An article published by the Kmedia Sportsseoul sparked widespread controversy after addressing dating rumors involving Jungkook and Winter, directly accusing them of betraying fans through their deceptive and evasive behavior.
The article began by noting the complete silence from both parties’ agencies, stating, “Dating rumors surrounding BTS’s Jungkook and ISPA’s Winter have garnered significant attention. Specific details, such as what appear to be tattoos on the couple, have fueled the controversy. However, the parties involved and their agencies have remained silent, leading to a erosion of fan trust.”
The article also referenced Jungkook’s past reactions to dating rumors, suggesting that his swift denials of previous rumors made his current silence seem like a tacit admission, further exacerbating the fans’ sense of betrayal.
The most striking point in the article, which sparked strong reactions, was the author’s attack on the misinterpretation of fan culture regarding idol-fan relationships, which explains fans’ anger over dating rumors. Many studies and analyses describe the K-pop world as being built on fictitious romantic relationships that idols construct with their fans.
The author stated, “The so-called ‘fake relationship theory’ is a flawed analysis. Analysts argue that whenever a dating rumor surfaces about an artist, a false sense of ‘fake relationship’ is created. This interpretation suggests that fans who previously viewed the artist as a romantic interest felt betrayed. However, this is a misinterpretation of fan culture.”
He added that fans are not against the idea of dating itself, but rather against deception. He emphasized that many fans don’t see artists as romantic partners, but rather as trusted and supportive “colleagues” and “family.” The loyalty of fans, investing their time and money in their artists’ success, is closer to “devoted love” than “romance.” Fans aren’t necessarily against dating itself.
The real reason for fans’ disappointment lies in the perceived betrayal stemming from “deception.” This betrayal isn’t rooted in the fact that they’re dating, but rather in the fact that they’re deceiving their fans.
The dating rumors between Jungkook and Winter were particularly controversial because they publicly displayed vague evidence, such as the couple’s tattoos and other items. This was seen as deception or mockery of their fans. Fans considered it a blatant betrayal of trust. It’s a feeling of loss, a feeling of being deceived by someone they trusted and fully supported. For this reason, the supposed “glamorous” evidence in idol dating rumors has a profoundly negative impact on the fan community.
The article concluded with a stern warning: “Jungkook and Winter should use this incident as an opportunity for self-reflection. They need to realize that fans love not only their music but also their humanity. Whether that’s true or not, K-pop fan culture has thrived on this kind of fandom. The wealth and fame that Jungkook and Winter enjoy today ultimately depend on the unwavering support of their fans.”
The writer also mentioned Winter’s colleague Karina’s apology when dating rumors surfaced, considering it a model that demonstrates a genuine understanding of the value and trust of fans.
- “If they are fans, they should encourage each other to date gently. Fans are the ones who make things difficult for singers and hurt them. They say, ‘You can date, just don’t get caught,’ but now they’re angry because ‘they were dating while deceiving fans.’ What kind of logic is that?”
- “I wish someone would send this to the relevant parties…”
- “It’s so funny that you won’t admit it even though you have a double tattoo ㅠㅠ Minjeong, don’t get it off for the rest of your life!”
- “The so-called ‘dating suspicion theory’ is a flawed analysis.
- “Whenever dating rumors break out about an idol, some analysis comes out saying that fans’ ‘fake dating’ feelings have been hurt, and that fans who saw the idol as a ‘potential partner’ feel betrayed. But that’s a gross oversimplification and a gross misrepresentation of fandom culture. Even from this clip alone… the writer seems to have an amazing understanding of the idol fan mentality ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ”
- “The article says you two should come to your senses. That’s true, but it happened.”
- “We need to realize that fans don’t just love their music, they love their humanity too.” Regardless of whether this opinion is right or wrong, K-pop fan culture has grown on the back of this passion. The wealth and fame that Jungkook and Winter enjoy now ultimately depend on the unwavering support of their fans. This really touched me.
- “Well written, come to your senses, you fools who are deceiving the fans.”
- “It’s undeniable… think about it, seriously.””I hope the people involved saw it more than anyone else ^^”
- “So, if you’re dating someone, admit it. Why can’t you? That’s what really gets me. If I were you, I’d just say so. And if not, deny it. Even if it’s a lie, it happened.”
- “They’re so blinded by love that they’re not listening.” Even if it really shocked them,”
- “The ending was really… I almost cried.”
- “It feels like mockery or deception of the fans, and besides, fans are ridiculed by others for being fans, so I hope they realize that fans are making a mockery of themselves and others because of their actions.”
What do you think?
