Protest trucks, vitriolic online comments and legal action. This is what happens when two popular K-pop group members get involved romantically \u2013\u00a0and the relationship is not even set in stone.<\/p>\n
BTS\u2019 Jungkook is facing intense backlash from fervent fans who disapprove of him being linked to girl group Aespa\u2019s Winter, 24, whose real name is Kim Min-jeong.<\/p>\n
The Korea Times reported that on Dec 10, a faction of the 28-year-old\u2019s supporters staged a protest in front of BTS\u2019 management company Hybe\u2019s headquarters in Seoul. They accused the K-pop idol of misleading fans and damaging the group\u2019s image.<\/p>\n
Angry phrases, such as \u201cErase the couple tattoo or step back from BTS activities\u201d, \u201cAre you in your right mind deceiving fans and harming the group?\u201d and \u201cArmy (fandom name) waited for you during the military, and this is what we get in return\u201d, were displayed on LED signs.<\/p>\n
A separate protest truck was sent to Aespa\u2019s agency SM Entertainment\u2019s Seoul headquarters. It displayed messages such as \u201cErase the tattoo and explain yourself\u201d and \u201cIf you want to date loudly, live as Kim Min-jeong, not as Aespa\u2019s Winter\u201d. <\/p>\n
On Dec 4, speculation about the pair started after netizens pointed out several signs of an alleged relationship. Eagle-eyed fans spotted matching tattoos of three dog faces on both their arms.<\/p>\n
Other supposed clues included similar rings and in-ear accessories, matching ring finger nail designs, and Winter mentioning Jungkook by his legal name, Jeon Jung-kook, during a recent live stream. Videos of Jungkook attending an Aespa concert in Seoul in March during his military leave also resurfaced.<\/p>\n
Both stars are also being trolled online.<\/p>\n
While Jungkook, Hybe and Winter have yet to address the escalating situation, SM Entertainment issued a warning statement on Dec 10 to those harassing her.<\/p>\n
According to The Korea Times, the agency said it is \u201cfully aware of the seriousness\u201d of defamatory posts, including sexual comments, personal attacks, privacy breaches and deepfake content.<\/p>\n
The company said it has been monitoring major online communities and social media platforms, where it found \u201ca large volume of malicious posts and comments\u201d directed at Winter.<\/p>\n
The agency said it has already begun pursuing both criminal complaints and civil claims against individuals, and additional rounds of complaints will be filed after reviewing more evidence. The agency added that it will respond without leniency.<\/p>\n