Cha Hyun Seung and Sunmi: The Friendship That Captured Korea's Heart

Cha Hyun Seung and Sunmi have worked together for ten years, creating a relationship that many fans have misunderstood. Despite their close professional partnership, the nature of their bond differs significantly from what the public often assumes. When the backup dancer performed alongside Sunmi at the 2018 Waterbomb Festival, he instantly went viral for both his dance moves and sculpted physique that captivated viewers.

Beyond the stage chemistry that sparked dating rumors, their actual relationship resembles that of siblings. In fact, even their families consider them part of each other's extended family circles. Though Cha has gained recognition through modeling for brands like Columbia Sportswear and Men's Health, many still primarily know him through his association with Sunmi.

How Sunmi and Cha Hyun Seung First Met

The paths of these two Korean entertainment figures first crossed during a pivotal moment in Sunmi's career. After spending several formative years with the popular girl group Wonder Girls since 2007, Sunmi stepped away from the spotlight in 2010 to pursue personal goals. Her return to the industry marked a significant transition - not as a group member, but as a confident solo artist ready to establish her individual identity.

Their first collaboration on '24 Hours' (2013)

Sunmi's solo career officially launched in 2013 with the release of her debut single "24 Hours," a track that would become a defining moment in her artistic journey. Behind the scenes of this career-changing release stood a talented dancer who would eventually become inseparable from her performances - Cha Hyun Seung. Their professional relationship began when he was selected to appear in the music video for "24 Hours," creating choreography that complemented Sunmi's distinctive performance style.

The collaboration proved successful enough that years later, during her concerts, Sunmi would continue performing with the same dancer who appeared in that original video. This initial project established a creative partnership that would grow stronger with each subsequent comeback, laying the foundation for a decade of artistic collaboration.

Initial impressions and early chemistry

From the beginning, Sunmi and Cha Hyun Seung demonstrated remarkable professional chemistry. Their compatibility as dance partners became increasingly apparent as they continued working together on subsequent projects. Gradually, what started as a standard performer-dancer relationship evolved into something more meaningful - a creative partnership built on mutual respect and understanding.

Over time, their onstage dynamics caught the attention of fans who couldn't help but notice the natural flow between them during performances. Although their professional relationship began in 2013, it wasn't until later performances that their chemistry truly captured widespread attention. As noted by many observers, they complemented each other's performance styles perfectly, creating visual harmony that enhanced Sunmi's artistic vision.

Throughout their early collaborations, Cha Hyun Seung became increasingly integrated into Sunmi's core performance team. Rather than being just another backup dancer, he became a recognizable presence in her performances, with fans anticipating their interactions. His role expanded beyond individual performances to include joining her on tour, where they created countless memorable moments together.

As their professional relationship matured, both artists maintained a clear sense of boundaries and mutual respect. Neither allowed speculation about their personal lives to interfere with their creative partnership. Instead, they focused on developing routines that showcased both of their talents while prioritizing the artistic integrity of each performance.

The foundation established during these early collaborations would prove essential for navigating the increased public attention that would come later in their careers, particularly as both individuals gained more individual recognition in the Korean entertainment industry.

A Decade of Working Together

Throughout their ten-year collaboration, Cha Hyun Seung and Sunmi have created a collection of iconic performances that showcase their remarkable artistic chemistry. What began with "24 Hours" in 2013 has blossomed into a professional partnership spanning numerous hits, with each performance adding a new dimension to their creative synergy.

From 'Gashina' to 'Heart Burn': Key performances

After their initial collaboration, Cha Hyun Seung continued to feature prominently in Sunmi's most memorable performances. One noteworthy moment came during the "Gashina" era when fellow dancer Yuri suggested they perform a version with gender-reversed backup dancers, creating an instantly iconic stage.

The 2018 Waterbomb Festival marked a turning point in their visibility as a duo. During this performance, Cha Hyun Seung went viral not only for his dance skills but also for his sculpted physique that captivated audiences. Their chemistry during this festival performance significantly increased public interest in their partnership.

Consequently, their collaboration on "Lalalay" in 2019 generated even more attention, with a fancam featuring Cha Hyun Seung dancing alongside Sunmi accumulating one million views. This viral moment cemented his position as her recognizable dance partner in the public eye.

The pair's artistic journey continued through "Pporappippam" in 2020, followed by the playful and sometimes chaotic "Tail" relay dance in 2021, where their comfortable rapport was evident as they laughed together throughout the performance. Their most recent collaboration on "Heart Burn" in 2022 maintained their signature synchronized style while incorporating new elements.

How their choreography evolved over time

Initially, their choreography focused primarily on technical precision, but as their professional relationship deepened, their performances began incorporating more complex emotional dynamics and storytelling elements. The choreography for "Tail" exemplifies this evolution, featuring a memorable chair sequence that showcased both technical skill and their comfortable working relationship.

Their dance style has progressively incorporated more interactive elements, with their performances becoming known for their ability to convey emotion through movement. The 2021 relay dance for "Tail" demonstrated how their choreography had evolved to include moments of spontaneity and playfulness alongside technical precision.

Sunmi's performances frequently feature props that enhance the storytelling aspect of her choreography. For "Heart Burn," she incorporated fans and rubber bands into the dance routines to visually reinforce the lyrical themes. Throughout their partnership, Cha Hyun Seung has adapted seamlessly to these stylistic choices, contributing to the distinctive performance aesthetic that has become Sunmi's trademark.

Building trust through artistic expression

Working together for ten years has fostered a level of trust that translates visually on stage. This professional foundation has allowed both artists to take creative risks and push boundaries in their performances. As Cha Hyun Seung mentioned, they have "many great memories" from touring together, including Sunmi's first world tour.

Their professional bond extends beyond performances to include other collaborative projects. They even participated in a photoshoot together for the clothing brand Buckaroo, demonstrating their versatility as creative partners. Additionally, they celebrate special occasions like Halloween together with Sunmi's dance crew, further solidifying their connection.

The strength of their professional relationship is evident in how they support each other's creative growth. Cha Hyun Seung has consistently been part of Sunmi's performances, from her early solo work to her recent evolution with songs like "Heart Burn," which she described as "the daytime version" of her earlier hit "pporappippam".

This decade-long artistic partnership has withstood the test of time because of their mutual respect for each other's talents. Sunmi has even playfully threatened to "consider breaking up" their professional partnership if Cha Hyun Seung couldn't correctly identify her voice in a competition, highlighting the value she places on their working relationship.

The Dating Rumors That Wouldn’t Go Away

Despite their professional relationship being strictly platonic, few K-pop partnerships have generated as much romantic speculation as the one between Cha Hyun Seung and Sunmi. Their undeniable stage chemistry prompted years of persistent dating rumors that followed them through multiple comebacks and performances.

Why fans assumed they were a couple

The foundation for these rumors stemmed primarily from their extraordinary on-stage compatibility. Their choreography frequently featured intimate moments that, while artistic in nature, created the illusion of genuine romantic chemistry. Throughout performances for songs like "Gashina" (2017) and "Heroine" (2018), their synchronized movements and natural rapport made many viewers assume their connection extended beyond professional boundaries.

Several specific elements fueled these assumptions. First, the genuine comfort they displayed with each other during physically close choreography stood out compared to typical performer-dancer dynamics. Second, their performances often incorporated romantic or suggestive themes, blurring the line between performance and reality for observers. Third, their matching fashion aesthetics and complementary visual presentation created what fans perceived as a "perfect couple" image.

Furthermore, behind-the-scenes content showing their casual, comfortable interactions backstage reinforced public speculation. Their ability to communicate effectively through subtle gestures during performances demonstrated a level of understanding that many interpreted as evidence of a deeper connection.

The impact of viral fancams like 'Lalalay' (2019)

The speculation reached new heights following the release of Sunmi's "Lalalay" in 2019. A fancam featuring Cha Hyun Seung dancing alongside Sunmi accumulated over one million views, catapulting him from background dancer to viral sensation overnight. This increased visibility intensified public curiosity about their relationship status.

The Waterbomb Festival performance similarly captured widespread attention, with clips spreading rapidly across social media platforms. As these performances received millions of views, the comment sections inevitably filled with speculation about their personal relationship.

How public perception shaped their image

Surprisingly, these persistent rumors created both challenges and opportunities for both performers. For Cha Hyun Seung, being known primarily as "Sunmi's rumored boyfriend" initially overshadowed his individual accomplishments as a dancer and performer. Nevertheless, the attention ultimately increased his visibility, contributing to opportunities like his appearance on "Single's Inferno."

For Sunmi, the rumors created a need to navigate public appearances carefully. Every interaction with Cha Hyun Seung became subject to intense scrutiny, with fans analyzing facial expressions and body language for potential clues about their relationship.

In essence, what began as appreciation for their artistic chemistry evolved into a narrative that sometimes overshadowed their individual careers. The persistence of these rumors ultimately necessitated a direct public response - setting the stage for a candid interview that would finally address the speculation head-on.

The Interview That Set the Record Straight

After years of speculation about their relationship, a candid moment on Sunmi's own talk show finally addressed the question on everyone's mind. The highly anticipated Episode 9 of "Show!terview with Sunmi" featured none other than her long-time dance partner Cha Hyun Seung, who appeared as a guest after numerous fan requests.

Sunmi's bold question on Showterview

Throughout the episode, the pair discussed everything from their viral performances to behind-the-scenes memories. However, the conversation took a pivotal turn when they broached the subject of dating rumors. Sunmi acknowledged the speculation directly, stating: "There used to be a rumor saying that you and I are dating".

Cha Hyun Seung explained how people often assumed they must be romantically involved given their intimate choreography across performances from "24 Hours" to "Heart Burn." He even revealed a surprising consequence of their professional relationship: "As much as she always tells me to see someone, one of the reasons that I can't see someone is you".

This disclosure prompted Sunmi to ask the question that would definitively clarify their relationship status. With cameras rolling, she directly questioned: "While there's the rumor, have you ever taken me as more than just a friend?". This bold moment addressed years of speculation head-on, creating a definitive record of their actual relationship.

Cha Hyun Seung's immediate response

Before Sunmi could even finish her question, Cha Hyun Seung responded with an emphatic "NEVER". His swift and unambiguous answer visibly shocked Sunmi, who exclaimed: "Heeeeyyyyy! Wait! How could you answer this quickly?! How can you answer it before I finish the question?".

The dancer's immediate certainty left no room for interpretation, effectively ending years of romantic speculation in a single moment. When Sunmi pressed further, asking "Not even once?" his stance remained unwavering.

Why he sees her as a little sister

Explaining his perspective, Cha Hyun Seung described Sunmi as a "spoiled, mischievous little sister". This sibling-like dynamic had been established from their earliest collaborations, as he had been a fan of Sunmi during her Wonder Girls days, viewing her with a "pure image".

Moreover, their relationship truly transcended professional boundaries—but in a familial rather than romantic sense. "My family considers you a family member," he revealed. "On national holidays, they ask me, 'Is Sunmi going home this holiday?' Or on your birthday, 'Say happy birthday to Sunmi'".

Sunmi promptly affirmed this characterization: "That's true. My family cares about Hyun Seung. Hyun Seung's family cares about me. That's how precious our relationship is!". This mutual family integration underscored the genuine but platonic bond they had developed since their first collaboration on "24 Hours" in 2013.

What Makes Their Friendship So Special

The friendship between Cha Hyun Seung and Sunmi stands out as remarkably genuine in an entertainment industry often characterized by superficial connections. Beyond their professional collaboration, certain elements have allowed their bond to flourish over ten years—aspects that became clear through their candid conversation on "Showterview."

Mutual respect and emotional boundaries

Central to their enduring friendship is the clear emotional boundary both artists have maintained. Cha Hyun Seung explicitly characterizes their relationship as sibling-like, describing Sunmi as a "spoiled, mischievous little sister". This perception has remained consistent throughout their decade-long partnership, creating a foundation of mutual understanding.

Interestingly enough, this clarity about boundaries has occasionally created unexpected challenges. According to Cha Hyun Seung, his close association with Sunmi actually makes dating difficult, as he revealed: "As much as she always tells me to see someone, one of the reasons that I can't see someone is you". This honest admission highlights how public perception of their relationship affects their personal lives, yet they've maintained their friendship regardless.

Support through personal and professional growth

Their bond extends well beyond dance studios and concert stages. Indeed, they actively support each other's individual career paths and personal decisions. When Cha Hyun Seung was hesitant about joining the cast of "Single's Inferno," it was Sunmi who encouraged him to take the opportunity, alongside fellow artist Changsub.

"I also want to thank Sunmi and Changsub for convincing me to go on the show even though I didn't want to. They told me that I might meet the right person on the program," Cha Hyun Seung shared after his appearance. This instance demonstrates how Sunmi supports his growth outside their established professional relationship.

How their families treat each other

Perhaps the most telling indicator of their special bond is how their families have embraced each other. "My family considers you a family member," Cha Hyun Seung explained to Sunmi. "On national holidays, they ask me, 'Is Sunmi going home this holiday?' Or on your birthday, 'Say happy birthday to Sunmi'".

This familial integration works both ways, as Sunmi confirmed: "That's true. My family cares about Hyun Seung. Hyun Seung's family cares about me. That's how precious our relationship is!". Such genuine concern extends beyond typical professional courtesy, revealing a deeper connection between their personal lives.

Overall, their friendship represents something increasingly rare in the entertainment world—a relationship built on authentic care, clear boundaries, and unwavering support across both personal and professional realms.

Beyond the Stage: Their Individual Journeys

Beyond their collaborative performances, both Cha Hyun Seung and Sunmi have carved distinctive individual niches in Korea's entertainment industry, with each achieving notable solo success.

Cha Hyun Seung's rise through Single's Inferno

Cha Hyun Seung's individual stardom skyrocketed following his appearance on Netflix's dating reality show "Single's Inferno." Notably, he initially declined the casting offer multiple times but eventually joined at the encouragement of two influential friends - Sunmi and BTOB's Changsub. His mid-season arrival quickly captivated viewers, with fellow contestants describing him as "charming," "cool" and "too good-looking".

Prior to the show, he had already cultivated a substantial social media presence, amassing over 588,000 Instagram followers and 127,000 YouTube subscribers. His channel showcases performances with major K-pop acts including EXO, BtoB, and Rain.

In January 2022, following his newfound fame, Cha Hyun Seung revealed his plans to transition into acting during an interview with Men's Health Korea. "It was because of the advice from singer Sunmi and others in my life that [I appeared]," he explained about his reality show participation.

Sunmi's solo career and artistic evolution

Meanwhile, Sunmi has established herself as one of K-pop's most distinctive soloists. Throughout her career, she's developed what Korean media termed "Sunmi-pop" - her unique musical signature blending pop, disco, rock, traditional Korean music with retro and city pop elements.

Her 2022 release "Heart Burn" continued her artistic evolution, described as "the daytime version" of her earlier hit "pporappippam". The song was inspired by the concept of lovesickness - "A fever is hot and dangerous, giving [the song] a summer feel".

In 2019, Sunmi successfully completed her first world tour "WARNING," selling out tickets in 19 regions across Asia, North America, South America, and Europe. This success led to the announcement of her second world tour "GOOD GIRL GONE MAD" in 2022.

How they continue to support each other

Alongside their individual successes, their mutual support remains unwavering. When Cha Hyun Seung hesitated about joining "Single's Inferno," it was Sunmi who persuaded him to take the opportunity: "I also want to thank Sunmi and Changsub for convincing me to go on the show even though I didn't want to. They told me that I might meet the right person on the program".

Their professional lives may have diverged somewhat, yet they continue celebrating each other's accomplishments, demonstrating that their friendship extends far beyond choreography and stage performances.