In the world of K-pop, where fans analyze every post, outfit, and emoji, even the faintest coincidence can spiral into a full-blown dating rumor.
That’s exactly what’s happening once again with BLACKPINK’s Jennie and EXO’s Kai, whose dating rumors — once confirmed and then long thought over — have resurfaced and gone viral thanks to a wave of TikTok videos suggesting that the two idols might be back together.
The Return of the 2019 Couple
Back in 2019, Dispatch — known for its bombshell celebrity dating exposés — confirmed that Jennie and Kai were dating, shaking the K-pop fandom.
Although the relationship was short-lived, reportedly ending in January that same year, the memory of “JENKAI” has never faded for some fans.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie and EXO’s Kai (Credit: YouTube)
Now, in 2025, those whispers have become loud again — and it’s largely thanks to TikTok sleuths who believe the two may have rekindled their relationship, citing a string of subtle but suspicious social media posts as “evidence.”
TikTok: The Birthplace of JENKAI 2.0
One user in particular, @jennie_ninibear2, has been posting a series of highly detailed and creatively edited TikTok videos under the belief that Jennie and Kai are once again romantically involved.
These posts have gained hundreds of thousands of likes, sparking major conversations across TikTok, Twitter, and beyond.
Coincidence? Or Coordinated Clues?
The first video that stirred the pot in August showed Jennie discussing the inspiration behind her solo track “Handlebars”, where she mentioned the colors red and white in her performances.
The creator then compared it to Kai’s own recent posts and performances, where he was also wearing red.
Both stars were also seen around Paris Fashion Week, including taking photos in front of the Eiffel Tower, which only fueled the theory further.
“Jennie always hints to one person when it comes to Paris,” the TikTok caption reads, followed by hashtags like #jenkaiisreal and #happyjen.
This wasn’t just about fashion or location either. Another clip drew attention to Jennie’s social media post featuring a peach emoji, and linked it to Kai’s 2021 solo track “Peaches” — a potential nod to their emotional connection through symbolic fruit imagery.
The TikTok also pointed out how both idols were using similar captions like “Flight to Paris” or lyrics like “Wait on Me,” as if speaking to one another cryptically through posts.
Outfits, Captions, and Aesthetics — Oh My!
Another popular post examined the pair’s recent fashion choices, comparing snapshots where both stars wore similar combinations of yellow t-shirts and shorts — an oddly specific choice that fans took as a hint of couple coordination.
There were also side-by-side comparisons of accessories, poses, and even the way they styled their outfits, which added to the fans’ theory that these weren’t mere coincidences — they were intentional ‘Lovestagram’ moves, a term coined to describe when celebrity couples subtly coordinate their Instagram feeds to show they’re together.
“Their Lovestagram is baaack,” read one caption.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie and EXO’s Kai (Credit: YouTube)
Fans React: Divided, Intrigued, and Hyped
The resurgence of JENKAI rumors has ignited mixed reactions from fans. While many are excited at the possibility of a rekindled relationship between two of K-pop’s most beloved idols, others are more skeptical — pointing out that similar styling and locations are common among celebrities and may not imply anything romantic.
Still, the romantic nostalgia for Jennie and Kai’s brief but impactful relationship has given these videos a massive reach.
The idea that two stars, who once dated publicly and then quietly moved on, might now be leaving breadcrumbs for fans has captured imaginations across fandoms.
K-pop and “Evidence Culture”
This entire saga reflects a wider trend in K-pop — the tendency for fans to obsessively analyze their idols’ personal lives for romantic clues.
From outfit choices to emojis, from lyrics to scenic backgrounds, nothing is off-limits when it comes to “decoding” the lives of K-pop stars.
While Jennie and Kai have made no comment on these renewed rumors — and likely won’t — the speculation alone has been enough to propel their names back into headlines and trend lists.
Where It Stands Now
As of now, there is no confirmed relationship between Jennie and Kai. The two haven’t been seen publicly together in years, and no official statements have been made.
The “evidence” remains speculative at best, based on highly interpretive social media behavior.
But in the world of fandom-driven content, that’s often more than enough to spark a viral trend.
Still, for longtime JENKAI shippers, even the hint of reunion — whether real or imagined — is a welcome spark of excitement in an otherwise tightly managed celebrity landscape.
Whether or not there’s any truth to these theories, one thing is clear: the fans haven’t let go of JENKAI, and for now, neither has TikTok.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie continues to solidify her position as a global music powerhouse, making headlines once again with a record-breaking milestone.
Her solo single “Like JENNIE” has officially become the first song released in 2025 to surpass 500 million streams on YouTube Music, outpacing global stars such as Bad Bunny and Lady Gaga in reaching the benchmark.
This achievement marks a massive win not only for Jennie as a soloist but also for the K-pop industry, as “Like JENNIE” is now the most-streamed song by a K-pop act on YouTube Music in 2025.
Released earlier this year, the track has seen explosive growth in its global reach, resonating with fans worldwide thanks to its catchy production, sleek visuals, and empowered message- fitting for an artist who has consistently set trends since her debut.
“YouTube Music,” the successor to Google Play Music, serves as a global platform for music streaming and video content.
It provides access to official tracks, music videos, live performances, and dance practices, making it one of the most influential platforms for measuring global fan engagement.
Jennie’s record on the platform further underscores her star power and international appeal.
“Like JENNIE” also continues to trend across various social media platforms and has maintained its strong chart performance not just in Korea but across Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia.
The song’s polished fusion of pop, R&B, and hip-hop elements reflects Jennie’s unique artistic identity and growth as a solo performer.
Her effortless charisma, both in the track and its accompanying visuals, has sparked a wave of viral challenges and fan covers across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts.
The single is Jennie’s first major solo release since her 2018 debut “SOLO,” and it’s clear that the wait was worth it. “Like JENNIE” builds upon her established image while also pushing into new sonic territory.
Fans and critics alike have praised the song’s sleek, confident lyrics, which reflect self-empowerment and resilience—a theme that deeply resonates with her global fanbase, known as Blinks.
Notably, Jennie’s impact extends far beyond music. With a strong foothold in fashion, film, and beauty, she has become a true global icon.
Her collaboration with luxury brands like Chanel, Calvin Klein, and her recent acting debut in HBO’s The Idol have only amplified her reach, making her one of the most recognized faces in pop culture today.
The success of “Like JENNIE” is yet another testament to Jennie’s multifaceted talent and the ever-expanding global influence of K-pop artists in Western-dominated markets.
It also highlights how digital streaming platforms like YouTube Music have become key indicators of an artist’s international success and engagement.
As fans continue to stream the track and celebrate this milestone, Jennie has once again proven why she remains at the top of her game- breaking records not just for BLACKPINK, but for all solo artists in the K-pop world.
