The K-pop world is ablaze with speculation after fresh “evidence” emerged linking BTS’s Jungkook and aespa’s Winter romantically. What started as casual fan theories has snowballed into a full-blown controversy, with agencies now weighing in—or rather, choosing not to.
Table of Contents
Jungkook Rumor Mill: What We Know
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Who | Jungkook (BTS) & Winter/Kim Min Jeong (aespa) |
| Latest Claim | Matching dog tattoos in identical locations |
| Agency Response | BIGHIT MUSIC & SM Entertainment: “No comment” |
| Previous Rumors | Alleged date nights, matching outfits, similar accessories |
| Status | Unconfirmed speculation |
The “Evidence” That Started It All
The latest wave began when eagle-eyed fans spotted what they believe is a new tattoo on Jungkook’s hand during the first episode of Are You Sure?! Season 2—his travel show with BTS member Jimin. The design? A small dog illustration that remarkably resembles ink Winter has been photographed with in the same body location.
Fans quickly compiled additional “proof”: matching nail polish placement, similar clothing choices, identical in-ear monitors, even curiously parallel Instagram usernames from years past. The circumstantial evidence list keeps growing, fueling theories across social media platforms, according to Korean entertainment outlet reports.
However, defenders of both artists argue most of these connections are coincidental. The alleged “tattoo” on Jungkook might simply be a band-aid. The clothing and accessories? Mass-produced items available to millions. Yet the speculation persists.
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Agency Silence Speaks Volumes—Or Does It?
Initial reports from My Daily claimed HYBE (BTS’s parent company) was “checking” the situation. But a follow-up from Maeil Kyungjae revealed both BIGHIT MUSIC and SM Entertainment have opted for the classic “no comment” strategy—neither confirming nor denying anything.
In K-pop culture, agency silence often reads louder than words. When agencies want to shut down false rumors, they typically do so swiftly and decisively. The fact that both companies chose radio silence has sent fans into overdrive speculation mode. Some interpret it as tacit confirmation; others see it as refusing to dignify baseless gossip with a response.
Historical Context Matters: Both agencies have previously denied dating rumors involving their artists. When Jungkook was linked to actress Lee Yu Bi in 2021, HYBE shut it down immediately. Earlier this year, SM Entertainment threatened legal action against someone spreading false rumors about Winter and ENHYPEN’s Jungwon.
The agencies’ track record makes their current silence particularly intriguing.
The Reality Check: What’s Actually Verified?
Here’s what we know for certain—which isn’t much. Earlier this year, HYBE acknowledged that BTS’s Jimin had previously been in contact with TV personality Song Da Eun “with good feelings,” though they emphasized the two hadn’t spoken in years. This rare admission came only after concrete evidence surfaced.
For Jungkook and Winter? Zero official confirmations. No verified photographs together, no acknowledged meetings, nothing beyond fan speculation built on circumstantial observations. The entire narrative rests on pattern-matching and coincidence interpretation.
K-pop agencies fiercely protect their artists’ privacy regarding relationships, knowing romantic news can impact careers and fan loyalty. The industry’s dating disclosure history suggests if either side wanted this confirmed, they’d do so strategically and officially—not through ambiguous tattoos and fashion choices.
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FAQs
Q: Have Jungkook and Winter’s agencies officially confirmed they’re dating?
A: No. Despite widespread speculation, neither BIGHIT MUSIC (Jungkook’s label) nor SM Entertainment (Winter’s agency) has confirmed any romantic relationship. Both agencies responded with “no comment” to recent inquiries about the dating rumors, neither confirming nor denying the speculation. Previously, both companies have been quick to deny false dating rumors about their artists, making their current silence noteworthy but not conclusive.
Q: What evidence do fans claim supports the Jungkook-Winter dating theory?
A: Fans point to several circumstantial clues: alleged matching dog tattoos in similar body locations, similar nail polish placement, comparable clothing and accessory choices, matching in-ear monitors, and historically similar Instagram usernames. However, skeptics note these could all be coincidences—the “tattoo” might be a band-aid, and matching consumer products don’t prove relationships. No verified photographs of them together or official statements supporting the relationship claims exist. Until either agency or the artists themselves confirm, these remain unverified fan observations.
