BTS’s Jungkook and aespa’s Winter, Dating Rumors… Both Sides: ‘No Comment’

Amid dating rumors involving group BTS’s Jungkook (28, Jeon Jungkook) and group aespa’s Winter (24, Kim Minjeong), both of their agencies have remained silent.

Recently, evidence related to Jungkook and Winter’s dating rumors has spread across various online communities and SNS. As supporting evidence, netizens pointed to Jungkook and Winter having tattoos of three puppy faces in similar locations and noted numerous matching items like shorts, slippers, bracelets, and in-ear monitors. They also emphasized that the two had their ring fingernails done one day apart, expressing conviction in the relationship.

In addition, witness accounts of Jungkook visiting an aespa concert during his military service have resurfaced, supporting the dating rumors. The fact that Jungkook has never been seen at concerts of other girl groups under his agency, HYBE, was highlighted, stressing how unusual the visit was.

In response, Jungkook’s agency BIGHIT MUSIC and Winter’s agency SM Entertainment have consistently remained silent, offering no particular comment regarding the dating rumors.

Previously, in 2021, Jungkook was swept up in dating rumors with actress Lee Yoo-bi. At the time, his agency denied the rumors and firmly stated they were not in a relationship.

Furthermore, in 2023, regarding persistent dating rumors, Jungkook had expressed his stance, saying, ‘I don’t have a girlfriend. I just want to focus on work. I don’t feel the need (for a relationship). Since I don’t have a girlfriend, please stop talking about it. My girlfriend is ARMY. Right now, I truly only have ARMY. It’s refreshing to say it. Don’t worry.’

Winter was also involved in dating rumors last December with ENHYPEN’s Jungwon but swiftly denied them. Her agency stated, ‘The person who spread the photos (fueling the suspicions) contacted a media outlet for financial gain and attempted to communicate directly with our company. When the media outlet refused to connect them for a financially motivated tip, they maliciously spread the photos. We will be taking legal action.’

Amid this situation, the fact that Jungkook’s and Winter’s camps are remaining silent about these latest dating rumors, rather than issuing a ‘denial,’ is adding weight to the opinion that it may be a tacit admission of their relationship.

Meanwhile, Jungkook, who was discharged from the military this past June, is preparing for a full-group comeback with BTS in the first half of next year. aespa, who conducted a world tour this year, recently won three awards at the ‘2025 MAMA Awards,’ including Best Choreography, Best Dance Performance Female Group, and Best Female Group. They have also announced the release of a full-length album for next year.