aespa’s member Winter recently became the target of intense online harassment during a Weverse livestream, with hateful comments flooding the chat section. This wave of negativity appears connected to the resurgence of baseless dating rumors between her and BTS’s Jungkook, highlighting the dark side of intense fan culture.
The Livestream Incident
During a recent Weverse livestream, aespa’s Winter was subjected to a flood of malicious comments that overwhelmed the chat section. Screenshots from the broadcast show numerous hateful remarks referencing BTS’s Jungkook, creating an uncomfortable environment for the idol.
Despite the negativity, Winter maintained her professionalism throughout the broadcast, continuing to engage with supportive fans and remaining calm during the interaction. Fans quickly praised her dignified behavior while expressing outrage at the harassment.
One fan summarized the situation on social media, writing, “ARMYs harassing Winter directly on her own live over a baseless & already debunked rumor insinuated by their own fandom y’all cannot be human this is disgusting.”
The Spark: Reignited Dating Rumors
The harassment Winter faced traces back to recently revived dating rumors connecting her to BTS’s Jungkook. These speculations initially surfaced months ago but regained momentum after fans claimed to find new “evidence” in the form of matching accessories.
The rumors first began in July 2025 when netizens speculated that Jungkook’s new Instagram ID, @mnijungkook, resembled Winter’s real name, Min-jeong. The speculation intensified when fans claimed to spot similar-looking bracelets and phone cases used by both idols.
Most recently, attention focused on a phone case with red devil horns that Jungkook used during a livestream, which some fans claimed matched one allegedly seen with Winter. Despite these claims, no concrete evidence has emerged to support any romantic relationship between the two idols.
Jungkook’s Response to Speculation
Jungkook himself has indirectly addressed the intense speculation surrounding his personal life. During an October livestream where he unboxed a viral Korean snack called Kancho, the BTS member deliberately skipped reading one particular name from the package.
He explicitly stated, “Ah, this name could lead to controversy, so I’ll skip it.” While he didn’t specify which name he avoided, many fans speculated it might have been Winter’s name or her real name, Min-jeong, suggesting his awareness of the dating rumors and desire to avoid fueling further speculation.
Fans defended Jungkook’s action, with one commenting, “He’s tired of y’all making anything he does controversial IJBOL leave him alone fr,” while another noted, “he knows that his every word is analyzed and he is obviously tired of it.”
Pattern of Harassment and Unwarranted Criticism
This is not the first time Winter has faced criticism amid dating rumors. Following her attendance at the W Korea “Love Your W” charity event in October, she received backlash for posting on Instagram after the event. Some critics called her “thoughtless” for sharing photos of her dog and brand content while other attendees were being criticized for their behavior at the event.
However, many netizens defended Winter, pointing out that she had done nothing wrong. One supporter wrote, “What are you talking about? Is she guilty of something? She even left work early today because of the event.” Another added, “She had a schedule to attend a magazine event, and she did nothing wrong, but now she’s getting bashed for posting an Instagram story.”
Fan Culture Under Examination
This incident highlights the intensity of K-pop fan culture, where minor coincidences like matching accessories can trigger widespread speculation. Observers have pointed out that the bracelets which sparked the recent rumors are common among K-pop idols and actually differ significantly in material, thickness, and style when examined closely.
The situation has sparked discussions about the need for more respectful behavior online, with many calling for fans to focus on the artists’ work rather than their personal lives. Critics of the harassment have emphasized that both Jungkook and Winter deserve privacy and respect regardless of their relationship status.
Where the Idols Stand Now
Jungkook recently completed his military service and was discharged in June 2025 along with fellow BTS member Jimin. Since then, he has been reconnecting with fans through Weverse livestreams and social media posts. He made his first public appearance at the 2025 New York Fashion Week in September as an ambassador for Calvin Klein.
On the music front, all BTS members are currently working toward the group’s next comeback, scheduled for release in Spring 2026. Meanwhile, Winter continues her activities with aespa while managing the challenges of intense public scrutiny.
Also Read: aespaโs Winter Sparks Debate After Fellow Idols Fail to Recognize Her on Variety Show
