The dating rumors of two famous Kpop idols Jungkook (BTS) and Winter (aespa) are the focus and creating heated discussions in the Kpop fan community.
The two management companies BigHit Music and SM Entertainment only stated to the media that: "We have nothing to comment on". Meanwhile, both Jungkook and Winter remained silent, not confirming or denying, despite being urged by fans to clarify.
The unclear response from the management company and the two artists' silence made the majority of the public understand that Jungkook and Winter were actually dating.
On the other hand, Jungkook and Winter's fan community is in turmoil, facing a huge rift due to this love scandal.
A series of long-time fans announced their departure from fandom, saying that they had been "betrayed" by their idols and asking both idols and their management company to provide a satisfactory explanation.
A Winter fan wrote in a letter that caused a storm on the internet: "I cried for you, fasted to buy your album, lost sleep to your scandal... Now I hate you turning into that type of fan."
This person said that she has supported Winter for more than 1,500 days, since her debut, believing in the image of "cute dog idol". But as dating rumors escalate - from Winter being spotted traveling to Japan with a male idol, to her attending that idol's concert - fans' confidence gradually turns into doubt.
Every recent video or photo proves that she is in love, a fan expressed his disappointment at Winters lack of effort in work this year.
The female idol is said to rarely post practice videos, make singing errors in concerts and the quality of her performance declines. Although fans edited the clip to cover the distorted notes, they felt that Winter himself was not trying enough.
What further devastated fans was Winter's accusation of wearing a wide-brimmed pants and wearing sandals that were not as big as his feet, very similar to the clothes of his rumored boyfriend Jungkook, right at a fan meeting event in October - also the time when a series of "prove" accusing Jungkook and Winter of dating were spreading.
Many of Winter's major fan accounts in Korea such as @nanowinter, @ softwwinter and @winter700 have asked SM Entertainment and Winter to make statements through press releases or fan applications - Bubble.
Fans believe that the problem is not just dating, but lack of respect and transparency. Fans were angry because they felt they had to fight alone, defending Winter for many years against criticism, while idols still secretly dated.
Jungkook also suffered a similar situation. A popular post by Jungkook fans said that he has followed the male singer for more than 500 days, including during his military service. But now, this person has decided to leave the fandom.
"I thought you would be happy when you were discharged from the army. But what I received was a couple hat, pair of thumb nails, and a duet list with Winter, fans accused Jungkook of secretly showing off his relationship, when there were a series of matches with the aespa member.
Fans were upset: If this was a form of fan humiliation for your 6 months, you were successful. It is best to retire and have children.
Currently, the fandoms of both BTS and aespa are divided. Some people think that idols deserve privacy and freedom to love. While many people emphasize that idols must respect the investment in time, money and the emotions of fans.
The two artists' silence further complicated the controversy in the fan community.
