“I want to hold a baby”: Vata’s marriage views resurface ahead of wedding with Ji Ye-eun

As news of the upcoming marriage between actress Ji Ye-eun and dancer Vata spreads, Vata's remarks from approximately one year ago regarding his views on marriage and the future are drawing renewed attention. At the time, while stating he was more satisfied with his current life than with career success, he cited marriage and childbirth as important values. In particular, his statements such as “I want to get married” and “The best thing would be holding a baby” have taken on an even more special meaning now that he is actually preparing for marriage.

Last March, Vata appeared on the YouTube channel 'RUACH WAVE' to discuss his thoughts on dance, life, and the future. When asked about his professional ambitions, he emphasized his current daily life rather than grander goals.

“Professionally, I don't really have many goals. I like things as they are now,” he said. “Since I feel like I'm still in my prime for dancing, I love living my life practicing, dancing, and choreographing K-pop routines.” His response revealed an attitude of affirming the present, focusing on the ability to continue doing what he loves rather than chasing specific achievements.

His thoughts on marriage and childbirth were even more specific. Mentioning the low birth rate at the time, Vata said, “Even in the media, they constantly show only the negative aspects of marriage.” He then jokingly noted how variety shows often use marital conflict and family issues as subject matter, adding, “I have a goal of expressing through dance how valuable marriage is and how wonderful childbirth is.”

Rather than defining marriage and childbirth as values that must be demanded of everyone, these comments reflected his personal desire to express the positive meaning of family through his art. Especially in a pop culture landscape often dominated by narratives of conflict and catastrophe, his desire to shed a different light on marriage and family connects directly to his creative philosophy as a choreographer.

Imagining his future, Vata also said, “The best thing would be holding a baby. So, I will start looking for a partner more actively from now on.” When asked whether he prioritized his career or marriage, he answered without hesitation: “I think I want marriage more. I want to get married.”

At the time, he even left a video message to his future spouse. With a shy expression, he said, “To my future wife, let's live well together. Fighting!” While it seemed like a lighthearted message toward an uncertain future then, that 'future wife' has now materialized as Ji Ye-eun, making the past video a poignant precursor to their union.

Vata and Ji Ye-eun are the same age, both born in 1994, and became a couple after meeting at a church. The two publicly acknowledged their relationship last April, and after dating for about a year, they are scheduled to hold a wedding ceremony in Seoul on December 12. The wedding date holds extra significance as it coincides with Vata's birthday.

The union is drawing significant interest as a pairing of stars from different industries. Vata, the leader of the dance crew We Dem Boyz, gained widespread recognition through Mnet's 'Street Man Fighter' in 2022, subsequently expanding his career into choreographing for K-pop artists. Ji Ye-eun established herself as both an actress and entertainer, starting with web dramas and showcasing her character work on Coupang Play's 'SNL Korea.'

Ultimately, the marriage Vata spoke of a year ago has become more than just a hope for the future. The choreographer who wanted to express the beauty of family through dance has found his life partner, turning his shy words to the camera into a reality. As his past remarks and current life converge, their marriage stands as a testament to Vata's personal values coming to fruition.