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Why did Kang Daniel and TWICE's Jihyo break up? How chance meeting sparked love but it ended in a year and 3 months

A fan wrote, 'To think of how jihyo was there by his side during those times when he was struggling and feeling down. Couldn’t be more thankful for jihyo for being the bestest girl'

Deemed as one of the most popular power couples of K-pop, TWICE's Jihyo and Kang Daniel have allegedly ended their relationship citing their busy schedules. A Dispatch report has claimed that the couple was too busy with their respective schedules to make time for each other. Jihyo and Kang Daniel have been dating publicly for a year and three months. 

A close friend of the couple has confirmed the news of their breaking up stating: "The two idols both have their clear goals. As they were focused on working on their albums, they had fewer meetings with each other. It seems like they both thought that work was more important at the current time.” Another report, a Naver article, states that on November 10, JYP Entertainment, TWICE's agency acknowledged the news of the breakup by saying, "It is right that they broke up recently." 

News of Jihyo dating Kang Daniel went public in August 2019 after a Dispatch report stated that the couple was spotted on a date in the neighborhood of Hannam in Seoul on August 1. JYP Entertainment’s girl group, TWICE, had more than one member dating officially but the report stated that Jihyo and Daniel became an official couple only after the agencies confirmed the news: “They are currently meeting with interest in each other”. The couple reportedly started seeing each other at the beginning of 2019 after they met through a mutual idol friend. The report also stated that the couple had met before TWICE's world tour started in 2019, when Jihyo drove to Kang Daniel’s home in her car and also met him after his solo debut showcase on July 25, last year. On another occasion, another member of the group was spotted dropping Jihyo off at Daniel’s place. 

Dating among K-pop idols is an extremely taboo subject as it involves a lot of stigma, including the fact that their popularity can decrease due to their dating news going public. Yet, fans of both TWICE's Jihyo and Kang Daniel have been extremely supportive of their relationship and news of their break-up has stirred a lot of emotional responses on Twitter. A fan wrote, “I will personally fix jihyo and Daniels schedules to make it work myself”, and another user wrote, “pls this made me so sad finding it out but imagine jihyo and daniel rn i feel bad”

“All we gotta do is respect their decision! Cheer up Jihyo don't lose your smile!! Stay strong Daniel!! Bai imma cry wait no let's all cry together,” another fan wrote

Fans have also thanked the duo for staying by each other’s side as one posted, “I just want Daniel's happiness. And this makes me sad Pleading face I just wish all the best thing for the both of you. Jihyo, thank you for taking care and loving Daniel. I wish success for your careers my loves. this is my paubaya, but i'm hurt knowing that they broke up Crying cat face.” Another wrote, “I really wish both of them the best !!! And I hope they are both still happy"

A user's post read, “WHEN DANIEL IS HAVING A HARD TIME WAY BACK THEN, JIHYO WAS THERE FOR DANIEL TO COMFORT AND SUPPORT DANIEL. JIHYO AND DANIEL IS SUCH AN ANGEL FOR EVERY WANNABLE/DANITY & ONCE. WE'RE HOPING FOR THE BEST FOR JIHYO AND DANIEL.” Another wrote, “both of you deserve nothing but the best in this world. thank you for being the strength of each other during your downfalls. i love the both of you daniel and jihyo. be strong! maybe in another life, you'll meet again. A user commented, “it’s already confirmed aaaa to think of how jihyo was there by his side during those times when he was struggling and feeling down. couldn’t be more thankful for jihyo for being the bestest girl. wishing all the best for their success and growth as individuals”

TWICE is currently preparing for their seventh Japanese single ‘Better’ as they shared a teaser clip of the single on November 9. They released their second full Korean album 'Eyes Wide Open' on October 26th. The Japanese single will be released on November 18 as part of their complete comeback program. Meanwhile, Kang Daniel is also celebrating a rather successful year as he has been recently nominated in 5 categories for MAMA, 'Mnet Asian Music Awards' including Best Male Artist, Best Solo Dance Performance ("Who U Are"), Song of the Year ("Who U Are"), Artist of the Year, and Worldwide Fans' Choice.