How Their Romance Became ‘Real’ (Exclusive Source)

Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau’s romance is blossoming.

Days after Perry hard launched her relationship with Trudeau on social media, a source is giving insight about how their romance came to fruition.

“The only reason this turned into something real is because Justin has been so persistent,” the source tells PEOPLE. “She wasn’t looking to date when they first hung out and she certainly wasn’t looking for a boyfriend.”

According to the source, their romance came as an “exciting surprise” to her — and the former Canadian prime minister was consistent with his efforts.

“He’s shown her over and over again that he genuinely wants to see her,” the source says. “He’s flown all over the world to spend time with her while she toured. She likes spending time with him.”

The source concludes, “She’s flattered that he’s made such a big effort and she’s excited to be dating him.”

Perry, 41, went Instagram official with Trudeau, 53, in a Dec. 6 Instagram post featuring intimate photos and videos from a visit to Japan.

In one photo, the couple smiled for an outdoor selfie. The carousel also featured a video of the couple eating together — and looking into each other’s eyes. Another video captured them at what appeared to be an interactive art exhibit.

“Tokyo times on tour and more ( ◠‿◠ ) 🎄🍣🐡🥞💐☃️♥️,” Perry captioned the social media post.

During their trip to Japan, which was part of Perry’s recently-concluded Lifetimes Tour, she joined Trudeau as he visited former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife, Yuko, on Wednesday, Dec. 3.

Kishida, 68, shared a photo of the group posing by a Christmas tree in a post on X, calling Perry the “partner” of Trudeau.

Trudeau later reposted Kishida’s message: “Great to see you @kishida230,” he wrote in his caption.

He added, “Katy and I were so glad to have the chance to sit down with you and Yuko. Thank you, Fumio, for your friendship and your continued commitment to both the international rules-based order and to a better future for everyone.”

Perry and Trudeau first sparked dating rumors over the summer, when they were spotted out together in Montreal, Canada. In October, they made their first public appearance as a couple when they attended a cabaret show at the Crazy Horse Paris to mark the “Dark Horse” singer’s birthday, according to TMZ.

In June, PEOPLE confirmed Perry split from fiancé Orlando Bloom after nearly nine years together. Trudeau and his ex Sophie Grégroire announced they separated after 18 years of marriage in 2023.