The 13-Year Divide: Unpacking The Viral Age Gap Of Momo And Heechul And Why They Split

The relationship between TWICE's Momo and Super Junior's Heechul remains one of the most significant and widely discussed K-pop celebrity pairings in history, largely due to the considerable age gap that separated the two global idols. Despite their breakup in 2021, the details of their time together, the public reaction to the 13-year difference, and the official reason for their split continue to be a major topic of curiosity and conversation among fans and the media, even as we look toward the end of December 2025.

The coupling of a second-generation K-pop legend with a third-generation superstar was unprecedented, creating a buzz that transcended national borders. While their romance was celebrated by many, the substantial age difference became a focal point of intense scrutiny, leading to widespread debate about age dynamics in the K-pop industry and celebrity dating culture.

Complete Biography and Profile Details

To fully understand the context of their relationship and the notable age gap, it is essential to look at the foundational profiles of both K-pop icons. Their careers span different eras of the industry, which contributes significantly to the 13-year difference.

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• Kim Heechul (Super Junior)
  • Full Name: Kim Hee-chul (김희철)
  • Born: July 10, 1983
  • Current Age (Dec 2025): 42 years old
  • Birthplace: Wonju, Gangwon-do, South Korea
  • Group: Super Junior (Debut 2005)
  • Agency: Label SJ (SM Entertainment subsidiary)
  • Primary Roles: Singer, Songwriter, Rapper, and highly successful TV Host/Entertainer (Variety Shows)
• Hirai Momo (TWICE)
  • Full Name: Hirai Momo (平井 もも)
  • Born: November 9, 1996
  • Current Age (Dec 2025): 29 years old
  • Birthplace: Kyōtanabe, Kyoto, Japan
  • Group: TWICE (Debut 2015)
  • Agency: JYP Entertainment
  • Primary Roles: Main Dancer, Sub Vocalist, Sub Rapper

The Precise Calculation of the 13-Year Age Gap

The 13-year age gap was the defining characteristic of the "HeeMomo" relationship from the moment it was confirmed. When the two agencies, Label SJ and JYP Entertainment, officially announced the relationship in January 2020, the numbers were stark and immediate conversation starters.

At the time of the announcement:

• Heechul was 36 years old (turning 37 in July 2020).
• Momo was 23 years old (turning 24 in November 2020).

The difference is exactly 13 years and four months, with Heechul being the senior by over a decade. This significant age difference instantly made them one of the most high-profile K-pop couples with such a substantial seniority gap, drawing both support and criticism from the global fandom.

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For context in December 2025, Heechul is 42 and Momo is 29, meaning the 13-year age gap remains constant, but both idols are now further into their respective careers and personal maturity. This maturity is often cited by fans as a key reason why the relationship, despite the gap, was initially taken seriously.

The Relationship Timeline: From Sunbae-Hoobae to Public Couple

The journey of Momo and Heechul began long before their official dating confirmation, starting as a classic industry "sunbae-hoobae" (senior-junior) friendship. Their connection was notably strong due to their frequent appearances on variety shows, which allowed for a natural, unscripted chemistry to develop.

Key Milestones:

• 2016: Momo appears on the popular variety show Knowing Bros (also known as Ask Us Anything), where Heechul is a permanent cast member. Their on-screen interactions become a fan-favorite running gag.
• August 2019: Rumors of the two dating first surface in the media, but both agencies quickly deny the reports, stating they were only close friends.
• January 2, 2020: The relationship is officially confirmed by both Label SJ and JYP Entertainment. They state that the two developed a romantic relationship after beginning as a close senior-junior friendship.
• July 8, 2021: News breaks that the couple has decided to part ways. Their respective agencies confirm the breakup shortly after.

The Real Reason for the Breakup: More Than Just the Age Gap

While the 13-year age difference was a constant source of public discussion, it was not cited as the official reason for the couple's split. Their breakup in July 2021, after about a year and a half of publicly dating, was attributed to one of the most common challenges in the K-pop industry: inconsistent and busy schedules.

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Both idols were at peak periods in their careers:

• Momo and TWICE: The group was, and continues to be, one of the most active and globally successful girl groups, with non-stop album releases, world tours, and international promotions. The demanding schedule for a top-tier idol group leaves little time for personal life.
• Heechul and Super Junior/Variety: Though a veteran, Heechul maintained an extremely packed schedule, juggling Super Junior activities with multiple roles as a host on various high-profile Korean television variety shows.

The official statements from both JYP Entertainment and Label SJ confirmed that the two artists naturally grew apart due to their demanding work commitments, deciding to return to being platonic senior and junior colleagues. This explanation, while often used by celebrity couples, was widely accepted given the notoriously rigorous and conflicting schedules of two mega-popular K-pop stars.

Ultimately, the story of Momo and Heechul is a significant chapter in K-pop history. It highlighted the challenges of dating in the spotlight, especially when navigating a large age gap under intense public scrutiny. Despite the eventual separation, their willingness to go public with their relationship was a brave move that paved the way for more openness in the industry.