They might be sexy symbols, but the members of many of K-pop's biggest girl groups have strict rules from their record labels when it comes to dating.

At a comeback showcase to commemorate the release of the new 2NE1 album  "Falling In Love," bandmember Dara reflected on life after her record label lifted her dating ban last year, according to the website allkpop.

The 28-year-old star admitted her newly liberated social life hasn't gone the way she hoped it would.

"I kind of pity myself. Last year, I had the ban, so I thought, 'I have to listen well to the CEO.' But now that it's lifted, it feels even weirder," Dara said. "Even though I'm allowed to date now, [I don't]."

The singer joked that she is even in the odd position of YG Entertainment label boss Yang Hyun Suk asking why she's still single.

"Even the CEO asked me, 'shouldn't you have a boyfriend?'" Dara recalled. "I wish someone would confidently ask me out."

The singer's 2NE1 bandmate CL agreed that with or without the ban, dating as a K-pop idol is difficult.

"My image is also a problem," CL said. "Since I say on stage, 'I'm the best', not only men but also other women get scared when trying to talk or approach me."

"The Baddest Female," who is 22, says that she has one more year of dealing with the dating ban herself.

"[Dara and Park Bom] had a dating ban after their debut so they wouldn't be distracted from work. But because of their age, their dating ban was lifted last year," CL said.

"Me and Minzy's dating ban will be removed next year. We don't go out on variety shows, and we only stand on one stage per week, so we don't have much of a chance to meet other celebrities. Since we're always working, we don't have opportunities to meet new people. We've never even had a break since our debut."

But not all K-pop girl groups have to cope with a dating ban.

Back in April, 4minute's Jiyoon claimed their label JYP Entertainment didn't even think it was necessary.

"We never had such restrictions. I think the agency knew that we wouldn't be able to have boyfriends," Jiyoon said. "I think all of us just know not to date."