One of the most anticipated moments in One Piece in recent years was the awakening of Monkey D. Luffy’s Devil Fruit.
The debut of Gear 5 sent the internet into a frenzy, and even though it might feel like it happened just yesterday, it’s already been three years since Luffy’s most powerful (and bizarre) form became reality during the intense battle against Kaido in the Wano arc.
Luffy Gear 5
Theories surrounding Eiichiro Oda’s work are always abundant, and now many fans are wondering if Luffy’s supposedly ultimate form is actually incomplete.
The various depictions of Nika throughout One Piece often show him wielding a sword, spear, or shield. Could the main character need one of these weapons to fully awaken his power?
A Stronger Luffy Than Ever
One of the great mysteries in One Piece over the decades was the true nature of Luffy’s Devil Fruit—the Hito Hito no Mi is actually a Mythical Zoan, model Nika, which allows its user to transform into the embodiment of the legendary Sun God Nika.
This grants Luffy an ability limited only by his imagination, but recent battles suggest he still hasn’t reached his full potential. The fruit’s previous user, the enigmatic Joy Boy, apparently had power that surpassed what Luffy currently possesses.
Joyboy – Nika Fruit
The idea that Oda might be hiding an additional element that boosts Luffy’s strength is a theory that’s gaining traction. While Luffy’s imagination makes almost anything possible, the presence of an extra tool—possibly a weapon—could prove decisive in freeing the world.
Luffy Awakening
Whether or not he eventually wields a weapon, Luffy will have to continue evolving to face the final confrontations of the series, and the current events in the Elbaph arc will serve as a major test of that growth.
BLACKPINK’s Rosé has millions with her ethereal voice and stunning visuals, but her personal life has remained largely shrouded in mystery until recently. The 27-year-old New Zealand-born K-pop sensation, whose real name is Roseanne Park, has traditionally kept her romantic relationships private, adhering to the unwritten rules of the K-pop industry where dating is often considered taboo. However, with the release of her debut solo album “Rosie” in December 2024, the singer has opened up about her experiences with love, heartbreak, and toxic relationships like never before.
Unlike her BLACKPINK bandmates Jennie and Lisa, who have been more frequently linked to dating rumors, Rosé has managed to keep her romantic life relatively under wraps. But recent developments have thrust her love life into the spotlight, sparking intense speculation among fans and media outlets worldwide. From her candid admissions about being a “relationship-er” to the mysterious inspiration behind her breakup album, Rosé’s dating timeline has become a subject of fascination for millions of fans globally.
The singer’s approach to relationships appears to be refreshingly honest and mature. In a revealing interview, she admitted to being “very serious about dating” and preferring committed relationships over casual encounters. This revelation has only intensified curiosity about her past and present romantic connections, leading fans to dissect every lyric, social media post, and public appearance for clues about her love life.
Rosé’s Relationship Philosophy: A Serial “Relationship-er”
ROSIE (Image via Getty)
Rosé’s candid approach to discussing her dating life represents a significant departure from typical K-pop idol behavior. In a detailed interview with i-D magazine, the singer revealed her preference for serious relationships over casual dating, stating, “I’m like, more of a relationship-er, which is why people say ‘Rosie, you’re still so young’ – Like, I’m very serious about dating.”
This honest admission provides insight into Rosé’s romantic mindset and explains why her debut album “Rosie” delves so deeply into themes of heartbreak and toxic relationships. The album, described as a “breakup album,” explores her personal experiences with failed relationships and the emotional toll they took on her during her early twenties.
Her willingness to discuss relationships publicly marks a bold move in an industry where idols typically maintain strict privacy about their personal lives. This transparency has resonated with fans who appreciate her authenticity and vulnerability in sharing her experiences through her music.
Past Dating Rumors and Speculation
Kang Dong-won Controversy
One of the most significant dating rumors surrounding Rosé involved South Korean actor Kang Dong-won. When these rumors first surfaced, YG Entertainment initially remained ambiguous, stating it was “difficult to confirm [the rumors] because it is a private issue pertaining to our artists.”
However, the agency later issued a definitive denial, clarifying that “the dating rumors reported today regarding Rosé are not true, and we would appreciate your cooperation in preventing the spread of false information.” This swift clarification demonstrated the intense scrutiny that surrounds BLACKPINK members’ personal lives and the pressure to address speculation quickly.
Jason Choi Skateboarding Connection
Another rumor that gained traction among fans involved Jason Choi, a skateboard instructor. This speculation arose from Rosé’s skateboarding phase in 2022, with fans theorizing that her love interest might be connected to the skating community.
The rumors intensified when fans discovered that Rosé had allegedly followed Choi on her former private Instagram account, @vampirehollie. Adding fuel to the speculation, Choi shared a photo of a rose on his Instagram story, which some fans interpreted as a hint about their relationship.
Current Romance Rumors: Evan Mock
ROSIE (Image via Getty)
The “Toxic Till The End” Connection
The most recent and compelling dating rumors surrounding Rosé involve American model and actor Evan Mock, who starred as her love interest in the music video for “Toxic Till The End.” The chemistry between the two in the video was undeniable, featuring passionate scenes including a kiss that convinced many fans that their connection extended beyond professional collaboration.
Directed by Ramez Silyan, the music video depicts Rosé picking up Mock from the roadside in a convertible, followed by a montage of romantic moments that turn dark when she discovers his infidelity. The authentic chemistry displayed in these scenes sparked immediate speculation about their real-life relationship status.
Public Appearances and Date Nights
Following the music video’s release, Rosé and Mock were spotted together on multiple occasions in New York City, fueling romance rumors. Their public appearances had a distinctly romantic vibe, with Rosé dressed in a leather mini skirt, silky camisole, and pointed stilettos with an oversized letterman jacket – an outfit that many interpreted as having a “date night” aesthetic.
Mock was seen escorting Rosé out of their car, displaying gentlemanly behavior that suggested a level of intimacy beyond mere friendship. The couple’s comfortable body language and natural interactions during these outings provided additional evidence for fans convinced of their romantic involvement.
Social Media Evidence
The speculation reached new heights when Mock began openly displaying his affection for Rosé on social media. He was recently photographed wearing an “I Love Rosie” t-shirt and friendship bracelet, actions that many interpreted as a public declaration of his feelings.
Additionally, Rosé shared behind-the-scenes Polaroid photos from the “Toxic Till The End” music video set, showing her and Mock posing together and appearing to have genuine fun. These candid moments provided fans with glimpses of their natural chemistry and comfortable relationship dynamic.
Industry Insider Reports
Celebrity gossip page Deux Moi added credibility to the dating rumors by reporting that Rosé and Mock are “very much together.” According to anonymous sources, Mock attended Rosé’s album release party, with insiders noting their obvious romantic connection.
While gossip pages often rely on unverified anonymous sources, the consistency of reports and visual evidence has lent credibility to these claims. The timing of these reports, combined with their public appearances and Mock’s social media behavior, has convinced many observers that the relationship is genuine.
The Impact of the “Rosie” Album on Dating Speculation
ROSIE (Image via Getty)
Rosé’s debut album “Rosie,” released on December 6, 2024, has become a cultural phenomenon, debuting at number three on the Billboard 200 and earning a Guinness World Record as the highest-ranked album by a K-pop female soloist. The album’s exploration of toxic relationships and heartbreak has provided fans with new material to analyze for clues about her romantic history.
The album’s success, including the viral hit “APT,” featuring Bruno Mars, has elevated Rosé’s profile as a solo artist while simultaneously intensifying interest in her personal life. Her willingness to draw from personal experiences for her music has created a more intimate connection with fans, who feel they’re getting unprecedented access to her emotional journey.
Current Relationship Status
As of 2025, while Rosé has not officially confirmed any romantic relationship, the evidence strongly suggests she may be dating Evan Mock. Their public appearances, social media interactions, and industry reports all point toward a genuine romantic connection that extends beyond their professional collaboration.
The relationship, if confirmed, would represent a significant moment for Rosé, marking her first publicly acknowledged romance since achieving international fame with BLACKPINK. Her openness about relationships and willingness to draw from personal experiences in her music suggest that fans may receive more insights into her romantic life as her solo career continues to evolve.
