On July 25, 2025, the news broke that Lee Mijoo, a beloved member of the girl group Lovelyz, is reportedly in a new romantic relationship with professional baseball player Lee Jin Young, who currently plays for the Hanwha Eagles in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO).
This revelation was first reported by Tenasia, a well-known Korean entertainment outlet, which provided exclusive details surrounding the budding romance.
The news initially sparked curiosity and excitement among fans after Lee Jin Young posted a photo on his Instagram account celebrating his birthday on July 21.
Observant fans quickly noticed a distinctive lamp visible in his post’s background—a lamp that looked remarkably similar to one spotted in a recent YouTube video uploaded by Mijoo, where she had given a tour or glimpse into her living space.
This overlapping detail led many fans and netizens to speculate that the two were indeed sharing time together in a private setting, lending credibility to dating rumors.
Following this, Mijoo’s support for the Hanwha Eagles became a focal point. She had appeared in a recent YouTube video produced by “Eagles TV,” the official channel for the Hanwha Eagles baseball team.
In the video, Mijoo openly expressed admiration for Lee Jin Young, saying she is a fan of his and that she “likes” him.
This candid admission added further weight to the reports of their romantic involvement, as idols typically keep such matters private, especially early on.
This is not Mijoo’s first time in the public eye for her romantic relationships. Back in April 2023, Mijoo made headlines when she confirmed her relationship with Song Bum Keun, a professional soccer player.
That relationship was well-covered by the media, with fans supporting her openness about dating outside the entertainment industry.
However, by January 2024, rumors began circulating that the two had broken up.
While her agency never officially commented on the breakup out of respect for her privacy, Mijoo herself subtly acknowledged the split during various television appearances.
Eventually, she confirmed her single status on her personal YouTube channel, showing a mature and transparent approach to her personal life.
Given her past relationship experience and the recent developments, fans are eager yet respectful about her new chapter with Lee Jin Young.
However, shortly after the rumors surfaced, Lee Jin Young’s original Instagram post—one that helped spark the dating speculation—was deleted.
This move is often interpreted by fans as an attempt to keep their private lives more guarded amid growing public attention.
Despite the deletion, the evidence pointing toward the relationship remains compelling due to the overlapping personal details and Mijoo’s public gestures of support.
The report also highlights the unique dynamic between idols and athletes in South Korea, as such pairings often attract media and fan interest due to the crossover of fame and lifestyle differences.
Both Mijoo and Lee Jin Young have established themselves in their respective fields, with Mijoo transitioning successfully from her idol group activities into solo ventures, including variety shows and YouTube content, while Lee Jin Young has built a strong reputation as a dedicated and talented baseball player in the KBO league.
This news also reflects a broader trend where K-pop idols are increasingly open about their personal lives, breaking away from traditional industry pressures to maintain a completely private dating status.
Fans today tend to appreciate honesty and maturity from their idols when it comes to relationships, leading to more positive and supportive interactions.
Mijoo’s handling of her past breakup and current rumored relationship demonstrates a level of transparency and respect for her fans, which is often welcomed in the fan community.
While Mijoo’s agency has chosen not to officially comment on the new relationship out of respect for her privacy, this silence is not unusual in the industry.
Agencies often adopt a wait-and-see approach, avoiding early confirmation or denial until the situation becomes unavoidable or the artists themselves wish to share details publicly.
This stance helps protect idols from unnecessary scrutiny and allows them to manage their personal lives with some degree of normalcy despite the intense spotlight of fame.
As of now, no direct confirmation from either Mijoo or Lee Jin Young has been made beyond the subtle hints and indirect evidence.
Fans are therefore eagerly watching for any updates, whether through social media, variety appearances, or future interviews.
The public’s reaction has been mostly positive, with many expressing happiness for Mijoo’s happiness and praising her for being candid about her feelings.
In summary, the reported relationship between Lovelyz’s Lee Mijoo and Hanwha Eagles’ Lee Jin Young is a developing story that has captured the attention of fans and media alike.
Sparked by a keen observation of a shared household item in social media posts and supported by Mijoo’s visible admiration for Lee Jin Young on an official baseball channel, the news paints a picture of two public figures navigating the challenges of dating under the watchful eyes of their fans and the media.
This update marks a new chapter for Mijoo, who has handled her personal life with grace and openness, earning respect from fans for her honesty.
It also highlights the ever-evolving nature of K-pop idol culture, where personal authenticity is becoming more valued than secrecy.
As the story continues to unfold, fans will undoubtedly support Mijoo and Lee Jin Young, wishing them happiness in both their personal and professional lives.
