Ki Hee-hyun and Lee Sang-yun Confirm Relationship Following Osaka Trip

Former DIA member Ki Hee-hyun and model Lee Sang-yun have publicly confirmed they are in a relationship. The couple shared photos and video footage of a recent trip to Osaka, Japan, on their respective social media accounts on May 23, marking their first official confirmation of the romance.

How the Couple Announced Their Relationship

Ki Hee-hyun and Lee Sang-yun utilized Instagram to share their relationship status with fans. Ki posted a video taken on a street in Osaka, which featured the pair holding hands and waving at a CCTV camera. She captioned the post, “Making memories with CCTV on my first trip to Osaka.” Lee responded to the post in the comments section, writing, “I was happy,” signaling a mutual acknowledgement of their time together. The public display of affection, often referred to as “Lovestagram” in Korean media, was met with supportive messages from fellow entertainers and followers.

Background on Ki Hee-hyun and Lee Sang-yun

Ki Hee-hyun, 31, began her career in 2015 as the leader and main rapper of the K-pop girl group DIA. She gained significant public recognition in 2016 while appearing on the Mnet survival competition series Produce 101. Since her departure from group activities, she has transitioned into acting, appearing in projects such as the web drama Love in Black Hole, the film Love and Wish, and the stage play Yeodo. She currently works as an independent influencer.

Lee Sang-yun, 29, is a professional model who reached a broader audience through his appearance on the Channel A dating reality program Heart Pairing. During his time on the show, he addressed rumors regarding his personal life, which he has now clarified through his public relationship with Ki.

Public Reception and Industry Context

The announcement follows a trend of K-pop idols and public figures moving toward more transparent disclosures of their private lives on social media platforms. Unlike the industry standards of previous decades, where agencies often strictly managed the disclosure of romantic relationships, recent years have seen an increase in performers taking direct control of their narratives. The positive reception from peers reflects a shifting industry culture that increasingly favors personal agency for artists transitioning from group idol work into independent careers.

Key Facts

• Ki Hee-hyun: Former DIA member and Produce 101 contestant.
• Lee Sang-yun: Professional model and former participant on Channel A’s Heart Pairing.
• Announcement Date: May 23.
• Method: Coordinated social media posts featuring footage from an Osaka, Japan, vacation.