SHINee’s Minho and Red Velvet’s Irene are once again at the center of romance rumors.
Speculation erupted when the two SM Entertainment artists attended the SMTOWN Live 2025 concert in Seoul on January 11th and 12th.
After the two-day event, which celebrated the label’s 30th anniversary, a series of fancams shared by Pink Bloods (fans of SM artists) showed the chemistry between Minho and Irene, fueling questions about the real nature of their relationship .
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In a viral video, the two were seen side by side with their fellow SM artists as they took their final bow to the audience at the conclusion of the event.
However, unlike the others, the senior and junior idols did not hold hands. Just then, Irene tried to take his hands but couldn’t. Minho, noticing her attempt, playfully touched her head, making her smile.
When the clip made the rounds online, K-netz was surprised by the unexpected closeness between the two, as Irene is known for being distant and shy around men she is unfamiliar with.
Fans speculated that their closeness was due to the fact that they are friends of the same age (both born in 1991) under the label. Some, however, think they are more than just friends.
In 2015, Minho and Irene’s dating rumors started when Yeri, Red Velvet’s maknae (the youngest member), inadvertently revealed that the couple’s sweater he wore with Irene was a gift from the SHINee member.
It could have been written off as a harmless shout and cheer for her youngsters, but suspicions arose when Yeri glanced awkwardly at the Red Velvet leader, as if it was supposed to be a secret.
Romance rumors persisted over the years, as Irene and Minho consistently showed support for each other by attending each other’s concerts and comeback shows.
Amid the buzz, Shawols (SHINee fandom) and ReVeluvs (Red Velvet fans) are unfazed by the speculation.
“No one would have a problem if they were actually dating,” one fan declared.
“Let them go. They’re at an age where it wouldn’t even be weird to have a child,” another wrote.
“Look at their age. I don’t care if they are dating or not, but they are both at an age where it is okay to announce their marriage to whoever it is,” one netizen said.
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