G-Dragon and Jennie Set for Highly Anticipated MMA2025 Reunion Following Years of Dating Speculation
K-pop fans are buzzing with anticipation as BIGBANG's G-Dragon and BLACKPINK's Jennie prepare to share the stage at the 2025 Melon Music Awards, marking their first major public appearance together since dating rumors surfaced years ago.
Former Labelmates to Reunite at Seoul's Biggest Year-End Awards
On November 19, Melon announced the final performer lineup for the 17th Melon Music Awards (MMA2025), scheduled for December 20 at Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome. The announcement confirmed that both Jennie and aespa would join the already star-studded roster, which includes G-Dragon, EXO, IVE, RIIZE, BOYNEXTDOOR, PLAVE, and numerous other top acts.
The revelation immediately sparked interest due to the complex history between the two solo artists, who both rose to fame under YG Entertainment before pursuing independent careers.
A Complicated History: From Collaboration to Controversy
G-Dragon and Jennie's professional relationship dates back to 2012, when Jennie appeared as the leading lady in G-Dragon's music video "That XX" while still a trainee. She later featured on his track "Black" from the album "Coup d'etat" in 2013, years before her 2016 debut with BLACKPINK.
In February 2021, Korean media outlet Dispatch published an exclusive report claiming the two had been secretly dating for about a year. The report included photographs allegedly showing Jennie visiting G-Dragon's penthouse in Seoul's Hannam-dong neighborhood, which featured private parking and a dedicated elevator. Sources told the outlet that their relationship was "an open secret" within YG Entertainment.
Both YG Entertainment and the artists themselves maintained strict silence on the matter. The agency's official response stated: "We cannot confirm anything about our artists' private lives. We ask for your understanding."
Unconfirmed Breakup and New Dating Rumors
By May 2022, speculation emerged that the relationship had ended after fans noticed G-Dragon had unfollowed Jennie on Instagram and deleted several posts. Around the same time, new dating rumors linked Jennie to BTS member V after alleged photos of them on Jeju Island surfaced online.
The Jennie-V dating speculation intensified in May 2023 when a French photographer captured video footage of two individuals resembling the idols walking hand-in-hand in Paris. Both HYBE and YG Entertainment responded that they "cannot confirm matters regarding artists' private lives." Reports of their breakup surfaced in December 2023, just before V's military enlistment.
Rare Public Appearance Together
While BIGBANG and BLACKPINK performed at various award shows during their overlapping years under YG Entertainment, G-Dragon and Jennie were rarely seen together at public events. The MMA2025 appearance marks a significant moment as both will attend as established solo artists rather than as group members.
G-Dragon is making his return to the Melon Music Awards stage after a 10-year absence. His last MMA performance was in 2015 with BIGBANG. Earlier in 2024, he also returned to the MAMA Awards stage after nine years, performing his new single "Power" in November.
Jennie, meanwhile, has been enjoying tremendous solo success. Her first full-length solo album "Ruby," released in March 2025, received widespread critical acclaim. The title track "Like JENNIE" entered the Melon Top 100 chart immediately upon release and has remained there for nine months, reaching number one on the daily chart 14 times.
Star-Studded MMA2025 Lineup
The December 20 ceremony will feature an impressive array of talent under the theme "Play The Moment." Confirmed performers include:
- Veteran solo artists: G-Dragon, Jennie, Jay Park, Zico, 10CM
- Major groups: EXO (first group performance in six years), aespa, IVE, RIIZE, BOYNEXTDOOR, PLAVE, NCT WISH, ILLIT
- Rising acts: WOODZ, HANRORO, Hearts2Hearts, KiiiKiii, ALLDAY PROJECT, IDID, ALPHA DRIVE ONE
Jay Park will return to MMA for the first time in 16 years, bringing his self-produced rookie group LNGSHOT and the H1GHR MUSIC crew. Zico is making his first MMA appearance in nine years, while EXO's reunion marks their first group stage in six years following all members completing military service.
What to Expect
The 17th Melon Music Awards, sponsored by KakaoBank, represents one of South Korea's most prestigious year-end music events. Awards are determined through a combination of Melon streaming data, digital downloads, album sales, and fan voting.
While neither G-Dragon nor Jennie has addressed past dating rumors publicly, their simultaneous appearance at MMA2025 has generated significant buzz across social media platforms. Fans are eager to see how the two artists will navigate the evening, whether they'll interact, and if any behind-the-scenes moments might emerge.
Tickets for MMA2025 are available exclusively through Melon Ticket, with a presale for long-term Melon subscribers opening on November 24, followed by general ticket sales on November 27.
The ceremony promises to be one of the biggest nights in K-pop, celebrating the year's musical achievements while bringing together some of the industry's most influential artists under one roof.