Dispatch Will Not Reveal Dating News on January 1 Due to South Korea’s National Mourning Declaration
On December 31, rumors circulated on social media that Dispatch would not release news about any celebrity couple’s relationship on January 1, 2025.
For over a decade, revealing the dating news of a celebrity couple has been a New Year’s Day tradition for the renowned South Korean media outlet Dispatch. Since 2013, nine star couples have had their relationships disclosed on the first day of the year, including Kim Tae Hee and Bi Rain, YoonA and Lee Seung Gi, Jennie and Kai, Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin, and IU and Lee Jong Suk.
However, 2025 could mark the second consecutive year Dispatch abstains from revealing any dating news on January 1. The speculated reason is the recent Jeju Air tragedy, which claimed 179 lives in South Korea.
The South Korean government has declared a seven-day national mourning period starting December 29 to honor the victims. In response, South Korean broadcasters have canceled numerous entertainment shows, music festivals, and year-end award ceremonies.
Earlier this year, Dispatch refrained from revealing any dating news reportedly due to the late actor Lee Sun Kyun’s suicide at the end of December 2023.
Previously, fans eagerly anticipated the announcement of new celebrity couples by Dispatch.
Among the most speculated pairs were:
- Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won (from Queen of Tears),
- Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin (from When the Phone Rings),
- Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon (from Carry Him On My Back),
- Jung Hae In and Jung So Min (from Love Next Door),
- Song Kang and Kim Yoo Jung (from My Demon).
These couples starred as leads in popular romantic dramas and were praised for their undeniable on-screen chemistry. Fans also noted many shared activities and interactions outside their acting projects, further fueling speculation.
As of now, Dispatch has not officially confirmed whether it will disclose any dating news on January 1, 2025.