How BESTie's Dahye Kept Her Love a Secret for 15 Years

For 15 years, former BESTie member Song Dahye managed to keep one of K-pop's longest-running love stories completely under wraps. Her relationship with partner Seo Dong-jin, which began when both were trainees in 2010, only came to light when the couple appeared together on the hit reality dating show Transit Love 3 — and the story behind their bond has touched fans ever since.

A Love That Started in the Practice Room

Dahye and Dong-jin first met as trainees at an SM Entertainment-affiliated academy in 2010, three full years before Dahye would make her official debut. When their agency discovered the relationship, management demanded that one of them leave. In a move that stunned those around them, both voluntarily departed — choosing each other over the promise of stardom.

Dahye eventually debuted with BESTie under YNB Entertainment in 2013, while Dong-jin never made his professional debut. The group gained recognition with their track "Love Options" before disbanding due to the agency's financial difficulties. Dahye relaunched her career as a solo artist in 2020 with the single "Poison."

From Secret Couple to Public Sweethearts

The couple's story captivated audiences when they appeared on Tving's Transit Love 3, where their 13-year secret relationship was revealed. After a brief separation during the show, they reconciled and have been inseparable since. As of March 2026, Dahye confirmed they are now in their 15th year together.

In a recent interview, Dahye shared that Dong-jin now serves as her personal manager. "He believes in my abilities more than I do myself," she said. "He even helps with song selections and gives detailed direction for my performances." The couple has also been sharing their daily life together through their YouTube channel.

Marriage on the Horizon

During her appearance on KBS2's Immortal Songs in March 2025, Dahye opened up about marriage plans for the first time. "We're having good conversations about it," she told host Lee Chan-won, adding that both next year and the year after would be fine timing. She also appeared on MBC's King of Masked Singer in October 2024, further reigniting public interest in her career and love story.

What makes Dahye and Dong-jin's story remarkable is not just its longevity but the sacrifices both made along the way. In an industry where dating can derail careers, they chose love at every crossroads — and 15 years later, that decision appears to have been the right one.