SHINee’s Taemin shares confusing post addressing dating rumours with No:ze: ‘Keep trusting me’

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He explained further, “I’ve thought a lot about how to convey the truth… but as you probably know, even a single word can lead to more misunderstandings, which then need more explanations.” He then emphasised that over the years, he’s learned to hold back his words, because people often prefer answers that fit their expectations rather than the truth. He wrapped up his letter with a request for trust: “What’s certain is—I hope you’ll keep trusting me, just like you have until now. And as much as you trust me and love me, I’ll become someone who can return that love and sincerity.”

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While Taemin’s message was quite emotional, it didn’t exactly confirm or deny the dating rumours. Many fans expressed confusion over what he was actually trying to say. A fan commented, “I’ve been a SHINee fan since their debut lol and even I was like, ‘What is he even trying to say?’ lol. If he just came out and confidently said, ‘Yeah, we’re dating,’ then I’d be like, ‘Well, you’re both old enough… just don’t be too obvious and have a nice relationship.’ But nope—it’s not even that. They’ve done all the skinship, and now he’s saying they’re nothing? LO,L what’s going on, Lee Taemin?” Some interpreted his words as a way to dodge the truth, worried that he was avoiding openly acknowledging his relationship, fearing he would lose fan support. Another added, “Now I’m more confused.”  A third added, “It feels like he is confirming that he was in a relationship but asking fans to believe that it won’t hurt his career.”

Taemin’s agency denied the involvement

A day earlier, Taemin’s agency, Big Planet, released a statement that they weren’t sure about the situation and would make an official statement after confirming things with Taemin himself. Later, they denied the relationship, claiming, “Taemin and No:ze are just close acquaintances who work together. Please refrain from making far-fetched speculations.” Interestingly, before the agency’s statement, an anonymous post on social media wrote the exact thing, suggesting that the company might deny the speculations since the two are believed to have broken up within a year of dating. The last time they were seen together publicly was during Taemin’s solo performance of Guilty in November 2023, where No:ze was the lead dancer. The viral back-hugging photo that first sparked rumours is believed to have been taken in December 2023, after fans confirmed that the man in the picture, who was assumed to be Taemin, seemed to mirror a photo of him shared by fellow SHINee member Key around that time.