Why BigHit and SM Won't Confirm or Deny Jungkook and Winter Dating Rumors
The K-pop world is buzzing after fresh dating speculation linked BTS's Jungkook with aespa's Winter on December 4. What's making fans pay attention isn't just the rumors themselves-it's the deafening silence from both agencies.
The Evidence That Started Everything
Online sleuths claim they've spotted matching tattoos on both idols: three puppy faces in similar locations on their arms. Photos surfaced from Jungkook's recent content and Winter's social media, though the images remain blurry and hard to verify.
Fans also pointed to matching accessories (bracelets, flip-flops, in-ear monitors), coordinated nail polish on their ring fingers, and Jungkook's Instagram username "mnijungkook"-which some believe references Winter's real name, Kim Minjeong, when rearranged.
The most compelling detail? Reports that Jungkook attended an aespa concert during his military service, something he'd never done for other girl groups under HYBE.
The Tell-Tale Silence
When contacted by media on December 4, BigHit Music said they were "checking on the matter." SM Entertainment offered even less: "We have no statement at this time."
That wouldn't be unusual-except both companies have swiftly denied similar rumors in the past.
Just three weeks earlier in December 2024, SM Entertainment immediately shot down dating rumors between Winter and ENHYPEN's Jungwon, calling them "groundless" and threatening legal action. BigHit did the same in 2021 when Jungkook was linked to actress Lee Yoo Bi, denying the rumors within days.
So why the silence now?
The V and Jennie Precedent
This isn't the first time BigHit has stayed quiet on BTS dating rumors. V and BLACKPINK's Jennie were linked for over two years starting in May 2022, when photos allegedly showed them together on Jeju Island. Multiple leaked images followed-showing the pair in various private settings.
Neither YG Entertainment nor BigHit ever confirmed the relationship. Both agencies cited respect for artists' privacy, only taking legal action against those leaking private photos. When breakup reports surfaced in December 2023, the agencies again said nothing.
Jimin's Two-Year Wait for Confirmation
Jimin's situation with actress Song Da-eun followed a similar pattern. Rumors started in 2022 after Song posted photos of earphones engraved with both their names. For over two years, BigHit stayed silent despite mounting evidence and Song's increasingly direct social media posts.
Only in August 2025-after Song posted a TikTok video appearing to show Jimin at his apartment building-did BigHit finally respond. The company confirmed they "were once acquainted with mutual affection in the past, but that was several years ago, and they are not in a relationship at present."
BigHit explained they'd remained silent "in order to respect Jimin's private life" but felt compelled to clarify after "speculative reports" and "groundless rumors" continued spreading.
What This Means
Based on recent history, BigHit and SM may never issue statements about Jungkook and Winter unless the situation escalates. The companies appear to have adopted a new approach: deny obvious falsehoods quickly, but stay silent on anything that might be true-or was true in the past.
Winter attended her first public event since the rumors on December 6 at an aespa fansign. Jungkook, who was discharged from military service on June 11, 2025, continues his normal activities.
For now, the agencies' silence speaks louder than any statement could.
