Girl’s Day Hyeri Breaks Silence on Wootae Dating Rumors and Addresses Fan Backlash

K-pop idol and actress Hyeri, known for her work with Girl’s Day and hit dramas like Reply 1988, has finally broken her silence amidst swirling dating rumors involving actor Wootae and backlash from fans following her recent breakup with longtime partner Ryu Jun Yeol.

Her response, posted on her personal Instagram on June 20, 2025, came after weeks of speculation and rising online tension. The public’s mixed emotions stemmed from sudden relationship developments, conflicting media reports, and Hyeri's previously private stance on her love life.

🕵️‍♀️ The Rumor Mill: Wootae and the Love Triangle Speculation

The situation escalated when rumors surfaced suggesting a love triangle between Hyeri, her ex-boyfriend Ryu Jun Yeol, and rising actor Wootae. Anonymous sources and online communities accused Hyeri of moving on too quickly, implying emotional overlap or “two-timing” between the actors.

Adding fuel to the fire, Hyeri and Wootae were allegedly spotted together at a private art exhibit just weeks after her confirmed breakup with Ryu Jun Yeol. Though no direct photos surfaced, witness accounts and speculative gossip created an online storm.

📣 Hyeri’s Official Statement: “I Stayed Silent Because I Was Hurt”

On June 20, Hyeri posted a lengthy message on Instagram, opening with:

“To my fans and everyone who has supported me, I’ve thought a lot about whether I should say anything at all. But I realize now that silence only adds to misunderstanding.”

She admitted that she was aware of the rumors but chose not to respond initially out of respect for all parties involved. Hyeri emphasized that she did not date anyone else while still in a relationship with Ryu Jun Yeol and denied any inappropriate ties to Wootae.

“There was never any overlap. My previous relationship ended with respect and sadness, and nothing else was involved.”

💔 Hyeri on Her Breakup with Ryu Jun Yeol

Hyeri also touched on her high-profile breakup with Ryu Jun Yeol, with whom she had been in a relationship for over 6 years. She expressed regret over how fans were hurt by the breakup and rumors that followed.

“I loved sincerely, and I hurt sincerely. I’m not perfect, but I’ve never been dishonest.”

Fans appreciated her vulnerability, especially when she admitted feeling “crushed” by the hate comments and betrayal accusations from long-time supporters.

🚫 Denial of Wootae Relationship

In her statement, Hyeri firmly denied being in a romantic relationship with Wootae:

“I’m not dating anyone at the moment. The rumors are simply not true.”

She added that while she values friendships in the industry, she believes in maintaining clear boundaries, especially while recovering from a long-term breakup.

💬 Industry Reactions and Support

Following her statement, several industry peers including Park Bo Young, IU, and Lee Se Young commented words of encouragement on her post. Her agency, Creative Group ING, also released a follow-up statement supporting Hyeri’s message and warning against malicious comments or false rumors.

“We will take legal action against those who spread groundless defamation or invade our artist’s privacy,” the agency noted.

🧠 Fanbase Divided: Mixed Reactions to the Statement

While many fans applauded Hyeri’s transparency, others remained skeptical. Some online communities questioned the timing of her denial, while others expressed relief that she finally addressed the situation.

Twitter and TheQoo reactions included:

“Hyeri didn’t owe us anything, but she still opened up. I support her.”
“I’m glad she spoke, but I wish she had addressed this earlier.”
“The Wootae rumors were ridiculous from the start.”

Despite mixed feedback, the overall tone on social media appears to be shifting toward support and healing.

🔚 Moving Forward: A Reset for Hyeri?

Hyeri concluded her post by expressing hope for peace and a renewed focus on her career. She is currently preparing for her upcoming drama “City Breeze”, set to air in late 2025.

“I want to focus on what I love again. Acting, singing, and making people smile.”

With her emotional statement behind her, Hyeri is expected to take a short break from the spotlight before returning with new projects. Whether public opinion continues to soften remains to be seen, but fans are hopeful this marks a turning point.