BTS' Jungkook and aespa's Winter's agencies stay silent as dating rumours reignite over ‘matching tattoos’

Jungkook and Winter reignite dating rumours

Fresh dating rumours involving BTS’ Jungkook and aespa’s Winter have returned to the spotlight, igniting an intense online frenzy after fans claimed to spot new “evidence” linking the two K-pop idols.

The latest speculation centres around what fans believe are matching dog tattoos placed in the same location on both artists.

Jungkook and Winter (real name Kim Min Jeong) have been the subject of ongoing dating speculation for years. Previous rumours involved everything from alleged late-night sightings and matching outfits to similar accessories. But the newly surfaced tattoo claims have led some fans to once again revisit the possibility of a relationship between the two.

Initially, an alleged report by My Daily suggested that HYBE, the parent company overseeing BTS, was internally “checking” the new claims circulating online. However, this quickly shifted when Maeil Kyungjae reported that both BIGHIT MUSIC (a HYBE sub-label) and SM Entertainment had opted not to address the renewed round of allegations. Their decision to neither confirm nor deny the rumours has triggered even more curiosity. Many fans have taken their silence as a tacit acknowledgement, causing heated debate across fan communities.

Some supporters of the idols, however, have stepped in to clarify that the supposed tattoo on Jungkook, seen during the premiere week of Are You Sure?! Season 2, could have simply been a band-aid. Other pieces of “evidence” resurfacing online, including matching nail colour placement from past photos, vaguely similar clothing choices, comparable in-ears, and the structure of their Instagram usernames, remain entirely circumstantial.

Both artists’ agencies have dealt with similar situations in the past. Jungkook’s name was previously entangled in dating rumours involving actress Lee Yu Bi in 2021, which HYBE dismissed swiftly and firmly. Earlier this year, aespa’s agency publicly shut down claims linking Winter to ENHYPEN member Jungwon and announced potential legal action against those spreading false rumours.

HYBE has addressed dating speculation involving BTS members cautiously in recent times. The company clarified earlier this year that member Jimin had previously met with TV personality and actress Song Da Eun “with good feelings,” but emphasised that the two had not spoken in many years, after older videos resurfaced online. The agency has not confirmed any relationship rumours regarding the other BTS members.