After School's Nana has spoken out against malicious comments directed at her following the public confirmation of her relationship with former BIGBANG member T.O.P. In a lengthy social media statement shared on November 5, the singer and actress questioned why some people claiming to be her fans were criticising her personal choices. She firmly stated that her relationship was a private matter and not something she needed to apologise for.
Nana also expressed concern for genuine supporters who had been caught in the backlash. Her statement comes amid growing online discussion surrounding the couple's relationship and their recent appearance together at a birthday café organised for T.O.P.
Nana Questions Why Her Relationship Has Invited Criticism
In her November 5 post, Nana directly addressed people who identified themselves as fans but deliberately left malicious comments after she acknowledged her relationship with T.O.P. The actress questioned what these individuals expected from celebrities and why her decision to make her relationship public had become a reason for hostility. She also reflected on her 17-year career, explaining that she had consistently tried to fulfil her professional responsibilities despite experiencing difficult and emotionally challenging moments.
Expressing her frustration, Nana asked, "Did I do something terribly wrong? Who have I hurt? Have I done anything morally wrong?" She made it clear that acknowledging her relationship was a personal decision and that she did not believe she owed anyone an apology for it. Her message highlighted the difference between supporting an artist's professional work and expecting control over their private life.
Nana Asks Critics Not to Hurt Her Genuine Supporters
Beyond addressing the negative comments directed at her, Nana also spoke about the fans who have supported her throughout her career. She recalled how many people had continued standing by her during both active work periods and quieter phases when she had fewer public appearances. The actress explained that she wanted to protect the affection and trust of those supporters, who had consistently wished for her happiness without expecting anything in return.
She urged people posting hateful messages not to cause further pain to fans who genuinely respect her as a person rather than viewing her only as a celebrity. Nana also expressed gratitude to everyone who had sent her encouraging messages during the situation. She promised to remember their support and repay their kindness by continuing to show her best side. Her statement therefore addressed two concerns: the freedom to make personal decisions and the importance of protecting people who continue to offer sincere support.
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Nana and T.O.P's Relationship Was Confirmed in October
Nana and T.O.P's relationship became public on October 2, 2026, when their respective agencies acknowledged that the two were dating. The pair reportedly first met in January while working on the music video for T.O.P's song "Studio54", one of the double title tracks from his debut solo studio album, Another Dimension. Their professional connection gradually developed into a romantic relationship around June, according to the confirmation shared at the time.
T.O.P, whose real name is Choi Seung-hyun, is a former BIGBANG member who has also pursued acting and solo music. Nana, whose real name is Im Jin-ah, debuted as a member of After School in 2009 before establishing herself as an actress. Their relationship announcement attracted considerable attention, with some online users discussing T.O.P's past controversies and expressing disappointment. However, the criticism also extended to Nana, prompting her latest response.
Their Birthday Café Appearance Adds to Online Discussion
The couple recently attracted further attention after being spotted together at a birthday café organised for T.O.P. The singer-actor celebrated his birthday on November 4, and Nana accompanied him during the visit. Images and videos from the outing circulated online, drawing mixed reactions. While some supporters welcomed the couple's appearance together, others criticised the decision to attend a fan-organised celebration as a couple.
The discussion also came amid disappointment among some longtime supporters of T.O.P following changes involving a fan community that had supported him for years. Nana's response has since shifted attention towards the criticism she has faced and her position on maintaining personal boundaries. Rather than apologising for the relationship, she has asked people to respect her choices and avoid hurting those who continue to support her.
Final Take
Nana's statement makes her position clear: being a celebrity does not mean giving up the right to make personal decisions. By questioning the malicious comments and defending her relationship with T.O.P, she has addressed the backlash directly while expressing gratitude to genuine supporters. Her message also highlights the importance of respecting the boundary between an entertainer's public career and private life.
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