AOA member Choa has denied that she's dating a businessman, a rumor which some fans said is the reason why she's on hiatus from the group's activities.
It was reported today that Choa, 27, is in a relationship with Lee Suk Jin, 32, a director of the Korean company Najin Corporation.
The rumor arose in the midst of Choa's break from AOA activities since March.
According to the report, the two have been in a relationship since last year and met through Super Junior's Heechul. Lee was said to be a fan of AOA. He met Choa and even went to AOA's concert.
FNC and Lee's representative denied that they are dating.
"After confirming with Choa, the person mentioned in the report is a mere acquaintance and the dating rumor is not true," said FNC, according to Yonhap News.
Lee's representative also said, "It is not true at all."
Since Choa went on hiatus, fans have been worried that she's planning to leave AOA.
On May 16, Choa broke her silence by posting a letter on Instagram to assure fans.
"This is my first long break since I debuted, so that may be why many people are taking interest and expressing surprise. I'm thankful that you're still thinking of me even when I'm not appearing anywhere," she wrote, reported AllKpop.
She said her absence caused controversy "but the break I'm taking was planned and discussed with the head of our label since before we filmed the music video for 'Excuse Me' in December of 2016."
"I suggested that we let you all know that I'm taking a vacation because I knew you would wait for me, but I was advised against releasing an official statement for a personal rest. The company's management team also advised that I stop using social media on my break, so I followed along though I didn't completely agree," Choa added.
Choa said, "I should have tried harder to persuade them for those waiting for me. I think I was too complacent. I want to sincerely apologize to those who waited for me and supported me. It may be because I'm speaking up so late, but there are a lot of mean speculations and rumors spreading. I'm on a break that I planned in advance, and I hope no more rumors arise from this."
She ended by saying that "I'd like to again express my gratitude for those who've shown me support. I hope to recharge my energy and work hard to show a better side of myself than before."
