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| Hou Minghao and Snow Kong Xueer Agencies Respond to Romance Rumours (Photo: Weibo) |
Dating rumours surrounding Neo Hou Minghao and Snow Kong Xueer flared up overnight, but the situation was wrapped up almost as quickly as it started. Claims that the two actors had been secretly dating since 2022 began circulating online on February 8, 2026, triggering heated discussion across fan communities and social platforms. Within hours, both agencies issued firm denials, making it clear that the speculation had no basis.
The initial rumour came from a self-claimed “former fan” account, which alleged that Hou Minghao and Kong Xueer had maintained a low-key relationship for several years. The post quickly gained traction, largely due to its confident tone and long list of so-called “coincidences”. However, once the claims were examined more closely, the narrative began to unravel.
Much of the so-called evidence relied on everyday similarities that many netizens found far-fetched. Matching furniture styles, similar phone cases, and even a Dior bag were cited as proof, despite none of these items being unique or exclusive.
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Travel overlaps in Beijing and Hengdian between 2022 and 2024 were also framed as secret dates, even though both locations are routine work hubs for actors filming back-to-back projects.
Social media posts were pulled apart line by line. Kong Xueer’s caption referencing “one white, one blue” was linked to Hou Minghao’s drama character names, while background numbers in photos were interpreted as coded birthday hints.
Many viewers pushed back, calling the analysis forced and overly imaginative, with some describing it as classic “association-style rumour making”.
The response from both sides was swift and unusually synchronised. Hou Minghao’s studio released a short but direct statement at 00:02 on February 9, labelling the rumour false and stressing that the two had no personal connection.
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Just ten minutes later, Kong Xueer’s studio followed with its own statement, calling the claims pure fabrication.
The tight timing itself became a talking point, signalling a united and decisive shutdown.
From an industry perspective, the denial makes sense.
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Hou Minghao is currently one of the busiest actors in costume dramas, with a packed filming schedule that reportedly keeps him on set for most of the year.
His steady run of leading roles has positioned him as a reliable name for large productions, leaving little room for the kind of secret romance timeline described online.
Kong Xueer, meanwhile, has been gaining attention through a series of memorable supporting roles, earning praise for both her visuals and her expressive acting.
With momentum building and more projects lining up, her focus appears firmly on career growth rather than personal headlines. Many viewers see her as a rising face among the new generation of mainland drama actresses.
Fan reactions have been sharply divided. Supporters of both actors welcomed the clear denials and urged others to stop spreading unverified claims.
Some fans expressed frustration over how quickly speculation can overshadow professional achievements, while others treated the episode as another example of how easily online narratives spiral out of control. A smaller group remained sceptical, though their voices were largely drowned out once the agencies spoke.
Attention is already shifting back to upcoming dramas and performances rather than personal rumours. Whether this episode will have any lasting impact remains to be seen, but for now, both sides have drawn a firm line.
What do you think — was this just another case of over-analysis by netizens, or a reminder of how intense celebrity scrutiny has become?


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