ENHYPEN's Jungwon Denies Dating Rumors with aespa's Winter, Expresses Frustration

ENHYPEN's Jungwon (Yang Jungwon, 20) has expressed his frustration over dating rumors with aespa's Winter (Kim Minjeong, 23), calling them "ridiculous."

During a live broadcast on the official fan community Weverse on the 12th, Jungwon addressed fans' comments, stating, "I saw a comment asking if I'm dating. I'm not dating anyone, and I don't smoke either."

Jungwon expressed his displeasure towards the community post that sparked the rumors, saying, "I don't know how the person who posted it plans to handle the aftermath, but I'm not dating and I don't smoke. It's just absurd."

Previously, on the 11th, ENHYPEN's agency, Belift Lab, addressed the dating rumors, stating, "The rumors are not true," and warned, "Belift Lab will take strong action against any invasion of our artists' privacy and the creation and spread of malicious rumors."

SM Entertainment also denied the rumors, stating, "There is no truth to these claims." They explained that the person who spread the photos attempted to contact a media outlet for monetary gain, and when the outlet refused, they maliciously spread the rumors. SM Entertainment announced plans for legal action.

SM Entertainment's firm stance on this issue has drawn attention, with some speculating that the company is reacting more sensitively to dating rumors following past incidents, such as the dating acknowledgment of aespa's Karina and actor Lee Jae-wook, which caused division among fans.

The dating rumors surfaced online with photos and videos allegedly showing Winter and Jungwon on a date. The post's author commented, "With the year-end approaching, they'll have many schedules together," and questioned Winter's choice of outfit, saying, "Should she have worn the clothes from the challenge?" They also claimed, "Winter took a taxi first, and then Yang Jungwon got in."

The post has since been deleted.

Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr