K-pop idol WOODZ, also known as Cho Seung-youn, has found himself caught in the middle of fresh dating rumours linked to the late actress Kim Sae-Ron. The unexpected claims have added a new twist to the ongoing scandal surrounding her alleged involvement with actor Kim Soo-hyun.
How the rumours began
The new buzz began when popular YouTuber Lee Jin-ho uploaded a video suggesting that Kim Sae-ron had been in a secret relationship with a male singer between early 2021 and May 2022. Although he didn’t name the singer, he did share a few blurred photos and pointed to the mystery man’s identity.
It didn’t take long for internet sleuths to come to their own conclusion that the unnamed singer could be WOODZ, linking the two stars through a series of old social media interactions. From photos where they appeared together, to a coffee truck Kim Sae-ron allegedly sent to WOODZ’s filming set – netizens started to connect the dots.
Agency finally breaks silence
With the rumours gaining traction, WOODZ’s agency, EDAM Entertainment, issued a short but clear statement to calm the growing speculation. As quoted by Soompi, the agency said, “Because it’s a matter related to [the artist’s] personal life, it’s difficult for us to confirm. We ask for your understanding in this regard.” The statement did not confirm or deny the alleged relationship.
Who is WOODZ?
For those unfamiliar, WOODZ is a well-known name in the K-pop world. He began his career as a member of the Chinese-Korean boy band ‘UNIQ’ in 2014. He later shot to fame after appearing on the hit survival show ‘Produce X 101’ in 2019. His talent stood out, and he secured fifth place, which earned him a spot in the project group ‘X1’. However, the group disbanded after a short time, and WOODZ moved on to focus on his solo career.
His solo debut came in 2020 with his first EP ‘Equal’, and he’s since released popular tracks like ‘Hijack’, ‘I Hate You’ and ‘Love Me Harder’. Known for his strong vocals and songwriting skills, he has built a loyal fanbase over the years. WOODZ is currently serving in the South Korean military, having enlisted in January 2024. He is expected to complete his service and be discharged by 21 July 2025.
The bigger controversy: Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun
This rumour involving WOODZ is just one part of a much larger controversy. Kim Soo-hyun, star of shows like ‘It’s Okay to Not Be Okay’, has also been accused of having a relationship with Kim Sae-ron when she was only 15 and he was 27. It is also being speculated that this pressure played a part in her tragic death.
