'We thought they'd get married': Why Sooyoung, Jung Kyung-ho's breakup hit fans hard
Sooyoung, left, and Jung Kyung-ho / Xportsnews
The breakup of Girls' Generation member Sooyoung and actor Jung Kyung-ho has sparked unusually emotional reactions online, with many fans saying they believed the couple would eventually get married.
The two stars recently confirmed they had ended their relationship after 14 years together, bringing an end to one of Korea's most famous celebrity couples.
What has made the news especially surprising for many fans is how openly affectionate the pair remained throughout their relationship.
Unlike many celebrity couples who avoid discussing their private lives, Sooyoung and Jung frequently mentioned one another in interviews, television appearances and social media posts.
Jung Kyung-ho / Captured from Shin Dong-yup's YouTube channel
One of the most widely shared examples resurfacing online came from Jung's appearance on a web variety show last year.
Despite being advised by his agency not to talk too much about his girlfriend, Jung said, "It would be strange not to. I don't really have anything to brag about," before describing Sooyoung as his "pride."
He added, "I'm the type who tends to drift around, but Sooyoung keeps me grounded. If it weren't for her, I might have become a disappointing actor."
Fans often cited such comments as evidence that the relationship remained strong.
Sooyoung and Jung Kyung-ho / Captured from online community
Jung also attended Sooyoung's Japanese solo debut showcase wearing a T-shirt printed with her face, while the couple was spotted traveling together overseas. Their relationship became so familiar to fans that even casual sightings often generated headlines.
The breakup has also revived discussion of a previous social media incident.
In 2022 October, Jung had briefly unfollowed Sooyoung's account, prompting breakup rumors before later following her again. The incident ultimately proved to be a temporary misunderstanding, leading many supporters to believe the latest unfollowing would end the same way.
Instead, the couple confirmed their separation.
Comments across social media reflected the disappointment felt by many longtime followers.
"I thought this would be another misunderstanding," one user wrote.
Others commented, "I really thought they would get married," "I'm shocked" and "I feel sad even though it's not my relationship."
Sooyoung and Jung began dating in 2012 and publicly confirmed their relationship in 2014. Their 14-year romance made them one of Korea's longest-lasting celebrity couples, which many fans say is exactly why the breakup feels so unexpected.
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.