged clues. One post reportedly compared content shared by Sihwa’s rumored girlfriend on social media with clothing and accessories Sihwa had worn in the past, attempting to find traces of a relationship between the two.
The most discussed point was when netizens unearthed photos shared by the woman, claiming to see a birthmark identical to one on Sihwa’s hand, leading them to believe the two might be in a romantic relationship.
The whistleblower even directly addressed Sihwa, writing: “Oppa, long-distance relationships must be tough, right? You returned to Korea on August 11, and the very next day, August 12, you were already celebrating your girlfriend’s birthday. Oppa, I see you really like younger girls. Maybe because she’s a 20-year-old university student, she’s truly beautiful. Your couple rings are also lovely. You even remember to wear them when you meet fans, don’t you? Your trip to Japan together in August must have been fun too.”
Additionally, another post circulated a short video allegedly showing the two embracing, further fueling the dating rumors.
Following the news, reactions among Korean netizens were sharply divided. Some found the clues suspicious and began criticizing Sihwa’s actions, leaving harsh comments. Others argued that idols also have private lives, and fans should not overly interfere with artists’ romantic relationships.
One of the whistleblowers sarcastically remarked: “After being an idol for 6 years and still not getting popular, you should at least take off your ring before coming, right? Is this a declaration of ownership? And after the fan sign event, you open a new private account, and you two follow each other. This whole operation is really… And what exactly does ‘sleepy’ mean? I wish you eternal sleep~”
Another netizen scoffed: “Seeing this unpopular idol dating, yet seemingly completely unaware of his reality, truly leaves nothing but bitterness.”
However, some netizens defended the idol, arguing that fans should not treat idols as “their possessions.” Some pointed out that while certain K-pop fans claim “it’s fine as long as idols don’t publicly date,” they simultaneously obsessively dig for “dating clues” like rings, clothing, and social media accounts, believing this behavior only exacerbates dating rumors.
Currently, the content mentioned above primarily stems from netizens’ own compilations and speculations. Neither NTX’s Sihwa nor his agency has officially confirmed the dating rumors. Therefore, it remains unconfirmed whether the circulated details, such as the birthmark, rings, and schedule, truly prove that the two are in a relationship.
