Fans are expressing strong anger as rumors about a relationship between BTS’s Jungkook and aespa’s Winter fuel targeted online attacks. Social media has become a battleground, with supporters of both artists facing harassment and major fan sites shutting down. The situation intensified in early December 2025 after new speculation about matching tattoos, leading to a surge in hateful comments and campaigns. In a notable shift, the management agencies for both stars, HYBE’s BigHit Music and SM Entertainment, have chosen not to comment on the rumors, a silence that has further confused and agitated the online community.
What Sparked the Latest Round of Rumors?
The long-running speculation entered a new phase in December 2025. A post on the online forum Nate Pann pointed out what appeared to be matching tattoos on both idols. Fans claimed to see similar designs of three dog faces on Jungkook’s left arm and Winter’s right arm. This “evidence” was quickly picked up and spread across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
This tattoo claim led netizens to re-examine a long list of past coincidences they believe connect the two artists. These include:
- Social Media Activity: Winter posted a song called “Weather” by Novo Amor on August 9, and Jungkook shared the same song on his Instagram story on August 14. Both have also used the same Justin Bieber song in posts.
- Instagram Handles: Observers noted that Winter’s handle is @imwinter, while Jungkook’s account was originally @imjungkook before he changed it. Some interpreted his new handle, @mnijungkook, as a possible reference to Winter’s real name, Kim Min-jeong.
- Matching Items: Over several months, fans have cited similar nail polish, bracelets, in-ear monitors, shorts, and slippers as potential “couple items”.
- Concert Attendance: It was noted that Jungkook attended an aespa concert during a break from his military service. Fans highlighted that he was not seen at concerts of other girl groups under the HYBE label, which some interpreted as significant.
These points, while circumstantial and denied by other fans as mereๅทงๅ, have been compiled by supporters of the rumor into a persistent narrative.
Agencies Stay Silent Amid Growing Speculation
The response, or lack thereof, from the artists’ management companies has become a major part of the story. When asked for comment by media outlets, a representative for BigHit Music stated they were “checking on the matter,” while SM Entertainment said they had “no statement at this time”. This stands in contrast to how both agencies have handled similar situations in the past.
In 2021, BigHit Music firmly denied dating rumors between Jungkook and actress Lee Yu-bi. Similarly, in 2024, SM Entertainment quickly denied rumors linking Winter to ENHYPEN’s Jungwon, calling them false and threatening legal action. Their current non-denial has led many fans to read between the lines.
Some fans are interpreting the silences of the two management companies to mean the affirmative.
This silence has frustrated many supporters who believe a clear statement could help calm the chaotic and harmful online environment.
Fansite Shutdowns and Extreme Reactions
The rumor mill has had serious consequences within the fan community. Several major fan sites dedicated to Jungkook, including prominent Chinese-based ones, have announced they are shutting down operations. These are not casual fan accounts but organized projects that spend significant money on supporting the artist, from buying albums to attending events.
One former supporter claimed to have spent around 200 million won (approximately $150,000 USD) over ten years on Jungkook, including money for photocards, concerts, travel, and merchandise. Their decision to leave and publicly criticize the artist’s personal habits has sent shockwaves through the fandom.
On social media, the reaction has turned toxic. Both Jungkook and Winter have been targeted with hateful comments and mockery. The harassment has extended beyond the artists themselves, with hateful messages even appearing on social media posts belonging to Jungkook’s dog. This has sparked outrage among fans who believe the attacks have gone too far.
Supporters Rally Against the Hate Campaign
Amid the negativity, a large number of fans are speaking out to defend the artists’ privacy and condemn the harassment. Many argue that the artists’ personal lives are not public property and that the hate is disproportionate to unconfirmed rumors.
An X user commented on the severity of the attacks, stating, “This isn’t even half of the hate and harassment jungkook is receivingโฆ he doesn’t deserve this and i really want to see everyone involved sued”.
Other fans have expressed similar frustration and support online:
- One user called the hate train “insane,” noting that Jungkook is facing intense criticism for doing nothing wrong.
- Another supporter firmly stated, “girl IDGAF who jungkook is dating, has dated, will date. if heโs happy in his personal life, good for himโฆ this hate train is disgusting & treats him like heโs not even human”.
- A fan pointed out the broader issue, writing, “They have NOTHING to hate and drag Jungkook for, so they makes up rumours and edit photos and videosโฆ The defamation and dehumanization happening right now is sick”.
These supporters are emphasizing that true fandom means respecting the artist’s personal choices and well-being. Some have even started online campaigns with hashtags like #HYBEProtectJungkook, demanding that the agency take legal action against those spreading malice and violating the artist’s privacy.
Winter’s Public Appearance Amid the Chaos
Despite the intense online storm, Winter has continued with her professional schedule. On December 6, just one day after the latest rumors surged online, she attended a planned in-person fan signing event in Seoul. The event proceeded normally, but it was closely watched given the context.
Adding a strange twist to the rumor cycle, text messages allegedly leaked from a private chat among Winter’s own fansites went viral. The messages, whose authenticity cannot be verified, appeared to discuss the artists being seen together and even alluded to having photographs. One message in the alleged chat read, “I have pictures from that, too!”. These leaked messages have only added more fuel to the speculative fire, confusing fans and onlookers alike.
The online debate and harassment continue as of December 2025, with no official word from HYBE or SM Entertainment to either confirm or deny the persistent dating rumors.
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