BTS’s Jungkook has barely been back from his mandatory military service, and he is already making headlines, not for music, though.
This time, rumors about Jungkook dating aespa’s Winter have fans, shippers, and netizens buzzing all over again.
This is not the first time the duo has found themselves at the center of dating talk. However, new claims, fan “evidence,” and even statements from an alleged ex-YG employee have fueled these claims. Is there any real proof that Jungkook is dating Winter, or is it just another fan theory that will fade? Here’s everything you need to know about the Jungkook girlfriend rumor.
How the Jungkook and Winter Rumors Started
The idea that BTS’s golden maknae and Winter might be dating first popped up in late 2023. Back then, some fans claimed that aespa members were seen attending Jungkook’s private Golden listening party, although there was never any solid confirmation. Earlier this year, he was spotted at aespa’s encore concert, which led to talks about his ties to one of the aespa members.
The rumor mill picked up again in early July 2025 when fans spotted tiny “clues” they say point to something more than friendship. On Korean forums like Nate Pann, fans put together posts comparing the idols’ custom in-ear monitors, saying they looked similar enough to suggest a secret connection.
Others dug up photos showing Jungkook and Winter wearing the same hats at different times, and some pointed out their matching phone cases.
The Instagram Username Theory
A big push behind the new wave of speculation came from Jungkook’s new private Instagram account. Fans noticed that his handle, @mnijungkook, seemed odd, and some argued that “mni” could be short for Winter’s real name, Minjeong.
This fueled endless posts and reaction threads online. Shippers took it as “proof” that the two were secretly acknowledging each other. But during a recent live broadcast, Jungkook himself stepped in to clear the air. He explained that @mnijungkook just means “My Name is Jungkook,” and that there was no hidden message for anyone to read into.
What the Ex-YG Employee Claims About Winter and Jungkook Relationship
In March, things got wilder when a person claiming to be a former YG Entertainment employee started sharing supposed insider information online. This self-proclaimed whistleblower posted large data dumps that included unreleased BLACKPINK clips, idol gossip, and bold claims about who’s dating who in the industry.
In one Instagram story, they outright said, “Jeon Jungkook’s new girlfriend is aespa’s Winter. Their relationship is very good now, and there are no problems between them at all.” They also claimed Jungkook and Lisa dated from 2021 to 2023 before the “Seven” singer supposedly started seeing Winter.
This person even posted side-by-side photos to back up their claim, showing the rumored couple using the same phone case and being photographed in the same location at different times.
Winter Gets Hate on Instagram
While some shippers are buying into these stories, many fans, especially Jungkook’s, have rejected the theories outright. They argue that the so-called “evidence” is just coincidences that don’t add up to anything serious.
Still, the rumors have made the 24-year-old songstress a target. Since mid-July, her Instagram comment section has been flooded with hate messages and angry posts from people who claim to be Jungkook’s fans. Her recent uploads from July 13 and July 14 have drawn the worst of it, with rude emojis and harsh rants.
Right now, there is no confirmation that Jungkook and Winter are dating — only rumors, fan theories, and unverified claims. Jungkook himself has addressed the Instagram theory and denied any hidden meaning. Neither HYBE nor SM Entertainment has commented officially.
On the work front, Jungkook is in LA after military discharge, preparing for the BTS album, while Winter gears up for aespa’s September comeback.
