NCT’s Jaehyun Accused Of Purposely Misleading Fans For Virality

NCT‘s Jaehyun may have personally shut down recent dating rumors, but not all fans are convinced he is completely innocent in the situation.

The controversy began after Jaehyun uploaded photos of himself swimming with a woman, immediately sparking speculation that he was subtly introducing a girlfriend to fans. As rumors spread across social media, Jaehyun eventually stepped in himself, commenting, “My dearest cousin.”

The clarification quickly put an end to most of the dating speculation. However, a new debate soon emerged online. Some netizens argued that regardless of whether the woman was his cousin, Jaehyun should have anticipated the reaction the photos would receive.

올리면 팬들이 궁금해할거 뻔히 알았잖아ㅋㅋ 가족이든 친척이든 여친이든, 좋은시간 많이보내세요~ 근데 굳이굳이 팬들이 엥?할 사진을 흑조 쌍이랑 왜올리는데ㅋㅋ 3월부터 마ㅋ며 ㅎ찬 열애로 개정병상태였다 이제사 회복하는중인데 이런 바이럴 왜 즐기는건데. 사촌이라고쓰던가

— 거래서치🐻 (@FullsunL22) June 26, 2026

“He definitely knows fans would be curious if he uploads it LOL. Whether it’s his family, relatives, or girlfriend, hope you have a good time. But why must you purposely upload a picture that fans will go ‘huh?’ at, alongside a photo of a pair of swans? From March, fans have been struggling because of Mark, then Haechan’s dating allegations, and we’re recovering now, so why are you enjoying such virality? Just write that it’s your cousin.

FullsunL22”

Some even pointed out that when his producer friend stepped in to help clarify the rumors, he sounded as if he was accusing fans of upsetting Jaehyun with their comments. Fans fought back, claiming that there was no way of knowing who the girl was beforehand.

우리가 ㅅㅂ사촌인걸 어떻게 알며 갑자기 비키니입은 여자 올리면 뭔 반응을 해야되는데

— 엥먹 (@enhypennct) June 26, 2026

How would we f*cking know that it’s his cousin? If he suddenly uploads a pic of a girl in a bikini, how are we supposed to react?

enhypennct

Some took the neutral stance.

그럼 미리 말햇으면 될 일
그리고 알앗으면 그만 하면 될 일

— 쾡 (@dlejdlrj) June 26, 2026

Could’ve been avoided if he mentioned it first. And could’ve been avoided if people stopped when they found out.

dlejdlrj

For now, while the dating allegations themselves appear to have been resolved, debate continues over whether the idol unintentionally fueled the speculation or whether fans simply read too much into an innocent family photo.

NCT