Dok2 Reveals Decade-Long Journey and "Near-Romance" with Singer Lee Hi

Rapper Dok2 has shared the deeply personal backstory behind his high-profile relationship with soulful vocalist Lee Hi, revealing a "near-romance" that originally sparked nearly a decade ago.

Dok2 appeared as a featured guest on the popular YouTube series "Homeroom Show" on November 17, walking viewers through the cinematic timeline of how the two prominent artists first met, naturally drifted apart, and eventually reconnected years later.

"Our history goes way back. We first met through mutual friends around 2014 or 2015," Dok2 reflected during the interview. "We grew incredibly close while collaborating on music for each other's respective albums, and we almost started dating back then. However, I became very ill during that period, and I chose to keep my health struggles a secret from Lee Hi."

As his health deteriorated, Dok2 relocated to Los Angeles for recovery. The subsequent onset of the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the physical distance, causing the two artists to naturally lose touch over time.

The pair unexpectedly reconnected after the pandemic following a performance by Dok2 in the United Kingdom. "I had a show in London, and shortly after that, we started talking again," Dok2 shared. "It felt as though all the missing pieces were finally falling into place." The veteran hip-hop icon also admitted to being a massive fan of Lee Hi ever since her explosive industry debut. "Back then, I would constantly ask people around me, 'Isn't that Lee Hi?' I always held onto the dream of making music with her one day."

Dok2 spoke candidly about the practical hurdles they faced when transitioning from friends to romantic partners, particularly regarding their ages and the long-distance nature of their lives. "I am 36 and Lee Hi is 29, so we couldn't exactly jump into a casual, youthful romance," he explained. "With me rooted in LA and her based in South Korea, we had to make a very deliberate, mature decision. That is when I proposed the idea of establishing a shared creative sanctuary by working on music together." He noted that the vision for his current music label, 808 High Recordings, was shaped heavily by his profound connection to Lee Hi.

In a surprising industry revelation, Dok2 also disclosed that he had actively attempted to sign Lee Hi to his former powerhouse label, Illionaire Records, around 2017 to 2018, while she was still under contract with K-pop corporate giant YG Entertainment. That ambitious plan ultimately fell through due to his sudden health complications at the time.

Dok2 (born 1990) and Lee Hi (born 1996) officially went public with their relationship in March of this year. Lee Hi confirmed the news via a heartfelt Instagram post, writing, "My one and only DOK2. To my man Dok2," while the rapper shared an intimate photo embracing her. Having built an unshakeable musical friendship over the span of a decade, the two have successfully transitioned into one of the Korean music industry's most celebrated power couples.