On Dec 11, SM Entertainment told Ten Asia, “The rumors about Winter and Jungwon are groundless. The individual who distributed the photos attempted to contact a media outlet with the intent of monetary gain. When the media outlet refused to entertain the tip-off for financial reasons, the individual maliciously spread the photos. We will take legal action against this.”
The agency’s firm stance has drawn attention, particularly as SM Entertainment has signaled legal measures against the party responsible for spreading the rumors. Some speculate that this heightened sensitivity may stem from SM’s past experience with aespa’s Karina and actor Lee Jae-wook publicly acknowledging their relationship, which caused division within the fandom and significant backlash.
ENHYPEN’s agency Belift Lab also refuted the rumors, stating, “These dating rumors are false. Belift Lab will take strong action against activities that infringe on the privacy of our artists and spread malicious rumors.”
The dating rumors surfaced online earlier that day, with photos and videos allegedly showing Winter and Jungwon on a date being shared on community forums. The uploader claimed, “They’ll probably share a lot of schedules together as the year-end approaches. It must be nice.” They added “(Winter) should have worn the clothes she had on during a challenge video” and alleged, “Winter got into a taxi first, followed by Jungwon.”
The post has currently been deleted.
Source: Daum
