aespa’s Winter became the center of renewed online discussion linking her with BTS’ Jungkook after the group’s SYNK: AEXIS LINE world tour stop in Hong Kong on February 8, 2026. The conversation surfaced following fan-shared photos from the concert that appeared to show Winter covering a tattoo, prompting fresh speculation across social media.
aespa had held their Hong Kong shows on February 8, 2026, with fansites in attendance documenting the performances. One set of images featuring Winter circulated widely. While the photos initially drew little reaction, some users later questioned her intentions, leading to criticism and renewed debate.
The discussion tied back to earlier online claims about a possible relationship between BTS’ Jungkook and Winter. In previous months, some netizens had pointed out what they believed were similarities between the two idols.
These included dog-face tattoos with a similar design, ring-finger nail art, and overlapping accessories. Others also referenced Jungkook’s attendance at aespa’s SYNK: PARALLEL LINE encore concert in Seoul in March 2025 as part of their speculation.
Although the initial claims were met with skepticism, repeated posts presenting what users called “proof” kept the topic alive, including allegations about the “couple tattoos.” This led to sustained scrutiny of both artists, with Winter in particular facing criticism whenever related content resurfaced.
Following the Hong Kong concert, the issue re-emerged, but many fans pushed back against the renewed backlash. Supporters argued that Winter’s personal choices should not be subject to public judgment and called for respect toward her privacy. One fan wrote,
“Or let her live her life? hEr FaN mea- stfu let her having a life too”
Fans rallied behind Winter and Jungkook telling the critics to leave the kpop stars alone calling it no one else’s matter than them.
Fand continued to critic the backlash against Winter.
Jungkook-Winter rumors escalate to protest trucks as BTS and aespa continue major tour and comeback plans
Fans had criticized the speculation linking BTS’ Jungkook and aespa’s Winter, with many fans and online users dismissing the so-called “evidence” as circumstantial and unconvincing. As the rumors continued to circulate, both artists faced waves of negative commentary, prompting supporters to call for more active involvement from their respective agencies.
Fans argued that the situation had gone beyond gossip and entered the realm of reputational harm. They urged HYBE Labels and SM Entertainment to address the issue publicly and take steps to protect their artists from what they described as defamation. While calls for action grew louder, HYBE had not issued an official statement at the time, which led to further frustration among parts of the fandom.
That frustration reportedly escalated into offline protest activity. On December 10, 2025, trucks were said to have been parked outside HYBE’s headquarters amid the ongoing dating speculation surrounding Jungkook and Winter, according to Allkpop. The scene quickly became a topic of discussion across social media and online forums.
Posts on the Korean community sites claimed the trucks carried LED displays aimed at Jungkook over the rumors. The messages reportedly accused him of betraying fans’ trust and damaging BTS’s image. Among the statements circulating online were demands such as calling on him to remove an alleged “couple tattoo” or step back from group activities, and remarks questioning his judgment in light of fans’ support during his military service.
aespa’s Synk: Aexis Line is the group’s third major world tour. It has kicked off on August 29, 2025, with a two-night opening at Seoul’s KSPO Dome and is scheduled to wrap up on April 26, 2026, at Tokyo Dome in Japan.
Meanwhile, BTS are gearing up for their long-awaited full-group comeback. The septet is set to drop a new studio album titled ARIRANG on March 20, 2026. The release will be their first proper group album since the 2022 anthology Proof, ending a lengthy stretch without complete group promotions.
Edited by Adrija Chakraborty
