SHINee’s Taemin has finally addressed the swirling dating rumors involving dancer No:ze, but instead of clarity, his heartfelt letter has sparked even more questions.

The rumors first took off after photos surfaced online, allegedly showing Taemin and No:ze spending time together and appearing affectionate. Internet sleuths quickly matched his outfit in the photos to what he wore in December 2024, adding fuel to the speculation.

His agency, Big Planet Made, initially stepped in with a statement. “The two are close colleagues who have worked together,” they shared, asking the public to refrain from making excessive speculations. However, fans remained unconvinced, awaiting a direct response from Taemin himself.

That response came on April 18 via a fan communication platform, where Taemin posted a deeply personal letter. Rather than giving a definitive yes or no, he chose to express his feelings on the situation—and how it has affected him.

“Because of some misunderstandings and surface-level assumptions or words taken out of context, I’ve felt really hurt,” he wrote. “What’s certain is—I hope you’ll keep trusting me, just like you have until now.”

In the letter, he didn’t confirm or deny the rumors outright, instead focusing on his relationship with fans and the emotional toll that public speculation can take. He spoke of the inspiration he gains from love in all forms—family, fans, pets—and how those experiences shape his art.

“Not always, but often, people want to hear the answers they want rather than the truth,” he added, suggesting that no matter what he says, people may twist it to fit their own expectations.

The vague yet emotional tone of the letter caused a stir online. On forums and social media, fans reacted with mixed feelings. Some expressed skepticism over the lack of a clear denial, while others empathized with the difficulty of navigating privacy and public life as a celebrity.

Still, many fans supported the idea of Taemin dating, pointing out his maturity and the fact that he’s been in the industry for over 15 years. One netizen commented, “At his age, he should be allowed to love and live privately. He’s earned it.”

Others defended his choice to remain somewhat ambiguous, seeing it as a way to maintain dignity and respect for everyone involved—especially No:ze, who has remained silent.

As speculation continues, what remains clear is that Taemin has chosen sincerity over sensationalism. Whether he’s dating or not, he’s asking fans for trust—and that might just be the real takeaway from his message.