Ji Ye-eun Receives Sweet Birthday Tribute From Boyfriend VATA

Dancer VATA celebrated girlfriend Ji Ye-eun's birthday by sharing a series of photos documenting their relationship.

On July 26, VATA posted the photos on social media alongside the message, "Happy birthday, my 강아디."

"강아디" is an affectionate nickname used by the couple. Ji previously revealed on the web variety show "Pinggyego" that she and VATA call each other "puppy."

The photos capture the couple enjoying a number of everyday moments together. In one image, they press their faces together at a theme park gift shop while wearing plush character hats. Another shows them riding an escalator at a shopping mall, with VATA resting his hand on Ji's shoulder.

Other photos appear to have been taken during a trip to Japan and on a beach, where the couple are seen walking side by side and looking at each other.

One image also shows VATA visiting Ji in the hospital while she is wearing a patient gown. Ji responded to the post with heart and smiling emojis.

Born in 1994, VATA and Ji first met through church and remained friends before developing a romantic relationship.

After dating rumors emerged in April, Ji's agency, CP Entertainment, confirmed that the two were in a relationship.

"The two, who had known each other as acquaintances, are dating with positive feelings for one another," the agency said. "We ask that you look upon them warmly."

Ji temporarily stepped away from work last September due to health concerns and returned to the SBS variety show "Running Man" about three weeks later. Reports at the time suggested that she had been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, but her agency declined to comment, citing the private nature of her medical information.

Ji later spoke publicly about her health on the Netflix variety show "Yoo Jae-suk Camp," released in May, revealing that she had undergone surgery for thyroid cancer.

"They told me that even 0.1 centimeters could be enough for it to spread," she said. "I was told there was quite a lot of cancer, so I feel even more grateful now."

Her candid remarks drew messages of support from viewers.