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EXO’s Suho and Aespa’s Winter: The Hand-Holding Controversy Explained

Last Updated: January 31, 2025, 16:36 IST

Dating Speculations Stirred by Viral Photo

Dating rumours surrounding South Korean celebrities often cause a stir within fan communities, fueled by the culture of secrecy that envelops their personal lives. This phenomenon was clearly illustrated in the case of EXO’s Suho and Aespa’s Winter, whose dating speculation began to circulate back in 2022, following the emergence of a particular photo.

The now-famous image features Suho and Winter holding hands backstage during a music event, which quickly gained traction online. Initial reactions from fans ranged from shock to excitement as they rushed to validate the photo’s authenticity, with many initially believing it hinted at a romantic relationship.

However, further investigation into the photo revealed a different narrative. The snapshot captured a moment where Suho and Winter were actually holding hands as part of a larger group that included colleagues and staff from SM Entertainment. In a behind-the-scenes video from the SMTOWNLIVE 2022: SMCU EXPRESS @ HUMAN CITY_SUWON concert, the group can be seen engaging in a pre-performance prayer circle—a practice among K-pop artists before going on stage.

As the context of the image became clearer, fans began to calm their fervor over the dating rumours. In fact, observations of the full video show that Suho was gripping SHINee’s Minho’s arm with more intensity than Winter’s hand, leading many to conclude that the interaction was entirely platonic and reflective of camaraderie rather than romance.

Following the photo’s surge in popularity, supporters of both idols quickly rallied on social media to defend them against the unfounded speculation. Some argued that the hand-holding was a simple occurrence of being directed by their chairman during the prayer session, challenging the notion that it implied any deeper relationship. Comments from fans ranged from dismissive of the dating claims to highlighting the strong friendship between Suho and Minho, with one fan stating, “They just happened to be next to each other when the chairman told them to hold hands, so they’re not supposed to hold hands?”

Another fan added, “They always hold each other’s hands before concerts and ‘pray’ though. Please stop with your delusions,” reinforcing the idea that such gestures are common in their professional interactions. Moreover, a user humorously noted, “Yeah, he’s literally cradling Minho’s arm, though, lol,” positioning the focus back on the context of friendship rather than speculation about a romantic link.

In the world of K-pop, where idols are often scrutinized, it’s critical to remember that such moments are frequently misread. As EXO’s Suho and Aespa’s Winter continue to captivate fans with their talents, it highlights the importance of context over conjecture in assessing celebrity interactions.

Source
www.news18.com