Rumors about a romantic relationship between aespa’s Winter and Jungkook first began circulating in 2023, based on so-called “couple items” and shared interests pointed out by netizens. At the time, the speculation received little attention due to its vague nature. In recent months, however, the rumors resurfaced repeatedly, but only in early December did they truly explode across social media as well as domestic and international media outlets. Major news sources covered the story extensively, further intensifying public scrutiny.
As the rumors spread widely, Winter and Jungkook quickly became the main targets of attacks from certain au∂ιєnces, regardless of the actual truth. Meanwhile, one day after the media heavily discussed the speculation, the two agencies involved — SM and HYBE — issued vague responses such as “We have no official position on this matter,” “We are checking,” or simply remained silent.
The statements made in early December were regarded by some as “nearly an admission,” adding fuel to the suspicions. Both fandoms began to experience members leaving due to immature reactions, while malicious individuals found more grounds to distort facts and spread hateful content toward both idols online.
After nearly a week of ongoing hostility, on December 10, SM Entertainment finally released an official statement firmly denying the negative rumors surrounding Winter. The agency stated, “We are fully aware of the seriousness of the ongoing malicious posts and comments related to our artist (including ѕєχual harαѕѕment, defamation, personal attacks, insults, invasion of privacy, deepfakes, etc.).”
SM further emphasized: “In particular, we have identified numerous acts damaging Winter’s character and reputation, as well as malicious postings and ѕєχually harαѕѕing content made with the intention of publicly slandering the artist, on platforms such as DC Inside, Women’s Generation, Nate Pann, Instiz, Theqoo, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. After reviewing these posts, we will be expanding the filing of complaints in stages,” and, “We have also secured large amounts of evidence regarding the creation of malicious rumors, repeated spreading of false information, ѕєχually harαѕѕing posts, and mocking or distorted content produced and distributed through personal social media, online communities, and anonymous forums.”
The company concluded firmly, “We will be responding strongly and without leniency, so we ask that you exercise caution to avoid being involved in any such incidents. We will continue to make every effort in all areas to protect the rights and interests of our artists.”
SM’s latest action has clarified that the recent dating rumors involving Winter and Jungkook were false, effectively ending months of speculation that caused significant harm to the artists and their reputations. Fans of aespa’s Winter have expressed satisfaction with SM’s official stance and legal measures to protect the idol.
While the controversy concerning Winter appears to have been resolved, ARMYs have grown increasingly frustrated with HYBE’s continued silence and slow response, which has allowed Jungkook to endure a harsh wave of online hatred over the past several days. This frustration remained even after ARMYs sent protest trucks to HYBE’s headquarters on December 9, demanding concrete actions to protect the male idol.
At this point, ARMYs’ anger has erupted entirely, with strong outrage toward HYBE flooding social media:
- sm being the one to deny the rumors yet hybe continues to stay silent and refuses to protect jungkook. you don’t understand how much i hate that company. free jungkook.
- And when will hybesh1t move for jk like this, shame on that fat pig
- It's their responsibility to protect him as long as he is under them but they choose the silence
- We need to call that useless company out for all the bs they let slide for years, hybe is really the worst company EVER!
- Jungkook continues facing a smear campaign full of false, malicious accusations. HYBE has stayed silent while antis spread lies, now pretending to speak for fans. We demand HYBE protect their artist and take action NOW
- Despite the ongoing spread of false information & malicious harαѕѕment by antis, the company's response remains insufficient. @BIGHIT_MUSIC @HYBEOFFICIALtwt Take strong action immediately to protect the artist. Don’t use artists to cover up internal issues
- In reality, that f*ck αѕѕ company is behind this whole mess involving Jungkook in the first place to coverup Bongo's illegal activities
- Sm only taking legal action cus their stocks dropped by 6%. This whole dating rumour was the worst thing to ever happen to winter and especially Jungkook. When will hybe move and protect jungkook. Sm’s strategy backfired so much they released a statement.
- I don’t see the point of Jungkook staying at HYBE when they can’t even protect him from all the hate and defamation. The company is useless
- Hybe could never protect Jungkook like this. From unlawful home intrusion to stolen stock and now dating rumors—doesn’t a management company like this seem completely useless?
