TVXQ's Changmin announces marriage with 'non-celebrity' girlfriend in September, fans call him 'trendsetter'
Popularly known as Max Changmin or Max, South Korean singer, songwriter, actor and member of the pop duo TVXQ Shim Changmin made headlines with his latest announcement that he's ready to get hitched with his lady love. On June 12, the actor penned an emotional letter to his fans and made the proclamation.
Confessing that he is "nervous" to reveal it, he wrote, "There is something I want to tell fans myself, so I am taking the courage to write this letter. It is not something I can say easily, so I am very nervous right now as I write each word." He continued, "On one hand, my heart feels heavy and apologetic thinking that my sudden news will shock and maybe upset some fans who always support me with great affection. However, I felt that it is my duty to share news of a major event in my life through my own words rather than through the words of others."
"Approximately 17 years have passed since I debuted as a singer. Through that time, a high school student who was naive and imperfect at everything has now reached my mid-30s. I have spent almost half of my life as a TVXQ member," he continued, adding, "Looking back, there was a time swept up in uncertainty when Yunho and I along with fans did not know what would become of TVXQ, but fans protected TVXQ, and because you gave us great love, we have been able to grow until this point. Thank you so much."
Referring to a SPOTV News report that said Changmin is "currently dating a non-celebrity who is younger than him after the two met through a mutual acquaintance," he shared, "As you are aware due to a news report from a while ago, there is a woman I am currently dating. We have had a good relationship with trust and faith in one another, and naturally, I decided that I want to continue my life together with this person, so we made the decision to have our wedding in September around the time when the heat will cool down."
Thanking his fans for all the love, he further wrote, "Through this letter, I once again express gratitude to Yunho who supported my decision and was happy for me in addition to our agency staff who gave me sincere advice. I believe that my path ahead will hold greater responsibility than the path I have walked on until now. Therefore, I will do my best in every moment and with every task, I’m given more properly, and I will work to be the head of a household and also TVXQ's Changmin who can give back more to everyone who supports and encourages me."
Following his announcement, SM Entertainment released an official statement saying, "TVXQ's Changmin will be getting married to his girlfriend on September 5. In consideration of the non-celebrity bride and both families, details of the wedding including the exact location and time will all be private, so we ask for the generous understanding of fans and reporters." The statement added, "Changmin will continue to show great activities as a TVXQ member and artiste. We ask for many blessings to be sent to Changmin, who has a new start of his life ahead of him."
The news has left fans surprised and heartbroken. A flurry of tweets started floating on the internet soon after. "DAILY REMINDER: your fav will never date you so stop acting like you own them. If you are really a fan you should happy Changmin found someone he loves," one said and another wrote, "I am so happy for him. More idols need to live their lives. Need to have normal lives, being normal people who just have an insane amount talent. Congratulations #Changmin."
Congratulating him for his future, one fan lauded his decision and said, "TVXQ Changmin announced marriage with his non celebrity gf! THISSS!!! WE NEED TO SEE THIS KIND OF NEWS MORE!! NORMALISING IDOL TO HAVE THEIR NORMAL LIFE, DATE AND MARRIAGE BECAUSE IT'S NOT A CRIME! SM artist really a trendsetter not only in music but also in relationship."