This morning (Oct. 2), after Korean media outlet Dispatch reported on a romance between former BIGBANG member T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun, 최승현, 38) and After School's Nana (Im Jin-ah, 임진아, 35), the music video they collaborated on earlier this year unexpectedly became a focal point for netizens. With reports suggesting the two developed a relationship around June, their intimate interactions in the MV have resurfaced, leading many netizens to exclaim, "So there was chemistry even back then!"
According to Dispatch's Oct. 2 report, Choi Seung-hyun and Im Jin-ah began dating around June of this year and are currently still in a relationship. Their connection reportedly started with the music video for "Totally Insane! (Studio54)," one of the double title tracks from Choi Seung-hyun's first solo full-length album, Multiverse, released in January. At the time, Choi Seung-hyun personally selected Im Jin-ah to be the female lead in the MV, stating she best fit the song's overall vibe.
Now that their relationship has come to light, revisiting the MV makes their interactions particularly intriguing to netizens. From the beginning of the video, Choi Seung-hyun and Im Jin-ah displayed strong visual chemistry. They not only shared numerous close-up gazes but also brought their faces very near to each other, engaging in intimate physical interactions within the same frame, creating an atmosphere akin to that of a couple.
Im Jin-ah appeared in the MV with short silver hair and a bold outfit, creating a stark visual contrast with Choi Seung-hyun's style. Throughout the video, they frequently drew close to each other, their faces nearing, building a tense and captivating visual.
Several memorable scenes include Im Jin-ah leaning into Choi Seung-hyun's embrace and shots where their faces were almost touching. While these moments might have seemed like mere plot devices when the MV was first released, the recent news of their relationship has prompted many netizens to re-interpret these interactions.
Beyond the MV, the two also filmed promotional content for the new song together. At that time, Choi Seung-hyun and Im Jin-ah still used honorifics when speaking, and their interactions carried a slight sense of unfamiliarity. However, as they discussed the song and recalled the filming process, the atmosphere gradually became more natural, transitioning from initial formality to growing familiarity.
At the time, they appeared to be merely professional collaborators. However, reports indicate that they continued to stay in touch after filming, and their relationship gradually deepened, evolving into a romantic one approximately two months later, around June. With their relationship now public, netizens are "archaeologizing" their past interactions in the MV, with many re-watching and commenting on their undeniable chemistry.
In addition to their professional synergy, Choi Seung-hyun and Im Jin-ah share several commonalities. Choi Seung-hyun was a member of BIGBANG, and Im Jin-ah debuted with After School; both were active during the peak of second-generation K-pop idols.
Both artists later expanded their careers into acting and possess distinct personal styles in fashion and appearance. Choi Seung-hyun recently returned to acting through Squid Game 2 and subsequently released a solo album, continuing to broaden his activities as a singer. Im Jin-ah has solidified her acting career with works like Mask Girl and My Man Is Cupid, while also pursuing her individual music endeavors.
Following the dating news, there has been a surge of discussions online about re-watching the MV. Netizens commented, "Turns out their vibe matched from back then," "Watching the MV again now, it feels completely different," "Who knew this connection started with casting?" and "With this kind of chemistry, no wonder they grew closer later."
Revisiting the MV they collaborated on earlier this year, what was initially perceived as professional intimacy now takes on a different interpretation due to their revealed relationship, making the music video a hot topic among netizens once again.
