Dating rumors between BTS’s Jungkook and aespa’s Winter have surged again, this time fueled by claims of matching dog tattoos. The conversation took a sharp turn when HYBE said it was “checking” on the rumors, leading many fans to believe the entertainment giant is using its top artist to distract from a major financial scandal involving its founder.
On December 5, rumors about a relationship between the two K-pop stars spread quickly across social media and online forums. The talk started after fans claimed to spot new evidence: similar-looking tattoos of three dog faces on the arms of both idols. What made this rumor cycle different was the timing. It exploded online just as news broke that a Seoul court had frozen 118 million dollars worth of stock belonging to HYBE founder Bang Si-hyuk. This coincidence led many supporters to accuse HYBE of creating a distraction, using Jungkook’s personal life to draw attention away from serious legal troubles at the highest level of the company.
The “Evidence” Fans Are Talking About
The latest round of speculation appears to have started on a Korean online forum. A post, which gained over 85,000 views, pointed out a tattoo on Jungkook’s arm seen in his travel show Are You Sure?!. Fans noted it looked similar to a tattoo of three puppy faces that Winter has on her arm. While some argued the designs were identical, others immediately questioned the image’s authenticity. Several fans on social media platform X stated the viral screenshot of Jungkook’s tattoo was edited or generated by artificial intelligence, posting other photos as proof his arm was bare.
Beyond the tattoos, fans revisited a list of older coincidences that have circulated since the rumors first began in 2023. This includes claims that both idols have worn similar clothing items like slippers and shorts, and used matching rose-gold colored in-ear monitors. Perhaps the most discussed piece of older “evidence” is an alleged sighting of Jungkook at an aespa concert in Seoul earlier this year, while he was on leave from his mandatory military service. Fans emphasized this was notable because he had not attended concerts of other HYBE-associated girl groups during that time.
Why the Agencies’ Silence Is So Loud
The reaction, or lack thereof, from the idols’ management companies has become a major part of the story. When asked about the rumors, a representative from HYBE initially gave a brief, two-word statement: “We are checking”. SM Entertainment, which manages aespa and Winter, has maintained complete silence and provided no comment at all. This non-response stands in stark contrast to how both agencies have handled past dating rumors involving their artists.
In 2021, HYBE quickly and firmly denied rumors linking Jungkook to actress Lee Yu Bi. Similarly, in late 2024, SM Entertainment denied rumors about Winter and ENHYPEN’s Jungwon and threatened legal action against those spreading the claims. Their choice not to deny the current rumors has been interpreted by many online as a silent admission.
“Is no comment basically acknowledgement?” one fan asked online.
Another commented, “They should say no if it’s not true, so looks like it is”.
Fans Accuse HYBE of a Strategic Distraction
For a significant number of fans, the real story isn’t about a potential celebrity couple. They believe the sudden viral spread of these rumors is a calculated “media play” by HYBE. The dating talk trended at almost the exact time that major financial news about HYBE’s chairman broke. On December 4, the Seoul Southern District Court approved a request to freeze 156.8 billion won (about 118 million dollars) in HYBE stock owned by Bang Si-hyuk. Prosecutors are investigating allegations that he violated the Capital Markets Act by misleading investors about the company’s plans for an initial public offering (IPO) back in 2019.
Many fans connected these two events, arguing that the romantic gossip was released to dominate online conversation and bury the serious legal and financial scandal. They pointed out that the original post about the matching tattoos came from newly created social media accounts with very little history.
“They’re really trying to cover a scandal with another,” wrote one user on X.
Another stated, “Hybe mediaplay works overnight to hide his downfall, always trying to use his most famous idol as a scapegoat”.
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A Call for Protection and Privacy
Amid the frenzy of speculation and conspiracy theories, many fans are expressing concern for Winter and Jungkook’s wellbeing. Supporters of Winter, in particular, have been vocal in demanding that SM Entertainment take action to protect her. They are calling for the agency to pursue legal action against the spread of malicious rumors and to shield her from online harassment, which they say she has faced for months because of these persistent rumors.
The discussion also includes voices urging respect for the artists’ privacy. Some fans are pushing back against the dissection of their personal lives, regardless of the truth behind the rumors.
“Winter does not deserve to have her life be dissected and her actions be misconstrued like this over a baseless rumor,” one fan wrote.
Both artists are currently focused on their careers. Jungkook completed his military service in June 2025 and is preparing for BTS’s full group comeback, scheduled for March 2026. Winter and aespa are continuing their activities following a recent world tour and are planning a new full-length album.
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Credits: koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
