On December 4 and December 5, the South Korean media outlet, Pannchoa, released several articles speculating and fueling dating rumors involving BTS’s Jungkook and aespa’s Winter. The articles released by the outlet, along with many other sources such as Koreaboo and others, put forth alleged proof that supposedly hints at a relationship between the duo.
Some of the alleged evidence they showcased included matching flip flops, Jungkook allegedly changing his in-ears to match Winter’s, their matching ring finger nail polish, similarities in their Instagram IDs, and more. While these rumors have been circulating on the internet for the past few months, fans have expressed concern regarding the hate comments the duo has been receiving.
Fans have been criticizing news outlets for their misleading and unnecessary articles about Jungkook and Winter, which has also led to fan wars and hate comments towards both K-pop idols. Fans also noticed individuals leaving hate comments on posts uploaded on Jungkook’s dog’s page.
Both BigHit Entertainment and its larger representative, HYBE, responded with “We are checking”, indicating that they are evaluating and confirming sources on whether the rumors are true.
An X user shared a tweet online, writing:
“Why are Aespa fans sending death threats to Jungkook ???”
Individuals soon responded to the tweet, and some highlighted that the artists were “getting the same treatment.”
“both getting the same treatment. its not a competition stupid f*ck,” they wrote.
Others also shared their thoughts and opinions regarding the same.
All you need to know about HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk’s IPO fraud investigations amid rumors involving BTS’ Jungkook and aespa’s Winter
HYBE’s Chairman, Bang Si-hyuk, is currently under investigation for alleged IPO fraud back in 2019 during the rebranding of BigHit Entertainment into HYBE Labels. The chairman reportedly misled his investors by stating that there would be no listing process for HYBE, while he allegedly personally sold the shares to private equity funds to gain profit.
Therefore, when HYBE went public, Bang Si-hyuk reportedly made a profit through unfair trading practices. Additionally, given that this is a violation of the Capital Markets Act, the chairman can face a prison term of five years to a life sentence, depending on the crime’s intensity, if found guilty. Currently, the investigation is still ongoing, and the prosecutors are looking into the matter before the official trial can begin.
On the other hand, Bang Si-hyuk also received a travel ban, thereby restricting him from traveling outside South Korea. Most recently, on December 4, the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office, through a court request, froze Bang Si-hyuk’s HYBE shares worth 156.8 billion KRW, as per The Korea Herald.
HYBE has denied all allegations regarding the chairman’s alleged IPO fraud and expressed that all procedures under the entertainment agency have been carried out in accordance with the law.
Edited by Aishwarya Sai
