South Korea’s Chosun Ilbo and other local media reported Joy’s agency SM Entertainment and Crush’s agency P Nation said the pair recently started seeing each other after initially maintaining a senior/junior colleague relationship.

South Korea’s Sports Chosun reported the couple had maintained a good friendship after collaborating on Crush’s previous single “Mayday,” which features Joy. They developed feelings for each other and this progressed into a relationship after they worked together.

K-pop fans welcomed the news in posts on social media. In a reply to a report on the couple by Soompi, Twitter user @arevm_ wrote: “We’re not really shocked, but I’m still so happy for them! very cute couple.” The post had over 800 likes since it was first shared Monday.

In a reply to the report tweeted by Soompi, user @FieryAbyss_: “If this is true, this makes me smile. They seemed to have such a fun time together when they were working on the one song.” The post has had over 400 likes since it was posted.

In a reply to report on the couple tweeted by Koreaboo, user @h_heyjoya wrote: “PARK SOOYOUNG [Joy’s full Korean name] WHEN YOU’RE HAPPY, I’M ALSO HAPPY.” The post received 100 likes at the time of reporting.

The K-pop stars are both dog owners and the pair have reportedly shared quite ordinary and simple dates such as walking their dogs together, according to Sports Chosun.

In an interview with Billboard in May 2020, when “Mayday” was released, Crush spoke openly about working with Joy and her " unique voice" and how he was her “biggest fan.”

Asked about the concept of the song, Crush told Billboard at the time: “It’s got the stylish hip-hop and trap beats with soft melody, and it really highlights the unique voice Joy has.

“I’ve always been a massive fan of Red Velvet. [laughs] Since I started working on ‘Mayday,’ the idea of adding a female vocal has always been at the back of my mind. And I thought Joy’s voice would be perfect for the song, so I asked her. I was thrilled when she accepted my offer,” said Crush at the time.

Asked why Joy had to be the artist featured in “Mayday,” Crush told Billboard: “First, she’s got the most beautiful voice that’s impossible to replace. Second, she’s a charmer on so many levels. Third, I just wanted to have my wish come true as her biggest fan.”

Crush debuted in 2012 as part of K-pop group Masterpiece before pursuing a solo career. He released several hit tracks as a solo artist, such as “Beautiful,” which featured in the 2016 K-drama series Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, also known as 도깨비 (Goblin). Crush’s song “Sleepless Night” also featured in the 2014 K-drama series It’s Okay, That’s Love.

The singer is currently fulfilling his mandatory national military service as a social worker since November 12, 2020, according to Sports Chosun.

Red Velvet, the five-piece girl band, made their debut in 2014, releasing several songs including “Dumb Dumb,” “Peek-A-Boo,” “Ice Cream Cake,” and “Russian Roulette,” and “Red Flavor.” The girl group released their sixth mini-album Queendom on August 16.