K-pop girl group Red Velvet member Joy asked fans for understanding and support for her relationship with R&B singer Crush.
On Aug. 23, Korean media outlet Sports Chosun published an exclusive report stating that Joy, 24, and Crush, 29, are in a relationship.
They worked together last year when Crush featured Joy in his song “Mayday” that was released on May 20, 2020.
After the news came out, the two confirmed their relationship through their agencies SM Entertainment and P Nation.
“They recently started dating with good feelings towards each other after being a senior and junior,” P Nation told Korean media.
After confirming the news, Joy wrote a letter to fans on the fan community app Lysn to apologize and ask for their support.
"I'm so sorry for surprising you with the news today. It would have been nice if I let you know about it in advance. I'm sorry for making you surprised like that,” said Joy, according to SBS News.
She added, "I know all of you are excited that Red Velvet made a comeback as a whole for the first time in ages, and about seeing all five of us performing together. I'm sorry to break that excitement and give you something to worry about."
Joy’s relationship news came just one week after Red Velvet made their comeback last Aug. 16 with the album “Queendom.”
"We are just beginning to get to know each other after figuring out we both had feelings for one another, so I'm actually surprised that the news broke . But I'm sure you are more surprised and shocked than I am," she said.
Joy said, "I hope you understand and support me. I really would like that. I'm really sorry again for making you worry all day long."