Speculation regarding a potential relationship between aespa’s Winter and BTS’s Jungkook has once again ignited across online communities.
On December 30, 2025, a seemingly innocent remark made by Winter in a YouTube video led to a surge of “detective work” by netizens, breathing new life into rumors that have periodically surfaced over the past year.
While neither agency—SM Entertainment nor HYBE—has ever confirmed a relationship, the latest “evidence” has sparked intense debate among fans regarding the boundaries between an idol’s private life and their professional communication with their fandom.
The YouTube Incident: “Are You Watching?”
The recent flare-up stems from a video titled “Today, I’m a Western Cuisine Chef,” uploaded to aespa’s official YouTube channel on January 13, 2026 (KST).
The episode featured Napoli Matfia, the winner of the popular show Culinary Class War, teaching Winter how to make fresh pasta.
While operating a pasta machine, Winter turned to the camera and asked, “Hey, are you watching?” with a playful smile. When her guest asked who she was speaking to, she repeated, “I’m asking if you’re watching.”
Although the editors included a caption that read, “MYs, are you watching?” (referencing aespa’s fandom), some viewers were unconvinced.
Critics pointed out that Winter’s use of the informal “Hey” (ya) was uncharacteristic of her usual respectful way of addressing fans, leading to theories that she was sending a “lovestagram-style” message to someone specific—namely, Jungkook.
A History of “Evidence”: Tattoos and Accessories
The rumors are supported by a collection of alleged “couple items” and coincidences that netizens have compiled over several months:
- Matching Tattoos: Both artists possess dog-themed tattoos in similar locations. Winter has a tattoo of three connected dogs on the back of her arm, while Jungkook has a dog-style tattoo on his own arm.
- Coincidental Accessories: Fans have pointed out similarities in their bracelets, shorts, and even custom in-ear monitor designs.
- “Couple Nails”: Rumors were further fueled when both were spotted with similar-colored nail polish on their ring fingers just one day apart.
- Concert Attendance: Jungkook’s presence at an aespa concert during his military leave was a major talking point. Netizens noted that he rarely attends concerts of girl groups outside of HYBE, suggesting his attendance was a gesture of personal support for Winter.
Fan Reactions: Support vs. Criticism
The resurfacing of these rumors has divided the K-pop community.
On one hand, many fans argue that as adults in their mid-20s, both Winter and Jungkook are entitled to date and that the “evidence” is largely coincidental or speculative.
These supporters call for respect for the artists’ privacy and emphasize that their musical output remains the most important factor.
On the other hand, some fans have expressed disappointment, claiming that “openly hinting” at a relationship during official content is a disregard for the fan-artist relationship.
The Current Status of the Artists
Both Winter and Jungkook are at the pinnacle of their respective careers. Winter has recently become a cover star for ELLE D Edition and is preparing for a busy 2026 with aespa.
Meanwhile, Jungkook remains one of the most successful solo artists globally, with his military service completion being one of the most anticipated events of the upcoming year.
As is common in the K-pop industry, unless a clear “dispatch-style” report or an official statement is released, these rumors remain purely speculative.
However, the intensity of the reaction serves as a reminder of the massive global influence both aespa and BTS command.
Whether these “hints” are genuine signals of a relationship or simply a coincidence blown out of proportion by internet culture, they have certainly made Winter and Jungkook the center of the year-end celebrity conversation.
Both artists continue to focus on their professional obligations as the world watches their every move—on and off the pasta machine.
Actor Ahn Hyo Seop has once again demonstrated his commitment to social responsibility by making a generous donation of 50 million KRW (approximately $34,721 USD) to the UNICEF Korea Committee.
The announcement, made on December 30, 2025, highlights the actor’s consistent efforts to use his influence for the betterment of society, specifically targeting the welfare of vulnerable children on a global scale.
This contribution marks the end of a year filled with philanthropic endeavors for the star, further solidifying his reputation as an artist with a “heart of gold.”
Supporting Children in Crisis
According to the UNICEF Korea Committee, the funds provided by Ahn Hyo Seop will be utilized for humanitarian aid directed at children suffering from various crises worldwide. The scope of this aid includes:
- Conflict and War: Providing essential resources for children living in regions destabilized by ongoing military conflicts.
- Natural Disasters: Offering emergency relief for communities hit by environmental catastrophes.
- Poverty and Disease: Supporting long-term initiatives to combat malnutrition and lack of medical care.
A specific focus of this year’s donation is the delivery of emergency relief supplies to children whose lives are threatened by extreme winter cold.
Ahn Hyo Seop (Credit: YouTube)
Additionally, the funds will help ensure that marginalized children have access to basic education, which is often the first thing lost during times of crisis.
Cho Mi Jin, the Secretary General of the UNICEF Korea Committee, expressed deep gratitude, stating that Ahn Hyo Seop’s support serves as a “source of warmth, comfort, and hope” for children who are often forgotten by the rest of the world.
A Consistent Legacy of Giving
This is not the first time Ahn Hyo Seop has collaborated with UNICEF. The actor has established a steady pattern of generosity that spans several years:
- Children’s Day 2024: He donated 50 million KRW specifically to celebrate and support the rights of children in South Korea.
- UNICEF Team Campaign: He previously participated in talent donation campaigns, using his voice and image to raise awareness for global issues affecting the youth.
By making these donations a regular occurrence, Ahn Hyo Seop has shown that his philanthropy is not a one-time publicity stunt but a core part of his identity as a public figure.
His actions encourage his fanbase and fellow actors to also consider how they can contribute to global causes, effectively amplifying the reach of the original donation.
Looking Ahead to 2026
While his charitable work has kept him in the headlines recently, fans are also eagerly anticipating his return to the screen.
Ahn Hyo Seop is set to star in the upcoming SBS drama ‘Sold Out Again Today’ (working title), which is scheduled to premiere in April 2026.
This new project follows a string of successful performances in dramas like Business Proposal and Dr. Romantic, which have made him one of the most sought-after actors in the industry.
In addition to his drama comeback, Ahn Hyo Seop’s global profile continues to rise.
Reports indicate he is slated for a high-profile appearance on the ‘Jimmy Fallon Show’ in the near future, where he will represent South Korean entertainment on one of the world’s largest talk show platforms.
As Ahn Hyo Seop moves into a busy 2026, his recent donation to UNICEF stands as a testament to his values.
He continues to prove that even as he reaches new heights of stardom, he remains grounded and focused on the well-being of the next generation.
For fans, his talent on screen is matched only by his kindness off-screen, making him a true role model in the modern Hallyu era.
The warmth of his donation will undoubtedly provide much-needed relief to children facing a harsh winter, turning his professional success into a life-changing gift for many.
