On April 5, 2025, My Daily reported on Song Da-eun’s response to persistent dating rumors involving BTS’ Jimin. In her statement, she expressed her frustration with false accusations and outlined her plan to pursue legal action against those making malicious comments. Song, a well-known actress recognized for her roles in various K-dramas such as Be Melodramatic, More Than Friends, and The Golden Spoon, stated:
“You were just a fan? Me? I don’t care who the fandom is. I don’t want people to insult me with words that are not true and make me a weird person. If you don’t want to be sued for similar content, it would be better to keep quiet.”
According to The Times of India, the dating rumors began in 2022 but gained traction again in 2024. However, Song revealed that she does not allow negative comments or speculative narratives about her relationship with Jimin to affect her.
Moreover, Song Da-eun addressed accusations linking her to the infamous Burning Sun scandal. She firmly rejected claims of any involvement with the nightclub or its controversial figures, including Seungri. To reinforce her point, she shared screenshots of derogatory comments made against her, which included allegations that she worked as a “bar hostess”at Burning Sun. She has since reiterated her intent to take legal measures against such defamatory statements.
Addressing Relationship Rumors and Connection to Burning Sun Scandal
Dating rumors surrounding Song Da-eun and BTS’ Jimin first emerged in 2022 on various online platforms. Speculators pointed to supposed “couple items” and social media exchanges as potential evidence. In response, Song had previously indicated that inquiries about her personal life were better directed elsewhere, highlighting the intimidating nature of some fan communities.
The rumors reignited in May 2024 following her social media posts, which included images some fans interpreted as nods to Jimin. One included iPod cases engraved with their names. Though she deleted the posts shortly after sharing them, speculation regarding their connection intensified.
On May 22, 2024, amidst mounting criticism, Song issued a public statement requesting respect and clarifying her stance. She expressed her disappointment in those who hastily draw conclusions and underscored the potential legal repercussions of spreading defamatory information.
Exploring the Burning Sun Scandal: Background and Legal Outcomes
In parallel with the dating rumors, Song Da-eun faced unwarranted scrutiny regarding alleged connections to the Burning Sun scandal, specifically with Seungri. She clarified that her involvement with him was limited to a brief, non-legal position at Monkey Museum and insisted she had no ties to any illicit activities. Her agency, Ian Entertainment, confirmed her lack of connection to the Burning Sun incidents in March 2019, warning that legal action would be pursued against those circulating falsehoods.
Song shared how these damaging rumors led to loss of roles in various drama projects. She stated:
“I have never done anything specific related to clubs or drugs.”
To provide some context, the Burning Sun nightclub, located in Gangnam, Seoul, became embroiled in scandal in late 2018 amid claims of serious offenses including sexual assault and illegal filming. A well-documented incident in November 2018 brought significant media attention when Kim Sang-kyo reported being attacked by club staff while trying to help a victim of harassment.
Seungri, a former member of the band BIGBANG, was heavily implicated due to his co-ownership of the nightclub. Following a military court trial in August 2021, he was convicted on multiple charges including facilitating prostitution and embezzlement, resulting in a three-year prison sentence. He was released on February 9, 2023.
Similarly, Jung Joon-young, involved in the scandal, faced allegations of aggravated sexual assault and illegal filming. He was sentenced to six years in prison, later reduced to five years after an appeal, alongside mandated rehabilitation programs.
The fallout from the Burning Sun scandal culminated in the nightclub’s closure in 2019, leading to its eventual bankruptcy in March 2025.