Ji Ye Eun reveals “He calls me baby” nickname with boyfriend Vata, shares shy early romance story

Ji Ye Eun shared candid and affectionate details about her relationship with dancer Vata, recalling their early dating period and revealing the couple’s sweet nicknames for each other.

On May 30, a video titled 'Housewarming Congratulations, Pinggyego' was released on the DdeunDdeun, featuring Yoo Jae Suk, Ji Ye Eun, and other guests, where she openly talked about her public relationship.

During the episode, Yoo Jae Suk asked Ji Ye Eun how it feels to be in a publicly acknowledged relationship. She replied that it makes her feel “more comfortable and free” in her daily life.

Yoo Jae Suk then shared a behind-the-scenes story, revealing that Ji Ye Eun had called him unexpectedly around 9:30 p.m. the night before news of her relationship was reported. He noted that she usually does not make late-night calls, so he immediately sensed something serious. According to him, she sounded nervous and hesitant on the phone before finally telling him that dating reports would be released the next day. He jokingly reenacted her soft and awkward tone, describing it as “half breath, half voice,” as she struggled with embarrassment.

Ji Ye Eun also spoke about her family’s reaction, saying her younger brother is supportive and likes Vata, and that they even attend church together. This led to further discussion among the guests about how the couple met.

She explained that they naturally became close while attending church and that both of them are quite introverted. Because of this, their relationship developed slowly over a long period, as neither was quick to express their feelings. She described it as a long “talking stage” where both struggled to openly confess their emotions.

Yoo Jae Suk also brought up a past story involving Ji Ye Eun and Ji Suk Jin’s duet project, noting that Vata had worked as the choreographer despite his busy schedule. He suggested that their choreography practice sessions often overlapped with personal time, joking that what looked like work might have also been a form of dating.

Ji Ye Eun responded by recalling a humorous incident involving Ji Suk Jin insisting on sending her home by taxi after rehearsals, even making an extra round trip, which unintentionally gave her more time to spend around Vata. She laughed as she remembered the moment and said she eventually had to step out herself.

She added that those early moments were especially exciting for her, saying it had been a long time since she felt that kind of emotion. She described it as a rare sense of excitement after a long break, noting that everything felt new and unfamiliar at the time.

When the conversation turned to their affectionate nicknames, Ji Ye Eun shyly revealed that she calls Vata “Honey,” while he calls her “baby.” She laughed as she said it, clearly embarrassed as the studio reacted with amused silence.

The lighthearted atmosphere continued as Lee Kwang Soo and Byeon Woo Seok joined the discussion. Byeon Woo Seok expressed that he is a fan of Vata and had watched 'Street Man Fighter' closely. Ji Ye Eun responded warmly, joking that he would definitely like him, referring to Vata as “Honey.”