Lee Mi-joo hilariously denies dating baseball players She insisted she never even met rumored fling Lee Jin-young Before, Mi-joo and footballer Song Bum-keun called it quits after 9 months dating
Lee Mi-joo has undeniably become one of the most scrutinized K-pop stars when it comes to dating rumors. Despite her cheerful and unfiltered personality on variety shows—a trait that has made her one of the most beloved entertainers in the industry—her romantic life has consistently been a hot topic among netizens and media outlets alike.
From being linked to high-profile athletes to candidly addressing past heartbreaks, the former Lovelyz member has navigated the public's insatiable curiosity with a mix of sharp wit and disarming honesty. Recently, she found herself entangled in yet another dating rumor—this time with Hanwha Eagles pitcher Lee Jin-young—which she swiftly and humorously shut down, proving once again that even the most lighthearted questions can thrust celebrities into uncomfortable positions.
During a memorable appearance on SBS’s Shoes Off and Single for Men, Mi-joo was playfully grilled about her love life, particularly her supposed attraction to athletes. Known for being an avid baseball fan—she’s frequently seen cheering at games and even threw the ceremonial first pitch at a KBO League match in 2024—the question of whether she’d ever dated a player was inevitable.
Source: Instagram/queen.chu_s
"If I met a baseball player, I don't think I'd be able to watch baseball comfortably. So I think it'd be better not to see [baseball players] anymore," Lee Mi-joo recalled, quoted from Chosun, July 30.
Her response drew roaring laughter from the cast, but it also underscored a deeper truth: for female celebrities, even hypothetical dating scenarios can become tabloid fodder, affecting how they engage with their own interests.
"I'm Not an Athlete!" – Mi-joo’s Firm Stand Against Baseless Rumors
Source: Screen capture from 'Shoes Off and Single for Men' via Chosun
The teasing took a more pointed turn when co-host Tak Jae-hoon, never one to miss an opportunity for mischief, probed further. After Mi-joo quipped that she’d marry "when I have a boyfriend.”
"You did. Why aren't you married?" Tak Jae-hoon fired back.
This is a clear nod to her past public relationships. Mi-joo, never one to be outdone, shot back with mock exasperation, "I'll take care of it!" The exchange was hilarious, but it also highlighted the double standards female stars face, where their personal milestones are often treated as public discourse.
The moment grew even more charged when the topic shifted to her rumored fling with baseball player Lee Jin-young. Earlier, her agency, Antenna, had firmly denied the speculation, clarifying that the two had "never even met." On the show, Mi-joo doubled down, half-jokingly shouting, "I'm not an athlete!"—a definitive end to the conversation. Yet, the fact that she had to address it at all speaks volumes about the exhausting nature of celebrity dating rumors, where even the most tenuous connections are blown out of proportion.
A Public Love Story That Ended Quietly: Mi-joo and Song Bum-keun’s Split
Source: Instagram/queen.chu_s
This wasn’t the first time Mi-joo’s romantic life had dominated headlines. In early 2025, news broke that she and footballer Song Bum-keun had called it quits after nine months of dating. The couple, who confirmed their relationship in April 2024 after being spotted together overseas, had been one of K-pop’s most talked-about pairs. However, according to mydaily, the intense media scrutiny took its toll.
"They have chosen to separate but continue to support each other as friends," insider said, according to mydaily.
What made this breakup particularly noteworthy was how Mi-joo later addressed it—with a level of candor rarely seen from idols. In a YouTube video titled *"What happens when a 30-year-old woman looks at her marriage luck (feat. Mi-joo),"
She visited a fortune teller, where the conversation naturally turned to her love life. When told, "So far, the luck you've had with men hasn't been particularly good," she responded with a resigned chuckle, "Everyone says that." The moment was relatable, a rare admission of vulnerability from someone usually seen as endlessly upbeat.
Even more revealing was her confirmation of the breakup when directly asked about her most recent relationship.
"Not anymore," she said simply.
The fortune teller’s follow-up, "The timing of breakups is always around winter, especially in February and March"—prompted Mi-joo to joke.
"When did I break up? Can you check the articles for me?" joked Mi-joo.
It was a brilliant blend of humor and honesty, a way to acknowledge the split without dwelling on it.
As the conversation deepened, Mi-joo shared surprisingly introspective thoughts on breakups and emotional resilience.
"When you break up as you age, don’t you not cry? Why do they dump me?" she mused.
The comment drew laughs, but it also hinted at the emotional toll of her public dating history.
Her most poignant moment came when discussing the philosophy of relationships. Quoting a crew member’s advice—"Those who are meant to leave will leave, and those who will stay are here to stay"—she seemed to embrace the idea of accepting life’s unpredictability. It was a mature perspective, one that suggested she’d learned to navigate heartbreak with grace.
Lee Mi-joo’s journey through love rumors, public relationships, and personal revelations is a masterclass in balancing fame with authenticity. Whether shutting down baseless gossip with razor-sharp wit or reflecting on past heartbreaks with surprising openness, she handles it all with a charm that’s uniquely hers. As she continues to thrive as a variety star and solo entertainer, one thing is clear: while her love life may make headlines, it’s her unshakable spirit and genuine personality that keep fans firmly on her side.
Source: Chosun, Koreajoongangdaily
Unnie if you see this - I love you forever! 
Who else ships her with some comedian? 
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Every woman deserves her ‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’ happy ending - whether that’s career OR love. But you’re right about one thing