K-Pop Stars Jungkook and Winter Face Truck Protests Amid Dating Rumors

Following BTS's Jungkook, aespa's Winter has also become the target of truck protests.

According to reports on the 11th, a truck protest is taking place in front of SM Entertainment's headquarters in Seoul's Seongdong District, aimed at Winter, who is rumored to be dating Jungkook. The truck's LED display features messages such as 'Erase the tattoo and come out to explain!', 'You promised to be together for 10 years, but you broke the trust, Winter!', 'Silence is not an answer, show responsibility', and 'If you want to date loudly, live as a regular person, not aespa's Winter.'

Jungkook is facing a similar situation. On the morning of the 10th, a truck with an LED display was parked in front of HYBE's headquarters in Yongsan, Seoul, displaying messages like 'Are you in your right mind, deceiving fans and harming the team?', 'If you won't erase the couple tattoo, leave BTS activities', and 'Fans who waited for your military service return only got deception.'

Recently, online communities have been abuzz with speculation that Jungkook and Winter are dating. The rumors are fueled by similarities in their tattoo designs, nail art, and sightings of Jungkook at an aespa concert. Both artists' agencies have yet to release official statements.

In the absence of official responses, fan speculation and emotions have escalated, leading to protest actions.

Meanwhile, Winter has hinted at taking legal action against malicious posts. SM Entertainment announced through the fan reporting platform 'KWANGYA 119' that they will strongly respond to malicious posts targeting Winter. SM stated, 'The level of malicious posts, including sexual harassment, defamation, personal attacks, and deepfakes, is severe,' and warned of possible criminal and civil actions.

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