*Natural skinship*
Broadcaster Jun Hyunmoo and singer BoA sparked rumors of a "self-generated" romantic relationship with an unexpected drunk live broadcast.
On April 5th, Jun Hyunmoo conducted a live broadcast through his personal social media account. He mentioned, "Someone keeps telling me to go live," and revealed that BoA had come to visit him at his house.
Jun Hyunmoo, with a visibly excited face, said, "I drank alcohol. Your face is showing," and showed BoA’s face. BoA responded, "I like you," and the two engaged in natural physical contact, with BoA leaning her face on Jun Hyunmoo's shoulder. When Jun Hyunmoo complimented her saying, "You look really pretty," BoA playfully responded, "I’m always pretty." BoA also humorously gestured an "X" with her hand, saying, "This oppa's life on the broadcast isn’t real."
Comedian Park Narae, who had a connection with Jun Hyunmoo through MBC’s 'I Live Alone,' was also mentioned. When a comment from a netizen asked if Park Narae and Jun Hyunmoo were dating, BoA, brushing her hair aside, firmly said, "I don't think they’re dating. They can’t be." When Jun Hyunmoo asked, "Why? Do you think Park Narae can do better?" BoA replied, "No, I think you can do better." When Jun Hyunmoo seemed slightly flustered and asked again, "Are you sure? It's being broadcasted now," BoA answered, "It doesn’t matter. I’m someone who’s suited for AfreecaTV," speaking in a somewhat confused manner.
After the live broadcast, not only did the rumors of a Jun Hyunmoo-BoA romance gain traction, but BoA's comments about Park Narae were also criticized for being rude, leading to questions about her character. During the broadcast, BoA mentioned that she was preparing for her 25th-anniversary album. As she mentioned, this year marks the 25th anniversary since she debuted with her first album ID:PEACE B in 2000. However, unexpectedly, the live broadcast with drunk physical contact between Jun Hyunmoo and BoA garnered more attention than her anniversary album, putting BoA, her agency, and her fandom in an awkward position.
Jun Hyunmoo’s social media comment section has been flooded with requests for clarification. Comments such as "I was disappointed because it was my first time watching your live broadcast" and "What are you going to do about the live broadcast? I’m cringing" were posted.
Jun Hyunmoo is 47 years old, and BoA is 38 years old, so there’s no issue with them drinking together at home. Physical contact, such as leaning on each other or touching each other’s face, might even be considered "friendly behavior between close friends," often used in the context of denying dating rumors. However, BoA's firm stance on saying, "You can’t date (her)," and "Jun Hyunmoo can do better," regarding the rumor with Park Narae, was considered a breach of etiquette, even if she is personally close with Park Narae. Furthermore, it was disappointing that they let such a moment, especially on the occasion of BoA’s 25th anniversary, be captured and broadcasted so carelessly.
Drunk alcohol may fade, but after a momentary lapse, they will have to return to their daily lives. With the "hangover" of the drunk live broadcast and physical contact still lingering, it remains to be seen how the two will respond.