bad news? A nuisance? Highlight's maknae Dongwoon Son has changed his gaze towards marriage

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On the 27th, Son Dong-woon, the youngest member of the boy group Highlight, announced the surprise wedding news. An active idol member and member of an idol group that enjoyed global popularity made their marriage official.

Fans were quite surprised by his marriage, as he was the youngest member of the team and was born in 1991, a rather young Son Dongwoon. Among the second-generation idols these days, news of marriage and pregnancy is coming out one by one, but most of the members focus on group activities rather than marriage. Second-generation idols are in their early 30s on average, so it's difficult for fans to argue about dating, but marriage is another matter.

The marriage and childbirth of idol stars are regarded as bad news within the team and company. In the case of Shinhwa or TVXQ, who have already finished their prime and started a family in their late 30s or early 40s, it is somewhat in contrast to the congratulatory atmosphere.

Son Dong-woon is not in his 20s, but he is a member of a group that has had a lot of joy, anger and sadness, so his early marriage is regrettable. These are the highlights and fans who have walked down a difficult path, such as Yong Junhyung's withdrawal, leaving his former agency and challenging himself to stand alone, and trademark disputes. By the time we started anew with Highlight instead of BEAST, we went through a long hiatus due to enlisting in the military.

It wasn't until May 2021 that all the members participated in the album as a whole. It was only 3 years and 7 months. Since then, the members have come together and consistently performed on stage, held concerts, and met with fans.

In the meantime, the youngest Son Dong-woon's marriage was made official. It was explained that it was not premarital pregnancy, but it is natural for some fans to be concerned that there will be big and small restrictions as it is a group activity.

On the other hand, the majority of fans are capturing the atmosphere of cheering and congratulating Son Dong-woon's marriage. Highlights started their activities under the name BEAST in 2009 and have already become a group for 15 years. Many of the fans who have been supporting them must have gotten older, got married, and started a family. Highlight's fans are showing a different perspective from the past when they were negative about idol marriage, cheering for the members to meet their loved ones, get married, and have a normal daily life, just like they did.

Son Dong-woon said, "I met a person who cares a lot and I thought that I would like to be together in the future. We decided to hold a ceremony in September." Yoon Doo-joon, Lee Gi-kwang, and Yang Yo-seop, who are the youngest starting the second act of life with their beloved lover, will also cheer for them with the heart of an older brother.

It is a highlight that earned the modifier of 'married idol' a little earlier than expected, but we look forward to showcasing active activities and good music as a team as before. If Highlight shows an unchanging image even in the member's marriage, I wonder if many fans will continue to support Highlight and walk together as they have in the past.

Reporter Ryu Ye-ji and Ten Asia ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr