A wave of online criticism has hit SM Entertainment after the company posted about an aespa Winter playlist while staying silent on ongoing dating rumors involving Winter and BTS’s Jungkook. The situation escalated on Thursday, December 5, when fans expecting a formal statement from the agency saw only a promotional social media post. This has led to accusations that the company is neglecting its duty to protect Winter from the intense speculation and negative comments surrounding the unconfirmed rumors.
What Sparked the Latest Round of Dating Rumors
The current rumors gained momentum from a post on the Korean forum Nate Pann, which quickly surpassed 85,000 views. The core claim centers on a screenshot from Jungkook’s travel show, Are You Sure?, taken at the 15:23 mark. Online users allege that a tattoo visible on Jungkook’s arm in that screenshot matches a tattoo design that Winter supposedly has. This alleged “matching tattoo” is described by some as depicting three puppy faces, with Jungkook’s on his left arm and Winter’s on her right.
This new claim revived older speculation that has circulated among fans since 2023. Past “evidence” cited by believers includes the two idols attending the same Harry Styles concert in Seoul, wearing similar accessories like bracelets and slippers, using in-ear monitors with comparable designs, and even having nail art on their ring fingers just one day apart. Some also point out that both previously had Instagram usernames following a similar “imwinter” and “imjungkook” format.
How the Agencies Broke Their Silence—By Not Saying Much
The growing online chatter prompted media outlets to seek official comments from the stars’ management companies. The responses from both BigHit Music (under HYBE) and SM Entertainment were notably brief and non-committal.
A BigHit Music representative told media they were “checking on the matter”. SM Entertainment provided an even shorter response, stating, “We have no statement at this time”. This approach marks a significant shift from how both companies have handled similar situations in the past.
In 2021, BigHit Music firmly and quickly denied dating rumors that linked Jungkook to actress Lee Yoo-Bi. Similarly, in 2024, SM Entertainment called rumors of a relationship between Winter and ENHYPEN’s Jungwon “false” and threatened legal action against those spreading them. The agencies’ current silence, in contrast to these past denials, is a key reason the rumors have intensified and led to widespread fan frustration.
Fan Backlash Over SM Entertainment’s Playlist Post
The fan reaction reached a peak on December 5 when the official aespa X (formerly Twitter) account posted a message promoting “Winter’s handpicked playlist” on Apple Music. The post included a cheerful message, “Warm up your winter with WINTER’s handpicked playlist,” but for many fans, the timing could not have been worse.
Instead of engaging with the playlist, the comments section filled with angry messages directed at SM Entertainment. Fans expressed that the company was prioritizing promotion over protection, arguing that addressing the damaging rumors was far more urgent.
“Protect your idol first before promoting,” wrote one fan on the platform.
“you’re not serious right now there are more important issues at hand this playlist can wait!” wrote another user.
Other comments were more direct, with fans demanding action: “We urge SM Entertainment to protect aespa Winter’s rights and respond strongly through legal action”. The core complaint is that by remaining silent while continuing normal promotional activities, SM Entertainment is leaving Winter exposed to a barrage of online speculation and hate comments.
The Wider Context and Speculation Behind the Rumors
The dating rumors have ignited discussions that go beyond the personal lives of the two idols. Some observers in online communities have suggested that the sudden surge in media reports about Jungkook and Winter might be a deliberate tactic. They speculate it could be an attempt to divert public attention from serious business news involving HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk.
Reports indicate that on the same day the dating rumors flooded the internet, prosecutors announced the provisional seizure of Bang Si-hyuk’s HYBE shares as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged IPO fraud. This coincidence has led some to believe the romantic rumors are being amplified as a media distraction from the corporate scandal.
Adding another layer to the story, Winter has recently been the subject of separate online criticism unrelated to the dating rumors. A clip from aespa’s ongoing SYNK: aeXIS LINE tour performance went viral, with some viewers criticizing her for what they perceived as a lack of energy while dancing. While many fans defended her, this has contributed to a challenging period for the idol, making fans even more concerned about her well-being.
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The Complicated Position of the Idols Involved
For the idols at the center of the storm, the situation presents a difficult challenge. Jungkook has publicly addressed questions about his private life in the past. In a 2023 live broadcast, he stated clearly:
“I don’t have a girlfriend. I just want to focus on work… Please stop talking about me having a girlfriend. My girlfriend is ARMY.”
Despite this past statement, the new rumors have persisted. Furthermore, an old eyewitness account has resurfaced online claiming that Jungkook attended an aespa concert while he was serving in the military. Fans have latched onto this, noting it was unusual for him to attend a concert of a girl group not under the HYBE label during his service period.
As of now, neither Jungkook nor Winter has personally addressed the latest rumors. Their agencies have not issued any new statements beyond their initial brief comments. The online conversation continues to be dominated by fans analyzing every possible clue, demanding action from SM Entertainment and BigHit Music, and debating the truth behind the persistent speculation.
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