HYBE's move amid dating rumors sparks criticism toward Jungkook on Instagram

 

Starting December 4, Jungkook and aespa's Winter once again became a hot topic on online communities after some users claimed the two idols had "matching tattoos."

This came after episode 2 of Jimin and Jungkook's travel reality show Are You Sure 2 aired on the 3rd. Some viewers accidentally noticed a tattoo-like line on the back of Jungkook’s left upper arm that resembled three emojis placed close together. This made them associate it with the tattoo on the back of Winter’s arm, which has a similar shape — an engraving of her three dogs.

Although this remains only fan speculation, dating rumors between the two have been circulating since 2023, and this new “evidence” further intensified heated online reactions. Meanwhile, both idols’ agencies began to show movement as Korean media outlets reached out for comment.

On December 5, in a statement to MyDaily, representatives from Big Hit Music and SM Entertainment said, “We have no official position on this matter.” In another MyDaily article titled “Jungkook & Winter Spark Dating Rumors Amid Couple Tattoo Allegations,” HYBE additionally stated, “We’re checking.”

Another major outlet, Sports Hankook, wrote in its latest report: “Neither side has released any official statement. With both parties remaining silent, attention is now focused on whether this dating rumor will simply end as a brief incident.”

What stands out is that Big Hit Music’s vague responses across various articles have further convinced some people that the rumor is true, leading to a surge of criticism directed at the male idol on social media. Because Jungkook’s main Instagram account has no posts and his TikTok comments are restricted, haters and toxic individuals began targeting his public secondary Instagram account — bowwow_bam, which belongs to his dog Bam.

Some criticized Jungkook for allegedly being afraid to admit the relationship out of fear of losing fans or hurting his career. They accused him of being a liar for previously saying he had no girlfriend when, according to them, he has supposedly been dating Winter for a long time. Some former fans expressed anger and disappointment at seeing their idol involved in a rumored relationship. Many others left hateful or insulting comments toward both Jungkook and Bam despite the fact that nothing has been confirmed.

This is not the first time this year that Jungkook and Bam have faced such harsh attacks. Since Jungkook returned from military service, numerous posts accusing him of dating Winter have surfaced, presenting so-called “coincidental” evidence such as clothing, accessories, Instagram posts, nail polish colors, or matching locations. Every time rumor-related topics trended, Bam’s Instagram account became flooded with abusive comments.

At one point, ARMYs and some genuine aespa fans discovered someone impersonating Winter’s supporters and using a chatbot to spam negative comments and emojis under Jungkook-related Instagram posts. These large-scale attacks appear to be intentionally organized to stir up controversy and severely impact the idols.

This time, the situation is even worse because HYBE made several moves in the press that further fueled the controversy. ARMYs are now taking various steps to protect both Bam’s Instagram account and Jungkook amid the turmoil. Fans are pushing back against negative comments by posting loving messages toward the dog and the idol. Campaigns featuring hashtags and posts such as “We Love Jungkook” are spreading across social media platforms.

ARMYs also expressed frustration that the agency failed to protect the artist or handle the situation in a way that would benefit him. Many pointed out that the criticism aimed at Jungkook — when everything is still just an unconfirmed rumor — is clearly unfair.

ARMYs comments

1. And if these rumors are wrong… then you guys should be ashamed of yourselves. At least recognize they’re both human. You should leave them alone — what the f**k.

2. This kind of behavior should be called out by everyone! I have no words for their cruelty.

3. What is wrong with them? This is too much. This is absolutely demented behavior.

4. The whole mess started because HYBE couldn’t give a clear statement. Their half-hearted reaction pushed the situation into chaos. No wonder Bam’s account is getting targeted.

5. HYBE is the reason things blew up this badly. Their vague responses only fueled the hate. Honestly, it would’ve been better if they had stayed completely silent.

6. This is so disgusting. No normal individual would behave in such a deranged manner.

7. What is wrong with people? They are insane!

8. HYBE’s poor handling created the perfect storm for hate and harassment. A non-response would’ve been less damaging than their confusing “no stance” approach.

9. Don’t they have a life outside? What’s this fatherless behavior?

10. I wish the worst for these mfs. Let’s send lots of love to Jungkook.

11. Reported so many! This is absolutely disgusting! What has Jungkookie ever done to them to deserve this? Such malice is unbelievable!

12. Free Jungkook and Bam from these mentally ill people. Why are these deranged people leaving such inappropriate comments on an unrelated account?

13. Wtf is this? Such a brain-dead group they are. Free Jungkook from these deadheads.