A recent report by Koreaboo on December 31, 2025, titled “BTS Jin’s Actions Towards Jungkook Spark Mixed Reactions And Criticism,” has ignited a firestorm within the K-pop community.
It details a specific incident during a recent group interaction where Jin’s behavior toward the group’s maknae, Jungkook, was perceived by some as overly harsh or dismissive.
While a segment of the fandom has voiced disappointment, a larger majority of ARMYs (BTS’s fans) have rushed to Jin’s defense, arguing that the narrative is being “overblown” by the media during a particularly sensitive time for Jungkook.
The Incident: A “Cold” Exchange?
The controversy stems from a clip of a recent group livestream or behind-the-scenes video where Jin was seen reprimanding or ignoring Jungkook during a discussion about their 2026 comeback.
According to Koreaboo, some viewers interpreted Jin’s tone as “unnecessarily sharp,” leading to claims that there might be internal tension within the group.
Critics of the interaction pointed out:
- The Timing: The incident occurred while Jungkook was already facing significant pressure due to persistent dating rumors with aespa’s Winter.
- Protective Sentiment: Some fans felt that as the oldest member, Jin should have been more supportive of Jungkook during his recent period of intense public scrutiny.
“Jin Saved Him”: The Counter-Narrative
In contrast to the criticism, many fans have pointed to a separate, slightly older incident from December 19, 2025, where Jin was actually praised for “saving” Jungkook .
During a live broadcast, Jungkook accidentally exposed a vape on camera, and Jin reportedly moved quickly to distract the audience or cover the item, preventing a much larger scandal.
Fans supporting Jin argue that:
- Sibling Dynamics: Jin and Jungkook have a well-documented “eldest-and-youngest” sibling dynamic characterized by bickering and tough love. What some perceive as “criticism” is often just their natural way of interacting.
- Diversion Tactics: Many believe Jin’s recent “harsh” actions might actually be a deliberate attempt to shift the media’s focus away from Jungkook’s dating rumors and back onto group chemistry, even if it means he takes the heat.
A Smoke Screen for Larger Scandals?
The criticism toward Jin comes at a time when some fans are becoming suspicious of the frequency of BTS-related “scandals.” A viral thread on X (formerly Twitter) suggested that the intense focus on Jungkook’s dating life and Jin’s subsequent “criticism” might be a “distraction” from a massive national data breach in South Korea involving the e-commerce giant Coupang. This theory suggests that celebrity controversies are being amplified to divert public attention from the leak of personal data belonging to over 33 million citizens.
Looking Toward 2026
Despite the “noise” surrounding Jin and Jungkook, the group remains focused on their full-group return. In their New Year’s Eve 2026 countdown, all seven members appeared together, reaffirming their bond.
Jin stated,
“I will work my hardest for our upcoming activities. Fighting!”
Jungkook added a message of health and love to the fans, notably ignoring the dating rumors and the recent criticism toward his relationship with his “Jin-hyung.”
As BTS prepares for their March 2026 comeback, this latest “Koreaboo controversy” appears to be another chapter in the complex relationship between the group and the media. For most fans, the bond between Jin and Jungkook remains unshakable, and they view the criticism as a misinterpretation of a decade-long friendship that has survived far greater challenges.
In the fast-paced world of K-entertainment, where relationships often flicker and fade, the enduring bond between Girls’ Generation’s Sooyoung and actor Jung Kyung Ho continues to be a beacon of stability and genuine affection.
On December 28, 2025, just days before the arrival of the New Year, the beloved “long-term couple” was once again spotted enjoying a quiet, domestic date in Seoul.
The sighting, which quickly went viral on social media, has reignited the perennial question among fans:
“When will they finally get married?”
As they enter their 13th year together in 2026, the couple remains one of the most respected and cherished pairings in the industry.
The Galleria Sighting
The news broke when a netizen (referred to as “OP” or Original Poster) shared their encounter on X (formerly Twitter).
The netizen had been searching for a place to eat at the Galleria Luxury Hall in Apgujeong, one of Seoul’s most upscale shopping destinations, when they noticed a man being approached for photos.
Upon closer inspection, the netizen was shocked to realize the man was none other than Jung Kyung Ho.
According to the fan’s account:
The Interaction: Jung Kyung Ho was polite and took pictures with the fans who recognized him.
- The Departure: After fulfilling the photo requests, he quickly moved to catch up with someone waiting just ahead. That person was confirmed to be Sooyoung.
- The Atmosphere: The couple appeared to have just finished a meal and were attempting to leave the crowded area discreetly once they realized they had been spotted.
The OP noted that Sooyoung’s patient waiting while her boyfriend interacted with fans was a small but poignant “green flag,” showcasing the mutual respect and understanding that has defined their decade-plus relationship.
Thirteen Years of “Quiet” Public Dating
Sooyoung and Jung Kyung Ho officially went public with their relationship in early 2014, though they had been dating since 2012.
Over the last 13 years, they have mastered the art of being a “public couple” without overexposing their private lives. Their relationship is characterized by:
- Supportive Presence: They are frequently seen attending each other’s musicals, drama sets (often sending coffee trucks), and movie premieres.
- Casual Dates: Whether it’s walking their dogs (Hoyoung and Aebong), shopping for clothes, or traveling to London together (as seen in early 2024), they prioritize normal, everyday experiences.
- Respectful Distance: While they occasionally mention each other in interviews, they rarely “name-drop” for clout, ensuring that their individual professional identities remain primary.
The “Marriage” Question
As we move into 2026, the public pressure for a wedding announcement has reached a peak. Jung Kyung Ho has previously stated in interviews that they “will get married when the time is right,” emphasizing that he wants to support Sooyoung’s career goals first.
Girls’ Generation’s Sooyoung and Jung Kyung Ho spotted on a date (Credit: YouTube)
Sooyoung, similarly, has expressed contentment with their current status, often joking about the constant marriage rumors in her variety show appearances.
Fans on community sites like Pann and TheQoo responded to the recent date sighting with overwhelming positivity.
The consensus among netizens is that they are already effectively a family, and a formal ceremony would simply be a celebration for the fans.
Professional Success in 2025-2026
Both stars are coming off a highly successful 2025. Jung Kyung Ho received critical acclaim for his role in the medical thriller The White Hospital, while Sooyoung dominated the variety scene and hinted at new music projects for 2026.
Their ability to maintain a healthy relationship while operating at the top of their respective fields (acting and the “national girl group” legacy) serves as an inspiration to many junior idols.
The sight of them walking through the Galleria, dodging the spotlight to simply be together, is a reminder that even in the high-pressure environment of Hallyu, true love can thrive if built on a foundation of patience and trust.
As they ring in 2026, Sooyoung and Jung Kyung Ho remain the ultimate “couple goals,” proving that the best stories in entertainment are sometimes the ones that stay the most consistent.
We look forward to seeing what this year holds for them—be it another year of quiet dates or perhaps, finally, the wedding bells everyone is waiting for.
