Throughout the entertainment industry, familial connections often spark curiosity among fans. In a 2018 episode of Channel A’s program Heard It Through the Grapevine, the well-known openly gay celebrity in Korea, Hong Seok Cheon, made public the interesting tidbit that NCT’s Taeyong is part of his extended family. Although he knew of this connection well before Taeyong’s debut, it went unmentioned initially.
Specifically, Taeyong’s relationship to Hong Seok Cheon is loosely described as that of a ninth cousin, effectively making him the cousin’s son’s cousin of the celebrity. Despite being distantly related, their initial meeting took place much after Taeyong had already debuted as a K-pop idol.
It was on April 24, 2018, when Hong Seok Cheon let the world know that he finally had dinner with Taeyong and even shared snapshots from their meet-up on his Instagram.
“Finally met our Taeyong hehehe We had a great time together at smt in Cheongdam-dong. The conversation spanned from his youth and family life to discussions about his present and future aspirations. Taeyong has really grown up to be someone to be proud of. I’m wholeheartedly rooting for his successful and healthy career. Fighting.”
— Hong Seok Cheon
Following a suggestion from Taeyong’s real sister, the K-pop idol recently made an appearance on Hong Seok Cheon’s Jewelry Box, reinforcing their family bond.
Their on-screen interaction revealed a playful dynamic, when DDOLDDOL, the co-host of the show, humorously pointed out that according to civil law, they technically wouldn’t be considered relatives being ninth cousins. To this, Hong cheekily proposed that he’d be called Great-aunt instead, highlighting his attachment and possibly a desire to ‘ride the coattails’ of Taeyong’s fame.
Hong Seok Cheon even shared the backstory of their connection, narrating how a photograph of his nephew’s cousin piqued his interest and immediate prediction of future stardom for Taeyong.
“He said, ‘My favorite cousin is debuting with SM.’ When I saw the photo, I was struck by just how much of a star he looked. This boy is going to make it big.”
— Hong Seok Cheon
Further details of their first face-to-face encounter were shared, highlighting an anxious yet heartwarming meeting initiated by Taeyong’s gracious invitation.
“Taeyong wanted to treat me to a meal early on in his NCT days. My heart skipped a beat. In the restaurant’s dim light, one corner shone with brightness—there was Taeyong, radiant as ever.”
— Hong Seok Cheon
Regardless of the debate over the true extent of their blood relationship, it’s clear that Taeyong and Hong Seok Cheon share a bond that transcends the need for titles.
The full episode featuring their interaction is available to watch below.