Rumors about the two began circulating in September of 2013 for the filming of Taeyang's '1 AM' music video. While looking for a female lead, a friend recommended Min Hyo Rin. Coincidentally, Min Hyo Rin and Kiko are longtime friends (and follow each other on their private accounts).
After filming the music video, various rumors began circulating beginning December of 2013 from people claiming to have seen the two on dates at the movies and vacationing in Jeju Island for the New Year.
The claims were brushed off as rumors until more 'spotting accounts' came up from various people that began overlapping.
- "Are Taeyang and Min Hyo Rin really dating? I jsut saw them on a date at Sangam ㅋㅋ"
- "I would've had coffee at this *** cafe if I knew it was this cool.. ㅜㅜ I stopped by because Jini unni had a friend there and it was such a cool place. Reminded me of my trip to Egypt too. And it's a secret that I saw Min Hyo Rin and Taeyang there!!!"