On April 13, 2026, the Korean online broadcasting world was abuzz as BJ 케이 (Kay) and BJ 과즙세연 (Gwa Jip Se-yeon) publicly confirmed their romantic relationship during a live stream on the SOOP platform. The couple, both well-known internet personalities, sat side by side for the announcement, holding hands and even sharing a kiss on camera—leaving little doubt about their affection and intentions to be open with fans.
Kay, born in 1989 and a pioneer in Korean internet broadcasting since 2012, told viewers, "We are dating. We've been together since August." He went on to explain that the two first crossed paths at a friend’s wedding after-party in July 2025. Their connection grew over a month of getting to know one another before they officially became a couple. As Kay put it, "After meeting at the wedding, we kept in touch, and after about a month of flirting, we started dating." (as reported by 엑스포츠뉴스 and corroborated by multiple outlets).
This revelation wasn’t entirely out of the blue for some fans. 과즙세연, born in 2000 and boasting around 350,000 YouTube subscribers, had been the subject of rumors and speculation in the past—especially after being spotted in 2024 walking with HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. That sighting, covered by several Korean entertainment news sources, ignited curiosity about her private life and connections within the entertainment industry.
During the live broadcast, the couple didn’t shy away from expressing their feelings. They held hands, exchanged a kiss, and even revealed matching rings that Kay had given to Se-yeon on her birthday. Kay emphasized, "We really like each other, so we decided to go public and love beautifully." Their chemistry was obvious, and their openness seemed to delight many of their fans—though, as Se-yeon later admitted, not everyone was immediately supportive.
Shortly after the broadcast, 과즙세연 took to her own SOOP channel and social media to address her followers directly. She wrote, "I imagine many of you were surprised by the recent news, so I wanted to write this message." She expressed regret that some fans had learned about her relationship through Kay’s broadcast while she was on hiatus, saying, "I’m a little sorry that some of you first heard the news from my boyfriend’s broadcast while I was taking a break. That’s why I thought it was right to tell you myself through this notice." (from her SNS post, as reported by 동아닷컴 and 스포티비뉴스).
Se-yeon went on to reassure her supporters: "I am currently doing well, having met a good person. I know how much you always support and wait for me, so I thought carefully, which is why the announcement was delayed." She promised a return to broadcasting on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, adding, "I’ll prepare to greet you in good condition since it’s been a while. I’ll try to communicate with more fans in the future. Thank you always for your support."
The decision to make their relationship public was not made lightly. Kay shared that one of the reasons behind the announcement was to help protect Se-yeon from ongoing stalking issues. "Because Se-yeon is a female streamer, I saw her struggling with stalking and feeling distressed. That’s why I suggested we go public," Kay explained during the broadcast (as reported by 뉴스엔 and 머니투데이). This candid admission shed light on the pressures and risks female content creators often face in the online world, and why transparency can sometimes serve as a shield against malicious speculation or unwanted attention.
Throughout the broadcast, the couple’s dynamic was warm and supportive. They joked about not giving each other reasons to fight and pledged to "love each other beautifully." Se-yeon, aware of the mixed reactions from Kay’s fanbase, addressed them directly: "Kay’s fans always told him to date, but now that he is, the reactions are different. I’m sorry to the fans, but I hope you’ll understand." Her message was one of empathy and maturity, balancing her personal happiness with respect for her audience's feelings.
Kay has been a fixture in the online broadcasting scene for over a decade, building a following of approximately 690,000 YouTube subscribers with content that ranges from mukbangs (eating broadcasts) to travel and real-life vlogs. His reputation as a first-generation BJ (Broadcast Jockey) has earned him a loyal fanbase and considerable influence in the community.
Se-yeon, on the other hand, has carved out her own niche as a popular streamer and influencer, active not only on SOOP but also on YouTube and TikTok. Her appearance on the Netflix original variety show 'The Influencer' in 2024 further boosted her profile. Reports have circulated that she earns over 3 billion KRW annually from her "음지" (adult-themed or late-night) broadcasting, sparking debate among netizens about the economics of online fame and the boundaries of content creation.
Their age difference—Kay is 37, Se-yeon is 26—has also attracted attention, with some fans expressing surprise at the 11-year gap. Nevertheless, both have emphasized the maturity and mutual respect in their relationship. Kay has even made efforts to connect with Se-yeon’s family, sending gifts to her parents as a gesture of goodwill.
Of course, public relationships in the digital age are rarely straightforward. While many fans have rallied behind the couple, others have voiced skepticism or concern, particularly about how the announcement was handled and the potential impact on their streaming careers. Se-yeon’s previous involvement in dating rumors with rapper Kim Ha-on and her high-profile encounters with industry executives have only fueled the ongoing conversation.
Despite the whirlwind of attention, both Kay and Se-yeon seem committed to facing the future together and to maintaining transparency with their audiences. As Se-yeon put it, "I’ll try to communicate with more fans in the future. Thank you always for your support." Their story, unfolding in real-time across multiple platforms, is a testament to how the boundaries between public and private life continue to blur for online celebrities—and how, for better or worse, their personal choices become part of the broader conversation about fame, privacy, and community in the digital age.
With their relationship now out in the open, all eyes will be on Kay and Se-yeon as they navigate the challenges and joys of love under the spotlight, promising to share the journey with the very audience that helped bring them together.