Popular Idols’ Exposed “Fake Relationship” Hit With Brutal Backlash

Dayoung and Jay Park are being slammed for their latest “flirty” promotions, with some fans convinced their chemistry is being pushed as a marketing strategy.

The two stars have been promoting their collaboration single “FLIRTY,” and their increasingly close interactions have repeatedly sparked dating speculation.

While the dating rumors have now been directly addressed, some Korean netizens are less interested in whether the two are actually dating and more annoyed by the way the rumors appear to have been used to promote the song.

The pair has leaned heavily into the concept both on and off stage.

Before “FLIRTY” was released, Dayoung and Jay Park appeared in several photos together that looked deliberately intimate.

ngl this is a really cute concept. dayoung ft jay park

he’s exuding such attractive boyfie vibes 🤭🫣 pic.twitter.com/KM7ZvZk5Vf

— 🕊💨 (@JakeSeresinnix) July 29, 2026

Their performances have also followed the same concept.

During their first “FLIRTY” stage on M Countdown, Jay Park wrapped his arms around Dayoung’s shoulders and waist, while the two performed choreography that put them extremely close together and had them staring into each other’s eyes.

But that promotion strategy has now started to frustrate some Korean netizens.

The backlash became particularly noticeable after promotional material described the pair as having made headlines because of their dating rumors. Some questioned why the rumors were being repeatedly presented as genuine “news” when the two were openly promoting a song together.

• “What ‘headlines’…?”
• “This is really outdated.”
• “Why are they promoting it like that? Everyone knows the two of them released a song together.”
• “People these days aren’t that stupid.”
• “No one believes it, so why does this keep getting pushed? That’s what I’m wondering.”
• “Looks like the international fans are shipping them again.”