In the fast-paced world of K-pop, where veteran superstars and rising rookies often occupy different circles, a recent behind-the-scenes video has delighted fans by bridging that gap.
On February 4, 2026, rising artist ZO ZAZZ uploaded a vlog to his YouTube channel titled
“What Happened at ZO ZAZZ’s First Golden Disc Awards.”
The video captured his journey to the 40th Golden Disc Awards, held on January 10 at the Taipei Dome.
While the awards themselves were a milestone—marking his first overseas ceremony and nominations for both Rookie of the Year and the Digital Song Award—the highlight for many viewers was the revelation of his close personal bond with BLACKPINK’s Jennie .
Behind the Scenes: Nerves and Anxiety Pills
The vlog offered a candid look at the pressure felt by rookie artists. Despite his growing popularity, ZO ZAZZ, who is currently in his second year since debut, admitted to feeling immense nervousness.
Interestingly, his primary source of anxiety wasn’t his stage performance, but rather a specific backstage assignment: interviewing Jennie.
In a humorous moment that resonated with fans, he joked that he might need to “take four anxiety pills” to handle the task of talking to the global superstar.
This relatable admission set a humble tone before the big reveal of their actual relationship.
Natural Chemistry and Shared History
To the surprise of many fans, Jennie and ZO ZAZZ displayed a relaxed and natural chemistry that clearly indicated a long-standing friendship.
Jennie greeted him warmly, complimenting his outfit and style, while also showing her playful side by joking about her own skills as an interviewee.
The contrast between their industry seniority—Jennie being in her 11th year and ZO ZAZZ in his second—added a charming dynamic to the interaction, especially as Jennie remarked on how “new” it felt to see each other “all dressed up” in a professional setting.
Professionalism Meets Personal Bond
Despite their close personal ties, the two navigated the interview with a blend of professional respect and friendly teasing.
ZO ZAZZ explained to his audience that he chose to address Jennie formally during the interview because their friendship was not widely known to the public.
Jennie playfully went along with this, asking him to “continue being polite” for the cameras. However, once the official segment ended, the mask of formality dropped.
The two were seen exchanging genuine words of encouragement and posing for commemorative photos, leaving no doubt about the authenticity of their support for one another.
Impact on Fans and the Industry
This unexpected interaction has provided a refreshing glimpse into Jennie’s life away from the global spotlight, showcasing her as a supportive and grounded senior artist.
For ZO ZAZZ, the association with such a high-profile figure further solidifies his growing presence in the music industry.
Fans have been quick to celebrate this “cross-generational” friendship, noting that it’s rare to see such genuine connections publicized in a way that feels organic rather than curated.
As ZO ZAZZ continues his upward trajectory and Jennie maintains her status as a global icon, this moment at the 40th Golden Disc Awards stands as a testament to the enduring personal relationships that exist behind the glitz and glamour of the K-pop stage.
Lee Sung Hoon, widely recognized as Samuel Lee, has emerged as one of the most intriguing and discussed participants on the fifth season of Netflix’s hit dating reality show, Single’s Inferno .
Known for his “brainy” persona, Samuel captured the audience’s attention with his elite academic background, having majored in computer science and applied mathematics at UC Berkeley.
Currently residing in New York and working as a quantitative trader, his professional life in the high-stakes world of finance initially set him apart as a top-tier contestant.
His tall stature, fit physique, and calm demeanor quickly made him a favorite among female contestants, particularly after his credentials were revealed during his first date in “Paradise.”
The Cheating Allegations: A Fierce Denial
However, Samuel Lee’s rapid rise to fame was quickly met with significant controversy. Rumors regarding his past romantic life began to circulate through Chinese-language media outlets, including reports from Taiwan’s Liberty Times.
These reports alleged that Samuel had been unfaithful in previous relationships with various influencers, specifically naming Kevin Ninh and Hena Yng.
The allegations suggested a pattern of infidelity that stood in stark contrast to his reserved on-screen image.
Samuel responded with a firm and public denial. On January 21, 2026, he posted a statement on his personal social media account, asserting,
“I have never committed adultery or cheated, not even once.”
‘Single’s Inferno 5’ Star Samuel Lee (Credit: Netflix)
He further clarified that the claims were entirely fabricated and announced that he was pursuing legal action for defamation against those spreading the rumors.
Shortly after this statement, he deleted his social media presence, choosing to retreat from the direct public eye as the legal process began.
New Speculations: Presidential Lineage?
Just as the cheating controversy appeared to be fading, Samuel found himself the subject of a bizarre new set of rumors.
Netizens across various online communities began speculating about his family background, with some claiming that Samuel Lee is actually the maternal grandson of former South Korean President Lee Myung Bak.
These unverified claims gained traction based on Samuel’s elite education, his residence in New York, and a perceived physical resemblance to the former president.
Some posts even went so far as to detail his family tree, alleging his mother is the president’s eldest daughter and his father is a high-ranking executive in a major conglomerate’s legal division.
Despite the lack of evidence, these rumors have spread rapidly, fueled by the public’s fascination with his “mysterious aura.”
Official Response and Ongoing On-Screen Presence
The production team behind Single’s Inferno 5 has been forced to intervene. On February 2, a representative for the show stated that they had confirmed with Samuel that the initial cheating allegations were untrue.
Regarding the more recent rumors about his presidential heritage, the producers have drawn a clear line, dismissing them as unsubstantiated personal background speculation.
Despite the whirlwind of off-screen drama, Samuel Lee remains a central figure in the series. As the season progressed toward its February 10 finale, his romantic arc shifted from a straightforward pursuit of Mina Sue Choi to a burgeoning interest in Park Hee Sun.
This evolution in his “love line” has kept viewers engaged, even as the artist himself navigates a complex legal and social landscape.
Whether these rumors will impact his future career in the entertainment industry remains to be seen, but for now, Samuel Lee continues to be the season’s most polarizing figure.
