South Korean Dancer YOUNG-J To Marry 13 Years Younger Partner Amid Grooming Scandal; Pre-Wedding Photos Out!
Just Jerk leader Young-J has announced his marriage to a former crew member 13 years his junior, with the ceremony set for February 22. The union follows a period of public controversy regarding allegations that the couple began dating while the bride was still a minor.
Young-J, the leader of the world-renowned South Korean dance crew Just Jerk, has officially announced his upcoming marriage to a former fellow crew member. The announcement, made through social media on February 17, 2026, comes after a period of intense public scrutiny regarding the couple’s 13-year age gap and allegations concerning the timeline of their relationship. Kim Sae Ron First Death Anniversary: K-Drama Star’s Best Friend Lee Young Yoo Shares Emotional Tribute on Social Media.
Young-J to Wed 13 Years Younger Partner
The 33-year-old dancer (born Seong Young-jae) shared several pre-wedding photos with his fiancée, identified as a dancer born in 2005. The images, which feature the couple in traditional wedding attire, were captioned with "Not much time left," signalling that the ceremony is scheduled to take place in Seoul on February 22.
Young-J Drops Pre-Wedding PhotosWith His Fiancee
How the Relationship Began
The couple’s relationship began within the professional environment of the Just Jerk dance academy. Young-J served as the mentor and leader, while his fiancée was a member of the crew.
Reports indicate that their professional bond transitioned into a romantic one over time. However, the announcement of their engagement has reignited a "grooming" controversy that first surfaced in April 2024. At that time, online allegations suggested the two had begun dating while the fiancée was still a minor in high school.
Response to Allegations
In response to the public backlash and accusations of an inappropriate relationship, Young-J previously clarified that the romantic aspect of their relationship only began after his fiancee reached the legal age of majority.
"We started dating after she became an adult," Young-J stated in an interview addressing the claims. He further noted that, given the significant age difference, he had formally sought and received permission from her parents before they began a serious relationship. Despite these clarifications, the news continues to draw mixed reactions from the public, particularly within the competitive dance community. BTS’ J-Hope Turns 32: Hobi Donates KRW 300 Million on His Birthday Toward Children’s Welfare and Education.
The upcoming wedding appears to mark a definitive attempt by the dancer to move past recent legal and personal hurdles. In addition to the relationship controversy, Young-J recently faced and was acquitted of allegations regarding military service evasion.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 19, 2026 08:29 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).