Dating rumors linking BTS’s Jungkook and aespa’s Winter are heating up again, with supposed “couple” clues — matching tattoos, nail art, and bracelets — flooding feeds and prompting fans to look twice.
Because Jungkook and Winter belong to top-tier idol groups, attention is also on how their agencies — SM Entertainment and BIGHIT MUSIC — might respond if the chatter continues to escalate.
Alongside the renewed speculation, YG Entertainment’s past playbook for handling dating rumors is back in the spotlight.
In June 2015, when reports broke that BIGBANG’s Taeyang was dating actor Min Hyo-rin, YG made headlines with a breezy line: “If it’s true, congrats.” The agency added, “Taeyang is currently taping ‘Yoo Hee-yeol’s Sketchbook,’ so his phone is off,” before quipping, “He’s been a lifelong single, so if he finally has a girlfriend, that’s something to celebrate.”
That same year, when 2NE1’s CL and WINNER’s Song Mino were rumored to be dating, YG cracked up netizens with a blunt one-liner: “Absurd.” The company emphasized that the so-called photo evidence was edited.
Most memorably, when BLACKPINK’s Jennie and EXO’s Kai were revealed to be dating in 2019, YG said, “SM will be making a statement.” Fans still quote the line today for its comedic timing.
With Jungkook and Winter back in the rumor mill, these iconic responses are being widely re-circulated on forums. Netizens wrote, “YG’s replies still crack me up,” “Calling Taeyang a lifelong single was savage,” and “Passing the buck to SM was the funniest.”
Separately, Winter faced dating rumors last year with ENHYPEN’s Jungwon. SM Entertainment and BELIFT LAB denied the speculation and warned of strong action against malicious rumors and their spread.