Fact Check: Are NCT’s Taeyong And Hong Seok Cheon Really Related?
Did you know NCT‘s Taeyong and Hong Seok Cheon are related?
Well, kind of…
Hong Seok Cheon, Korea’s most famous openly gay entertainer, previously revealed that Taeyong is a distant relative in an episode of Channel A’s Heard It Through the Grapevine in 2018. Prior to this, he had known that his relative debuted as an idol but didn’t name them.
Taeyong has been said to be Hong Seok Cheon’s cousin’s son’s cousin or ninth cousin. He revealed that although they were aware of their relation, they had yet to meet.
So far, I’ve only seen his face on television. Taeyong, I’d really like to meet you!
— Hong Seok Cheon
Finally, just a few months later, the two met for the first time. Hong Seok Cheon shared photos together via Instagram on April 24, 2018.
Finally met our Taeyong hehehe We had an amazing dinner at smt in Cheongdam-dong. We talked about his childhood and family, the present, and the dreams and plans he has for the future. I’m proud of Taeyong who has grown up well. I’m cheering on for amazing and healthy promotions for him. Fighting.
— Hong Seok Cheon
Now, Taeyong has made his long-anticipated appearance at Hong Seok Cheon’s Jewelry Box, reuniting with his relative after his sister recommended that he guest.
Hong Seok Cheon’s Jewelry Box
I’m still not sure if he’s my family or not, but anyway he’s so pretty, cool, and sexy #tap #nct Please enjoy watching— Hong Seok Cheon
@taeyong_nuna13 He did wat his sister ask for🤭😁 they finally meet #nctofficial #nctzen #fyp #kpop #foryoupage #nctzens #taeyong #nctzen_edit #nct127 #nct127official
Hong Seok Cheon greeted Taeyong excitedly, “There you are! My blood-related gem!” He proved to be a true “uncle,” telling his co-host, who tried to hug Taeyong, that he would protect him since he is his flesh and blood.
When Hong Seok Cheon claimed Taeyong as his relative, Taeyong hesitated to reciprocate. Co-host DDOLDDOL said, “But this is saying it’s a cousin’s sister’s son’s cousin. You are 9th cousins, senior. According to civil law, relatives are considered relatives up to the 8th degree. If you are 9th-degree cousins, aren’t you strangers in the end?”
So, Hong Seok Cheon joked, “Then just call me Great-aunt. I have to be with you. He is a world-famous Korean Wave star, so I have to be with him.” He teasingly suggested he wanted to ride Taeyong’s coattails.
Hong Seok Cheon also revealed the story of how he and Taeyong are technically related. He explained, “The person he’s closest to, his cousin, is my nephew.”
He said, ‘My favorite cousin is debuting on SM this time.’ Please take a look at the boy’s face. So, I just saw the photo. Oh, my goodness! This is going to be a huge hit, this is just a huge hit.
— Hong Seok Cheon
He continued, sharing the story of how they finally met in person. Taeyong had offered to treat him to a meal.
When Taeyong had just started his activities with NCT, I got a call first saying that he wanted to treat me to a meal. My heart was racing so much. The restaurant was a bit dark, and in one corner, there was a child… shining brightly. That was Taeyong.
— Hong Seok Cheon
Blood-related or not, Taeyong and Hong Seok Cheon proved to have a genuine familial relationship!
Watch the full episode below.
NCT
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