Popular Turkish pop singer İrem Derici has been at the centre of social media discussion after receiving an unexpected on-stage marriage proposal from her boyfriend, dancer and DJ Melih Kunukcu.
The emotional moment took place during the wedding celebration of the couple’s friends, singers Burak Bulut and Eda Sakız. In front of a cheering crowd, Kunukcu got down on one knee, presenting a sparkling ring to the visibly stunned star.
Footage of the proposal, which has since gone viral, captures Derici exclaiming: “I’m having the biggest shock of my life… forever, forever, yes, yes, yes,” before embracing her fiancé. The clip quickly drew thousands of comments, with well-wishers flooding Derici’s social media with congratulations. Messages ranged from “You’re so sweet” to “May God bless you forever,” alongside the inevitable, “When is the wedding?”
The romantic gesture was not without controversy. Entertainment journalist Birsen Altuntaş pointed out the couple’s 13-year age gap — Derici is 38, Kunukcu 25 — sparking debate among fans and critics alike. While some questioned the difference, many defended the pair, noting their evident happiness in the public moment.
Derici, known for her powerful voice and energetic stage presence, has long been open about her personal life. Earlier this year, she confirmed in a television interview that she was in a relationship, describing it as a “sensitive period.” She added: “Love and being loved are wonderful,” a sentiment that now seems to echo through the surprise engagement.
Observers noted the symbolic setting of the proposal — during a wedding and in front of fellow performers — as a reflection of the couple’s shared professional and social worlds. The scene was punctuated by applause, laughter, and the buzz of guests recording the moment on their phones, ensuring that it would be replayed countless times online.
Despite the age gap conversation, the dominant reaction remains celebratory. Social media hashtags referencing the engagement have trended across Turkish platforms, with fans eagerly speculating about the wedding date, possible venues, and whether the event will also feature a public performance.
Derici, whose career includes numerous chart-topping singles and television appearances, has yet to announce any wedding plans. Kunukcu, though less known internationally, has built a name for himself in Turkey’s dance and DJ circuit, and his confident public proposal has likely brought him new admirers.
For now, the couple appear content to enjoy their engagement and the wave of public support. As one fan commented beneath Derici’s Instagram post: “You’ve shown us that love can happen anywhere — even in the middle of someone else’s wedding.”
With their engagement, İrem Derici and Melih Kunukcu have offered a reminder that love stories often unfold in the most unexpected of stages — quite literally.
