From December 4, Jungkook and aespa’s Winter once again became a hot topic on online communities after some users claimed the two idols had “matching tattoos.”

This discovery was pointed out after episode 2 of Jimin and Jungkook’s travel reality show Are You Sure 2 aired on the 3rd. Some viewers α¢¢ι∂єитally noticed a tattoo-like line on the back of Jungkook’s left upper arm that resembled three emojis placed closely together. This made them αѕѕociate it with the tattoo on the back of Winter’s arm, which has a similar shape — an engraving of her three dogs.

Although this remains only a fan speculation, the dating rumors between the two had already been circulating since 2023, and this new “evidence” further intensified the heated online reactions. On the other hand, the agencies of both idols started showing movements as кσяєαn media outlets reached out for comment.

On December 5, in a statement to MyDaily, representatives from Big Hit Music and SM Entertainment said, “We have no official position on this matter”. In another MyDaily article titled ‘Jungkook & Winter Spark Dating Rumors Amid Couple Tattoo Allegations’, HYBE additionally stated, “We’re checking”.

Another major entertainment outlet, Sports Hankook, wrote in its latest report: “Neither side has released any official statement. With both parties remaining silent, attention is now focused on whether this dating rumor will simply end as a brief incident.” 

What stands out here is that Big Hit Music’s vague responses across various articles have further convinced some people that the rumor is true, leading to a surge of criticism directed at the male idol on social media. Since his Instagram account has no posts and his TikTok account has restricted comments, haters and toxic individuals began targeting his public secondary Instagram account — bowwow_bam, which belongs to his dog Bam.

Some criticized Jungkook for allegedly not daring to admit the relationship out of fear of losing fans or harming his career. They accused him of being a liar for saying he had no girlfriend when, according to them, he has supposedly been dating Winter for a long time. Some former fans expressed anger and disappointment upon seeing their idol in a rumored relationship. Many others left hateful or insulting comments toward both Jungkook and Bam despite the fact that nothing has been confirmed.

This is not the first time this year that Jungkook and Bam have faced such harsh attacks. Since Jungkook returned from military service, numerous posts accusing him of dating Winter have surfaced, presenting “coincidental” evidence such as clothing, accessories, Instagram posts, nail polish colors, or matching locations. Every time the rumor-related topics trended, Bam’s Instagram account became flooded with abusive comments.

At one point, ARMYs and some genuine aespa fans discovered someone impersonating Winter’s supporters and using a chatbot to spam negative comments and emojis under Jungkook-related Instagram posts. These large-scale attacks appear to be intentionally organized to stir up controversy and severely impact the idols.

This time, the situation is even worse because HYBE made some moves in the press that further fueled the controversy. ARMYs are now trying to take various steps to protect both Bam’s Instagram account and Jungkook amid the turmoil. Fans are pushing back against negative comments by posting loving messages toward the dog and the idol under Instagram posts. Campaigns featuring hashtags and posts such as “We Love Jungkook” are also being spread across social media platforms.

ARMYs also could not hide their frustration as the agency failed to protect the artist or handle the situation in a way that would benefit him. At the same time, they pointed out that the criticism aimed at Jungkook — when everything is still just an unconfirmed rumor — is clearly unfair:

- And if these rumors got wrong ...then you guys should be ashamed of yourself atleast you need to see both are humans ..you should leave both alone the f+ck I said

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

- what wrong with them. This is too much. This is absolutely demented behavior

- The whole mess started because HYBE couldn’t give a clear statement. Their half-hearted reaction pushed the situation into chaos. No wonder Bam’s account is getting targeted

- HYBE is the reason things blew up this badly. Their vague responses only fueled the hate. Honestly, it would’ve been better if they had stayed completely silent.

- This is so disgusting. No normal individual will ever behave in such deranged manner

- What is wrong w people? They are insane!

- HYBE’s poor handling created the perfect storm for hate and harαѕѕment. A non-response would’ve been less damaging than the confusing ‘no stance’ approach they took

- Don't they have life outside! What's this fatherless behaviour.

- I wish the worst for these mfs. let's send lots of love to Jungkook

- Reported so manyyyy! This is absolutely disgusting! What has Jungkookie ever done to them for him to be treated like this!? Such malice is really unbelievable!!!!

- Free Jungkook and Bam from these mentally ill people. Why are these deranged people leaving such inappropriate comments on an unrelated account?

- Wtf is this. Such a brain∂єα∂ group they are. Fucking free jungkook from these dedheads.