Dispatch’s Dating Revelation Timeline: Who Will Be the Top Star Couple on January 1, 2025? (+ Recap)

As 2025 begins, public interest in Dispatch's traditional January 1 dating scoop is once again on the rise.

This year's year-end was marked by somber events, including political turmoil surrounding impeachment proceedings and the Jeju Air tragedy, leaving a heavy atmosphere. However, there is a shared hope that the new year will bring healing and peace to overcome these wounds.

January 1 holds special significance as the first day of the year, a symbolic moment for many. In the entertainment industry, it is particularly noteworthy as the day Dispatch reveals high-profile celebrity dating news, a tradition that has become a hallmark of Korean pop culture.

In anticipation of this year's scoop, let's take a look back at the notable dating revelations Dispatch has shared on January 1 over the years.

2013: Kim Tae-hee ♥ Rain

On January 1, 2013, at 8:32 AM KST (applied throughout), Dispatch revealed the relationship between Kim Tae-hee and Rain. At the time, Rain was serving in the military, and their public meeting while he was in uniform drew immense attention. The top-tier celebrity couple officially went public with their romance, married in January 2017, and now share two daughters.

2014: Lee Seung-gi ♥ YoonA

On January 1, 2014, at 8:54 AM, Lee Seung-gi and YoonA’s relationship was reported. Fans were thrilled, especially since Lee had previously mentioned Yoona as his ideal type on a variety show. However, due to their busy schedules, the couple parted ways after 1 year and 7 months. Lee Seung-gi is now married to actress Lee Da-in, with whom he shares a daughter.

2015: Lee Jung-jae ♥ Lim Se-ryung

On January 1, 2015, at 8:24 AM, Dispatch reported on the relationship between Lee Jung-jae and Lim Se-ryung. The couple has been publicly dating for 10 years and recently attended the 2024 LACMA Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles together, showcasing their enduring support for each other.

2016: Kim Junsu ♥ Hani

On January 1, 2016, at 11:19 AM, Dispatch revealed the relationship between Kim Junsu and EXID’s Hani. The couple confirmed their romance but announced their breakup a year later.

2017: No Dating Rumors

In 2017, due to the political turmoil surrounding the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye, Dispatch did not release any dating rumors.

2018: G-Dragon ♥ Lee Joo-yeon

On January 1, 2018, at 10:06 AM, Dispatch reported on the relationship between BIGBANG’s G-Dragon and former After School member Lee Joo-yeon. While the news sparked significant interest, the couple eventually went their separate ways after a short-lived romance.

2019: Kai ♥ Jennie

On January 1, 2019, at 10:13 AM, Dispatch revealed that EXO’s Kai and BLACKPINK’s Jennie were dating. The couple confirmed the relationship but announced their breakup within a month.

2021: Hyun Bin ♥ Son Ye-jin

On January 1, 2021, at 10:04 AM, Dispatch broke the news of Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin’s romance. The couple, who starred together in the drama 'Crash Landing on You', turned their on-screen chemistry into reality. They married in March 2022 and now have a son. Hyun Bin has publicly expressed his love for his wife and child, drawing admiration from fans.

2022: Hyomin ♥ Hwang Ui-jo

On January 3, 2022, at 10:30 AM, T-ara’s Hyomin and soccer player Hwang Ui-jo were spotted on a romantic trip to Switzerland, with photos of their Basel street date making headlines. However, the couple parted ways in March.

2023: IU ♥ Lee Jong-suk

On December 31, 2023, at 2:27 PM, Dispatch revealed the relationship between IU and Lee Jong-suk. The two, who first met as MCs on 'Inkigayo', rekindled their bond 10 years later and became a couple. They continue to maintain a happy relationship and have recently garnered attention for their charitable contributions.

2024: Lee Kang-in ♥ Lee Na-eun

On January 1, 2024, another media outlet—not Dispatch—reported on the rumored romance between soccer player Lee Kang-in and former April member Lee Na-eun. Both clarified that they are simply friends and not romantically involved.

2025: A Different Start to the New Year

As January 1, 2025, approaches, public interest in Dispatch’s annual dating news remains high. However, with the nation reeling from recent events such as the December 3 Martial Law Crisis and the Jeju Air tragedy, many speculate that this year’s New Year’s Day may pass more quietly. Historically, Dispatch has often released its reports after 10 AM since 2018, such as G-Dragon and Lee Joo-yeon (10:06 AM) and Kai and Jennie (10:13 AM).

If Dispatch continues its tradition, a similar timing can be expected, though the current somber social atmosphere might lead to a temporary pause in such announcements. Amidst the turmoil, the first day of 2025 is shaping up to be a reflective moment for many. As the country navigates its way through grief and recovery, there is hope for healing and resilience, offering strength to rise again and move forward.