In recent years, many K-pop fandoms have become more open and “open-minded” about idols dating, but that does not mean that most fans easily accept their idols being in a relationship. There are still many fans who are strict and extreme about idols dating, whether the person is in the industry or outside of it, and whether the rumor is real or fake.

For these fans, even a slight suspicious hint or a circulating rumor is enough for them to be convinced that their idol and the other person are really dating. But thinking alone is not enough; toxic individuals also take frightening actions, such as attacking idols with negative comments on social media, causing no small amount of trouble.

Since July of this year, Jungkook and aespa’s Winter have become victims of attacks by anonymous individuals simply because of some baseless rumors alleging that they were in a romantic relationship. The evidence cited included things like matching accessories and shared gym routines – which is rather ridiculous.

Not only that, even Jungkook’s newly created Instagram account came under suspicion simply because it was “@mnijungkook.” Those accusing him of dating suggested that “mni” could subtly refer to Winter’s real name, Minjeong, reading as “MinJungkook.” They inferred this as if they were Sherlock Holmes! But a real Holmes would never make such baseless αѕѕumptions.

Most genuine fans of both idols also dismissed this rumor because it was absurd, but because it had spread on social media, many people believed it, leading to negative actions. Initially, Winter’s Instagram had to endure a wave of hateful messages.

Now, several months later, it seems that Jungkook is facing a similar situation, but the difference is that it is not on his personal Instagram account but on his dog Bam’s account. Because Jungkook’s personal page has no posts for them to comment on, Bam’s feed has become an easy target for these individuals.

Comments like “Stay away from Winter”, “Leave her alone”, "Winter deserves better", "Attention seeker",... flooded the comment section, along with more serious threats telling him to “∂ιє.”

aespa fans αѕѕert that these comments were not made by Winter’s supporters, as the accounts linked to those comments do not even follow her on the platform. And of course, ARMY also believes that polite and mature fans would never do this. Therefore, it could be haters targeting Jungkook or people just looking to cause more trouble between the two fandoms.

This situation has angered all fans, especially ARMY. They pointed out that baseless rumors cannot justify harαѕѕment. The fandom came together, calling on each other to post loving comments for Jungkook and the dog to push back against the hateful, negative reactions:

- It’s clear someone is trying to set up and it’s obvious those people aren’t even her fans. If you take even a little time to check the account details, you’ll see that those users don’t even follow her. Please don’t just jump on the hate train or be part of a setup. Before you consume and spread things like that, check first before posting nonsense.

- Guys, leave nice comments under posts on Bam's account to prevent Jungkook from seeing these negative comments

- These are all bots you can see from the names, some people are tryna set Winter up, too bad we aren't stupid for such cheap tricks? 

- Attacking idols, setting the rumor up and now attacking even their pets for doing nothing wrong. When will stupid people leave them behind?

- These are recent comments under @/Bowwow_bam insta post. Go through the comment section and report all vile comments !!!sick akgaes wishing harm and calling names to jungkook, bam and his family.

- Please go to Bam’s Instagram account and leave nice comments for Jungkook

- This kind of behavior should be called out by everyone!! I have no words at their cruelty

- Remember: — leave positive comments — engage with positive comments — report negative comments — do not engage with negative comments

- Seriously?! All this baseless hate towards Jungkook and Bam has gone too far. Leave them alone!

- How dare you harαѕѕ someone over rumors that aren’t even true? This is disgusting