Kunpimook Bhuwakul, better known as BamBam, the charismatic Thai rapper and dancer of the globally renowned K-pop group GOT7, has captivated millions with his talent and vibrant personality. While his professional life is often in the spotlight, his romantic journey, like many K-pop idols, has largely remained private, punctuated by a few public rumors and his own candid reflections on love.
BamBam's earliest known romantic involvement dates back to his pre-debut days, a period he has occasionally touched upon in interviews. Before joining GOT7, he had a Japanese girlfriend whom he fondly remembers. This relationship occurred while he was still a trainee, and he has shared that she was from Osaka, and he even picked up some Japanese from her during their time together. This early experience provided a glimpse into his personal life before the intense scrutiny of idol stardom.
He later revealed a poignant detail about his "first love," who was also a trainee at JYP Entertainment. This relationship, though brief, ended when the girl was eliminated from the trainee program and had to return to her home country, leaving without a proper goodbye. BamBam expressed a lingering wish to have heard a simple "Goodbye. Take care." from her, highlighting the unique challenges and sudden endings that can occur in the demanding world of K-pop training.
As BamBam's fame grew with GOT7, so did the public's curiosity about his romantic status, leading to several high-profile dating rumors, though none were ever officially confirmed. In 2015, speculation arose linking him to Irene of Red Velvet. These rumors were fueled by an Instagram bio change by BamBam, which fans interpreted as a reference to Irene. However, BamBam swiftly denied these claims, clarifying that he did not harbor romantic feelings for her, and the rumors quickly subsided.
Perhaps the most significant and impactful dating rumor for BamBam occurred in 2017 when a photo of him with Mina from TWICE circulated widely online. The image sparked intense speculation among fans and the media. JYP Entertainment, the agency for both idols at the time, addressed the rumors by confirming the authenticity of the photo but emphasized that BamBam and Mina were merely "close friends from the same agency."
The fallout from the Mina rumor was particularly challenging for BamBam. He later candidly shared in a 2023 interview with Cosmopolitan Korea that the immense backlash and groundless speculation surrounding the photo caused him significant distress. He revealed that the pressure was so overwhelming that he briefly considered retiring from the K-pop industry altogether. This incident underscored the harsh reality and invasive nature of dating rumors for K-pop idols, making him reflect on the potential career implications should he ever enter a confirmed romantic relationship in the future.
More recently, in late 2024, BamBam found himself at the center of new dating rumors involving Jennie of BLACKPINK, after pictures of them dining together surfaced on social media. Addressing these reports, BamBam once again clarified the nature of their relationship. He explained that he and Jennie, along with other members of GOT7 and BLACKPINK, have been "close friends since a long time ago," dating back to their trainee days. He noted that people often jump to conclusions about him dating whenever he is seen with someone, reiterating that sharing a meal does not equate to a romantic relationship.
Throughout his career, BamBam has consistently maintained a private stance on his romantic life, often stating his single status. As of recent interviews in 2023 and 2024, he has confirmed that he is currently single, humorously denying having a girlfriend when directly asked. He has also shared insights into his ideal type, describing a preference for a cute girl with big eyes, a good sense of humor, and someone who is supportive and enjoys adventures with him. He desires a partner who can make him smile and who he can simply enjoy being with.
BamBam's romantic history, though not extensive in terms of publicly confirmed relationships, reflects the unique challenges and intense public interest faced by K-pop idols. His journey has been marked by a poignant pre-debut love, numerous denied rumors that highlight the strict environment of the industry, and a clear preference for privacy. Despite the constant speculation, BamBam continues to navigate his personal life with honesty and a focus on his career, remaining a beloved figure in the K-pop world.