The dating rumors between Jungkook and aespa’s Winter have taken a complicated turn over the past week. What began as fan observations of coincidental overlaps — such as clothing, in-ear monitors, locations, or tattoos — soon escalated into accusations that treated the speculation as an almost “default truth.”

Naturally, many people, especially кσяєαn netizens, still hold conservative attitudes toward idols dating. Since Jungkook and Winter are among the most prominent idols today, the wave of backlash and criticism directed at both artists has grown increasingly hostile.

Although on the 10th, SM Entertainment announced that it would be taking legal action to protect aespa’s Winter from “malicious rumors, repeated spreading of false information, ѕєхually harαѕѕing posts, and mocking or distorted content,” the company’s and HYBE’s lack of a clear stance on the dating rumor has done little to appease a segment of the public reacting negatively.

According to recent reports, the attacks targeting Jungkook are not only rampant online but have escalated into protest trucks being sent to HYBE’s headquarters, displaying messages demanding the removal of the Golden Maknae from BTS activities. The messages included:

- “If you’re not going to remove your matching tattoo, then don’t participate in BTS promotions anymore.”

- “All the ARMYs who waited for you throughout your military service are only met with your disregard.”

- “Are you thinking clearly when you act in ways that disrespect fans and harm the group?”

As photos of the protest trucks spread online, the fandom reacted with ѕнσ¢к at the reckless behavior of those claiming to be BTS fans. Some even suspected that the people who sent these trucks were impersonating ARMYs and were, in fact, anti-fans targeting Jungkook and BTS. Others pointed to a small number of K-ARMYs who may have acted irrationally due to the rumors.

Regardless of who was responsible, genuine ARMYs emphasized that these messages do not represent the fandom and never have. Realizing that explanations would be ineffective just by words — and fearing that Jungkook or the BTS members might see the trucks and misunderstand the fandom’s intentions — ARMYs swiftly mobilized seven support trucks to surround HYBE’s headquarters, directly facing off against the protest trucks.

This trucks displayed strong messages defending Jungkook from malicious attacks, reaffirming that “BTS is always seven,” and urging HYBE to take concrete action to protect its artist. Some of the messages translated as follows:

- “Jungkook is not afraid of vague ‘exit’ threats, and the truth is that BTS cannot exist without him.”

- “Jungkook, choose the path you truly want with confidence. JJKS will support you unconditionally.” — All international Jungkook fans

- “Remove all AI-generated content from every platform. Stop spreading illegal recordings. Jungkook’s personal safety must be protected.”

- “Jungkook — who performed at the FIFA World Cup, a global singer who turned down the Super Bowl, and enlisted four years early — has nothing to be ashamed of before anyone.”

It is worth noting that these support trucks were not the fandom’s only response to the negative messages. In fact, beginning on the 9th — even before the anti-Jungkook trucks appeared — Chinese BTS fans had already sent trucks demanding HYBE speak up to protect its artist, stating: “We are truly fed up with the company ignoring and doing nothing about the malicious rumors constantly being created about Jungkook on all platforms!!”

The messages displayed on the trucks included: “Jungkook’s fans have always believed in him and supported him, but the company’s attitude this time is ambiguous. They are manipulating the media, playing with public opinion, and falsely accusing him while using the artist to divert attention from the HYBE scandal! We must fιgнт against online harαѕѕment and the rumors targeting Jungkook on all platforms and do everything we can to protect the reputation of HYBE’s leading artist, Jungkook!” and “After completing his military service, he has had no solo activities, despite the sincerity he showed by enlisting early for the sake of the group. He deserves the stage and the solo promotions he truly deserves.”

These efforts don’t even account for the fan-led campaigns circulating on social media aimed at countering false information and malicious attacks against Jungkook and BTS ahead of the group’s full-member comeback. They demonstrate that the fandom has never believed unfounded rumors and remains steadfast in supporting their artists alone.

Beyond confronting the extremists attempting to sabotage Jungkook and BTS, widespread speculation has grown that the recent controversies surrounding Jungkook may be part of a calculated and well-prepared campaign. There is concern that certain parties fear BTS’s smooth return and the renewed spotlight it brings — a fear that has long driven such targeted attacks.