(Son Yeon-jae and Choi Jong-hoon's Instagram)

Gymnast Son Yeon-jae and F.T. Island’s Choi Jong-hoon are officially dating, according to FNC Entertainment, Wednesday.

The two stars’ relationship came to media attention the day before the agency’s announcement, following a tabloid’s release of photos of the two stars together.

The photos showed the stars linking arms while walking with a bundle of gifts, flowers and a cake on May 27 -- the day before Son’s birthday.

Son was also seen accompanying Choi on a walk in Tokyo, a day before an F.T. Island concert there earlier this month.

Local media reported Son and Choi met through a mutual friend some three months ago. It said Son and Choi became close by supporting each other through some tough times following Son’s retirement and Choi’s tumultuous period prior to his comeback.
Son ended her 17-year gymnastics career in March.

F.T. Island released its 10th anniversary album “Over 10 Years” on June 7.

Son and Choi reportedly have a shared interest in sports and are both golf fans.

The following is the acknowledgement from FNC Entertainment:

Hello, this is FNC Entertainment.
We hereby give you the official statement of the agency regarding the news reports of F.T. Island’s Choi Jong-hoon.
Based on our confirmation with the star we have learned (Son Yeon-jae and Choi are) carefully starting to get to know each other with affections.
We ask you to look upon them with warm supports.

By Lim Jeong-yeo (kaylalim@heraldcorp.com)