Why did Hyeri choose to remain quiet about the third dating rumor involving Woo Tae?

Industry reports on July 1 revealed that Hyeri and dancer Woo Tae have been dating for about a year since collaborating on the 2024 film Victory, where Woo Tae was a dance coach and Hyeri was part of the cast. Their professional relationship reportedly blossomed into a private romance.

Both Hyeri and Woo Tae’s agencies provided similar responses, stating: “It’s difficult to confirm as this pertains to their personal lives. We appreciate your understanding.”

Despite neither confirming nor denying the reports, many fans and insiders interpreted the responses as a tacit acknowledgment, especially since “no comment” is often used by agencies to indirectly confirm rumors while avoiding excessive media attention.

Sources suggest that Hyeri’s choice to remain silent is deeply personal. She had previously gone public with relationships, first with Tony An of H.O.T in 2013 and then with actor Ryu Jun Yeol in 2017. Her breakup with Ryu Jun Yeol in 2023 drew significant public attention, especially when he was rumored to be dating actress Han So Hee shortly after.

Hyeri’s enigmatic Instagram Story post, “It’s really interesting,” was seen as a subtle dig, sparking online backlash and a media frenzy that eventually led to Ryu Jun Yeol and Han So Hee separating. Following this intense public scrutiny, Hyeri seems to have opted for a more low-profile approach to safeguard her privacy and peace.

Although staying mum, devoted fans have revisited previous content. A video shared by Woo Tae during Victory promotions commended Hyeri’s commitment, saying, “It was my first time choreographing for a movie… We ended up practicing almost every day. Hyeri and Sewan’s dedication truly made the film shine.”

But what truly piqued curiosity was a clip from Victory with a brief caption: “I love you”—a moment that now has fans interpreting it differently.

Regardless of whether Hyeri and Woo Tae confirm their relationship, one thing is evident: fans are highly interested in her personal life, even as she seeks to retreat from the limelight.