RIIZE member Shotaro has directly denied dating rumors involving aespa’s Giselle, clarifying that the two are not in a romantic relationship.
“We Are Absolutely Not in That Kind of Relationship”
On January 28, Shotaro addressed the speculation during a live broadcast on a fan communication platform. The clarification came after repeated comments from viewers referencing rumors about his relationship with Giselle. Shotaro chose to respond in real time, emphasizing that the claims were unfounded.
As the comments continued during the live session, Shotaro addressed them head-on. “People keep asking whether I’m dating Giselle, but that’s absolutely not true,” he said. “We’re not in that kind of relationship at all.” He explained that the two are colleagues under the same agency and maintain a friendly relationship. “She’s a senior artist at the company and a close friend,” Shotaro added. “Please don’t misunderstand.”
Shotaro also noted that he had not intended to respond to the rumors initially. “I didn’t really want to react to something like this,” he said. “But since there seems to be confusion, I wanted to make things clear.”
Shared Background, Different Paths
Shotaro and Giselle are both Japanese nationals born in 2000 and are signed under SM Entertainment, factors that have occasionally drawn attention to their interactions. However, no official information or evidence has supported the dating claims.
Shotaro debuted in October 2020 as a member of NCT before re-debuting with RIIZE in September 2023, where he continues to promote actively. Giselle debuted shortly after, in November 2020, as a member of aespa, and remains active in group and global promotions. The clarification comes as both artists continue focusing on their respective careers, with Shotaro choosing a direct and transparent approach to prevent further speculation.
Editor’s Insights: Shotaro’s “Live” Logic and the SM Friendship Guard
Shotaro’s direct denial of the dating rumors involving aespa’s Giselle marks a refreshing, if slightly frustrated, departure from the typical “no comment” stance of SM Entertainment artists. By addressing the “baseless claims” head-on during his January 28, 2026, live broadcast, the RIIZE member effectively shut down a growing wave of speculation that had begun to clutter his fan communication channels. The rumors, largely fueled by their shared Japanese background and same-age (2000-line) status, were described by Shotaro as a simple misunderstanding of a “senior-junior” friendship. This level of transparency—stating he “didn’t want to respond” but felt forced to by the persistent spam—highlights a shift in how 5th-generation idols manage their personal boundaries in real-time.
From an editorial perspective, the timing of this clarification is crucial as both groups enter their most intensive 2026 tour phases. As of today, April 3, 2026, RIIZE has just successfully concluded their massive ‘RIIZING LOUD’ world tour finale at the KSPO Dome (March 6–8), solidifying their status as a global powerhouse. Meanwhile, aespa is currently in the final stretch of their ‘SYNK: aeXIS LINE’ tour, with Giselle and the group set to hit the Tokyo Dome later this month (April 25–26) for their grand finale. By clearing the air in January, Shotaro ensured that the narrative surrounding their April activities remains focused on their respective musical milestones rather than tabloid theories. We are tracking how this “direct-address” strategy will influence future SM artist interactions, as fans increasingly value authentic clarity over corporate silence.