Romance Rumors Between aespa’s Winter and BTS’s Jungkook Spark Fan Outrage

Jungkok and Aespas Writer (Doc. Ist)

Secondupdate.com – Rumors of a romantic relationship between aespa’s Winter and BTS’s Jungkook have become a hot topic of discussion in South Korea.

The issue has even sparked strong reactions from some fans, who staged protests in front of the agencies representing both idols.

The protests were carried out using LED trucks parked outside the offices of HYBE and SM Entertainment in Seoul.

According to local media reports, the first demonstration took place on Wednesday (10/12) in front of HYBE’s headquarters, followed by a similar action the next day at SM Entertainment’s office.

Footage of the LED screens circulating on social media shows various messages expressing disappointment and demands directed at Jungkook.

Some fans believe the idol has let the fandom down and damaged the image that BTS has built together over the years.

Several messages demanded that Jungkook remove tattoos believed to be related to the rumors, or even called for him to step down from group activities.

Other messages referenced the loyalty of fans who have waited for Jungkook during his mandatory military service.

Not only Jungkook, but aespa’s Winter also became a target of the protests. On Thursday (11/12), another LED truck was seen parked outside SM Entertainment’s office.

The messages displayed demanded that Winter provide an open clarification regarding the circulating rumors.

Some statements claimed that staying silent was not a solution and urged Winter to take responsibility for the rumors.

There were even messages referencing promises made by idols to fans and demanding that she choose between her private life and her career as an idol.

The rumors surrounding Winter and Jungkook’s alleged closeness emerged after several posts appeared on fan forums.

Some netizens connected various details as “clues,” ranging from allegedly similar tattoo designs and matching accessories to Jungkook’s appearance at an aespa concert.

In addition, fans’ attention was drawn to a live broadcast by Winter in which she was said to have mentioned Jungkook’s real name, Kim Min-jung.

These details further fueled speculation that continued to spread widely within the fandom.

To date, neither HYBE nor SM Entertainment has issued an official statement regarding the rumors.

Korean media reported that the issue has been circulating since early December and has caused divisions among fans of both groups.

Nevertheless, SM Entertainment stated that it would take legal action to protect aespa’s Winter from defamatory posts and malicious online content.

The agency emphasized that this step was taken in response to the increasing number of online attacks against the idol.

This case once again highlights the intense pressure faced by K-pop idols, particularly regarding their personal lives, which are often placed under constant scrutiny by the public and fans alike.