Winter, left, and Jung Kook / Xportsnews
The relationship rumor linking BTS’ Jung Kook and aespa’s Winter has exploded into probably the most polarizing debates in Ok-pop this month — not due to a press release from both artist, however due to a single alleged “couple tattoo” that snowballed throughout social media. What started as fan hypothesis has now escalated into truck protests, authorized motion and a widening break up amongst fandoms over how idols ought to navigate privateness, picture and relationship within the highlight.
SM Leisure stated on Wednesday that it’ll pursue authorized motion to guard Winter from a surge of malicious on-line posts. “We’re aware of the severity of ongoing defamatory content material concentrating on the artist, together with sexual harassment, defamation, private assaults, insults, privateness violations and deepfake materials,” the corporate stated.
The company added that it has recognized a rising quantity of posts on on-line communities and social media that injury Winter’s character or popularity. SM stated it can increase its felony complaints in phases after reviewing the content material, and famous that it’s already pursuing each felony and civil motion towards those that create or distribute malicious materials about aespa. The corporate warned that it’s gathering proof towards customers who repeatedly unfold false data, mock the artist or create distorted content material, and that it’ll reply “with out leniency.”
On the identical day, a faction of Jung Kook’s followers staged a truck protest outdoors HYBE headquarters in Seoul’s Yongsan District — a tactic more and more utilized by Korean fandoms to publicly strain leisure corporations. Digital billboards on the truck displayed messages comparable to “Are you in your proper thoughts deceiving followers and hurting the group?,” “In the event you received’t erase the couple tattoo, step again from BTS actions,” and “That is what ARMY will get after ready for you throughout enlistment.”
The backlash stems from rumors that Jung Kook and Winter could share matching nail designs, equipment and even tattoos — so-called “couple objects.” These supposed clues unfold broadly on social media and fueled debate amongst followers, at the same time as neither idol has commented publicly.
On-line reactions stay sharply divided. Some customers say the alleged “couple tattoo” gave the relationship rumor added weight, noting that it’s uncommon for top-tier idols to be swept into such intense hypothesis with out affirmation. Whereas previous celeb {couples} have revealed matching tattoos, many netizens argue that this case feels totally different as a result of the hypothesis is constructed on unverified assumptions.
Others emphasize that idols are nonetheless younger adults who can date, however say the companies’ responses matter. Some commenters argue that “when controversy arises, merely leaning on authorized motion just isn’t all the time sufficient,” and that acknowledging or clarifying sure points could assist forestall additional misunderstanding.
Amongst disenchanted followers, sentiments comparable to “It looks like we had been deceived,” “It seems to be like a selection made with out contemplating followers,” and “Courting is okay, however overtly leaving room for interpretation is tough to know” had been widespread. Critics additionally accused the idols of missing “skilled consciousness” if the matching objects transform intentional.
Nevertheless, many defended the artists, saying, “Courting just isn’t a criminal offense,” and “Why ought to the love lives of younger adults be handled as scandalous?” demonstrating a visual break up in public opinion.
This text from Xportsnews is tailored by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Occasions.
