Jungkook and Winter Break Social Media Silence, Spark Fan Debate After Dating Rumors

BTS’s Jungkook and aespa’s Winter posted their first personal social media updates on December 13, one week after dating rumors linking them went viral. The timing of their posts, which occurred within hours of each other, has become the latest focal point for intense online discussion and mixed reactions from fans and netizens.

Jungkook posted a selfie to his Instagram story, his first personal post on his new account @mnijungkook. The photo showed him wearing a face mask.

Roughly two hours earlier, Winter sent a message to fans on the DearU Bubble app. She wrote, “It’s going to be cold this weekend, so be careful not to catch a cold! It’s snowing, so be careful driving! Don’t catch a cold. Eat something warm!”.

Both actions are standard ways for the idols to communicate with their fans. However, their decision to break their silence simultaneously—and the perceived connection between Winter’s cold-weather warning and Jungkook’s masked selfie—has fueled further speculation and debate.

Agency Stance and Background of the Rumors

Neither BigHit Music, which manages BTS, nor SM Entertainment, which manages aespa, has issued any official statement regarding the dating rumors. Their choice not to comment has been a consistent policy throughout the speculation.

The rumors began gaining significant traction online in early December 2025. A major point of discussion has been matching tattoos of three dog heads each idol reportedly has on their arm. Fans have also pointed to other potential “couple items,” including matching in-ear monitors, clothing, and accessories worn on separate occasions.

Jungkook’s Instagram username change to @mnijungkook has also been analyzed. While the singer previously explained it stands for “my name is Jungkook,” some netizens have suggested the “mni” could reference Winter’s real name, Kim Min-jeong. Winter’s handle is @imwinter, and Jungkook’s previous account was @imjungkook.

The volume of discussion has been immense, with over 15,000 posts about the rumors created on the social media platform X in a short period last week.

Mixed Reactions from Fans and Netizens

The online reaction to the social media updates has been sharply divided. A significant portion of comments criticize the timing and perceive the posts as a coordinated, dismissive gesture toward concerned fans.

Many comments expressed disappointment and a sense of betrayal. One netizen asked, “Did they coordinate this out of spite or something?”. Another stated, “It’s like they’re both saying, ‘So what? If you don’t like it, then leave’”. Some specifically criticized Jungkook, with one comment reading, “He just comes off really immature at this point… I’ve watched you for almost ten years, and I still don’t get you”.

Others interpreted the posts as a subtle message between the two idols. One reaction said, “Winter messages ‘be careful not to catch a cold,’ and he immediately posts a mask photo… This is wild. Why do a lovestagram with fans dragged into it?”. Another netizen commented, “Obviously posted it so his girlfriend could see it”.

However, not all responses were negative. Some fans defended the idols, arguing they were simply resuming normal fan communication. One netizen questioned the criticism, stating, “Isn’t this a bit of a reach? Feels like even people who usually wouldn’t care are jumping in just to criticize”. Another said “Wow, are they seriously getting criticized for this?”. Another pointed out, “This is exactly why fans hate dating rumors. Fans and non-fans alike start piling on with mockery, hate comments, and wild speculation”.

A Broader Theory: Rumors as a Distraction

Amid the fan debates, a separate and broader theory has emerged among some sections of the BTS fanbase, known as ARMY. This theory suggests the intense focus on the celebrity dating rumors may be serving as a public distraction from a major national scandal.

The theory, circulated in a viral social media thread, points to a concurrent and severe data breach at Coupang, a major South Korean e-commerce company often compared to Amazon. Reports confirm that in early December, South Korean police raided Coupang’s headquarters following a leak that exposed the personal data of 33.7 million users, roughly two-thirds of the country’s population. The company could face fines exceeding 1 trillion won.

“To ARMY: READ THIS. While everyone is distracted by fake scandals… something HUGE is happening in Korea. (And yes, some people allegedly benefit from this distraction.)”

Proponents of this view argue that the timing of the rumor frenzy is “far too convenient” and creates a “massive smoke screen”. They note that the online conversation has been dominated by “investigations about ‘matching tattoos,’ edits, and fanwars,” while a crisis affecting millions unfolds. Some fans believe this pattern of using celebrity news to overshadow political or corporate scandals is not new.

While this theory exists among a segment of fans, it operates separately from the mainstream discussion and the official silence from the involved entertainment agencies.

Recent Activities and Moving Forward

Prior to his Instagram story, Jungkook had maintained a low profile but was seen in the background of recent group photos with other BTS members. Winter’s last Bubble message before December 13 was also sent prior to the rumor surge.

Both artists remain active in their core careers. aespa is currently in the middle of their ‘SYNK: aeXIS Line’ world tour. BTS is preparing for their anticipated full-group musical activities, which are scheduled to begin in March 2026.

The online conversation continues to evolve, with fans and observers closely watching for any further social media activity or, however unlikely, an official statement from the agencies. The episode highlights the intense scrutiny K-pop idols face regarding their personal lives and the complex dynamics between artists, their agencies, and the public.

Also Read: Heated Rivalry Episode 4 Ending Song: t.A.T.u.’s Queer Anthem Explained

Source: theqoo (1), (2) and (3)

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