aespa Winter, ENHYPEN Jungwon debunk dating rumors
aespa’s Winter and ENHYPEN’s Jungwon | Image: Instagram/@imwinter, @enhypen
Winter of K-pop girl group aespa and Jungwon of K-pop boy group ENHYPEN recently denied the dating rumors hounding them via their respective agencies.
Winter’s label, SM Entertainment, called the rumors “groundless” and vowed to take legal action against the individual who leaked the photo of the K-pop stars.
“[The rumors] are groundless. The person who circulated the photo contacted a media outlet with the intention of monetary gain, attempting to communicate with us directly. However, when the outlet refused by saying that they cannot help contact [us] for reports with the purpose of monetary gain, they seemed to have maliciously circulated [the photo]. We will be taking legal action,” it said via Korean outlet Soompi.
Jungwon’s agency, BELIFT LAB, also dismissed the dating allegations and planned to also undertake legal action.
“The dating rumors are not true. BELIFT LAB will take strong action against any acts that infringe on the privacy of our artists or create or spread malicious rumors,” it stated.
After the agencies’ statement, Jungwon went live on Weverse on Thursday, Dec. 12, and seemingly debunked the rumors himself. While reading comments about Winter, he said, “I’m not dating.”
The ENHYPEN member also noted that he doesn’t smoke after alleged pictures of him smoking went viral, causing another controversy. Jungwon also said that he “doesn’t know” how his agency will handle the false allegations, referring to the legal action his label will be taking against the rumors.
The dating rumors between the two K-pop idols began when photos and videos circulated on social media of two individuals with striking resemblance to Winter and Jungwon spotted together at a whiskey bar in Seoul.
In 2020, Winter debuted as the vocalist of aespa, and has since achieved popularity with hit songs including “Next Level,” “Savage” and “Spicy.” Aespa recently dominated the 2024 MAMA Awards after they took home their first daesang (grand prize), song of the year, for “Supernova,” along with five additional trophies including for best female group and best music video.
Meanwhile, Jungwon also made his debut in 2020 as the leader of ENHYPEN, which was formed through Mnet’s audition program “I-LAND.” The boy group is known for their hits, “Polaroid Love,” “Fever” and “Drunk Dazed,” among others.
