Former K-Pop Idol Sparks Backlash After Revealing Intimate Details of Past Relationship Amid SEVENTEEN Hoshi Rumors
Former After School and Orange Caramel member Raina has stirred controversy after opening up about a past relationship with a fellow idol during a guest appearance on the YouTube channel This Is Really the Final.
Her candid remarks have led to renewed scrutiny of long-standing dating rumors with SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi, sparking mixed reactions from fans.
Raina Shared Intimate Details of Past Relationship
Raina appeared on the show alongside fellow former idols Hyelin (EXID) and Seo Eunkyo (formerly of F-ve Dolls). During a segment on idol life restrictions — specifically, dating without phones — Raina shared an anecdote about a previous relationship.
She revealed that she and her idol boyfriend communicated secretly using a shared email account, likening it to a diary.
“He confessed to me first. We had no phones, so we used a shared email like a journal. Even though we broke up, we eventually got back together in secret,” she said.
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“Agencies should let idols date and break up like regular people. Forcing separation creates this Romeo and Juliet effect.”
While she did not name the individual, Raina’s comments drew immediate attention from SEVENTEEN fans due to past speculation in 2016 that she had dated Hoshi shortly after his debut. The timing and context a rookie idol without a phone — aligned closely with her anecdote, leading many to assume Hoshi was the unnamed ex.
Fan Backlash: “You Said Too Much”
Some fans expressed discomfort over what they perceived as Raina oversharing about a private relationship, especially if it involved a currently active idol like Hoshi.
According to Koreaboo, criticism flooded social media platforms and comment sections:
“F*ck, sis, stop talking. No, is it okay to talk about this? He’s still an idol, dude. You spilled so many details. You guys even sent emails; how about writing letters and getting them delivered by pigeons? That’s even more romantic. It’s also possible that the next handwritten letter will be a public apology, so you guys can practice your handwriting first. Sis, please shush, okay? Okay”
“Sis, you’re half-retired, so you can just be happy when you get views and generate buzz (dude, to be honest, you were almost like a pedo ㅋㅋㅋㅋ The currently popular one…dude, no matter what, if you dated him, can’t you be nicer to him? He’s still an idol, sis.”
“Dang, as Raina kept talking, I kept thinking, stop being so detailed!!!!!”
Others accused her of chasing attention, with remarks implying that she was leveraging old rumors to generate views or “stay relevant.”
The Idol Dating Dilemma
The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between idol privacy and public curiosity in the K-pop industry. While more idols have begun to open up about their personal lives, including relationships, many fans — especially of younger or currently active idols — remain protective and wary of anything that could harm their reputations or careers.
Raina has yet to issue any follow-up statement or clarification. Meanwhile, PLEDIS Entertainment and Hoshi have made no public comments regarding the resurfaced rumors.
