BTS Jungkook & aespa Winter's Dating Rumors Swirl: 'Couple Tattoo' Speculation Reignites Past Live Stream Comments Amidst Fan Protests

Dating rumors surrounding BTS member Jungkook and aespa member Winter continue to spread, with Jungkook's past remarks about his tattoos during a live broadcast gaining renewed attention.

Fans ignited speculation by analyzing that the 'three puppies' tattoos on the upper elbow of both Jungkook and Winter share nearly identical positions and designs, fueling 'couple tattoo' suspicions. Further scrutiny focused on recurring instances of similar items, such as in-ear monitors, slippers, shorts, and even nail art, intensifying doubts about them being 'clever couple items'.

The controversy escalated with theories suggesting Jungkook's Instagram ID ('mnijungkook') incorporated 'mni' from Winter's real name, Minjeong. Additionally, a clip where Winter mistakenly uttered 'Jeon Jungkook' during a broadcast and reported sightings of Jungkook attending an aespa concert during his vacation further fueled the fire.

Amidst this, comments made by Jungkook during a Weverse live broadcast in March 2023 have resurfaced. He explained the tattoos covering his arm, and when fans asked if he intended to remove them, he replied, "There's no need to remove them," adding, "It's something I wanted to do at that moment. Erasing them would be denying my past self." He further stated, "I do have regrets, but what can be done, it's already passed. Regretting past events is the most foolish thing to do."

Meanwhile, both HYBE and SM Entertainment have maintained a stance of "difficult to confirm" regarding the dating rumors, failing to quell the ongoing controversy. This contrasts with their swift denials of 'groundless' rumors concerning Jungkook and Lee Yu-bi, and Winter and ENHYPEN's Jungwon in the past, deepening fans' suspicion.

The controversy has now escalated to truck protests. On the 10th, Jungkook's fans sent a truck to HYBE's headquarters with messages like, "If you won't remove the couple tattoo, withdraw from BTS activities," and "Stop deceiving your fans." The following day, a protest truck targeting Winter appeared in front of SM Entertainment's building, displaying messages such as, "If you're going to date loudly, live as Kim Minjeong, not aespa's Winter," and "Remove the tattoos and explain yourself."

With both agencies remaining silent and the fandom conflict escalating to truck protests, the dating rumors surrounding Jungkook and Winter are unlikely to subside anytime soon.

Korean netizens are actively discussing the issue, with comments like, "Jungkook's tattoo statement sounds significant now," "Winter should also remove hers and come clean," and "I don't understand why the agency responses are so different." Opinions are divided, with some hoping the rumors are true, while others strongly assert they are mere gossip.