Alleged romance between BTS' Jungkook and Aespa's Winter riles fans

Protest trucks, vitriolic online comments and legal action.

- Joanne Soh Lifestyle Correspondent

This is what happens when two popular K-pop group members get involved romantically - and the relationship is not even set in stone.

BTS' Jungkook is facing intense backlash from fervent fans who disapprove of him being linked to girl group Aespa's Winter, 24, whose real name is Kim Min-jeong.

The Korea Times reported that on Dec 10, a faction of the 28-year-old's supporters staged a protest in front of BTS' management company Hybe's headquarters in Seoul. They accused the K-pop idol of misleading fans and damaging the group's image.

Angry phrases, such as “Erase the couple tattoo or step back from BTS activities”, “Are you in your right mind deceiving fans and harming the group?” and “Army (fandom name) waited for you during the military, and this is what we get in return”, were displayed on LED signs.