Protest trucks appear at SM Entertainment’s headquarters, targeted at Winter
On December 10, 2025, a new wave of frustrated and obsessive fans rolled straight to SM Entertainment’s front door, literally. Protest trucks appeared outside the company’s headquarters, this time targeting aespa member Winter, whose real name is Kim Minjeong. The trucks displayed slogans demanding that she “take responsibility,” “remove her tattoos,” and address fans directly. Some remarks went even further, stating that if Winter wants to date openly, she should leave aespa and live as a regular citizen and not an idol.
“If you want to date loudly, then live as ordinary citizen Kim Minjeong, not aespa’s Winter” / “You promised to stay with us for 10 years, but you broke our trust”
BTS’ Jungkook and aespa’s Winter rumored relationship
Among the messages displayed across the trucks were lines accusing Winter of breaking a supposed ten-year promise to fans, calling her out on her silence, and insisting she explain herself publicly. This protest follows weeks of controversy involving Winter and BTS’ Jungkook, who have been linked romantically through various Instagram moments and rumored couple interactions. However, neither of them has addressed the speculation regarding the so-rumored relationship.
“Erase your tattoos and come out to explain yourself!” / “Silence is not an answer. Show responsibility”
HYBE’s headquarters were also targeted with protest trucks
This protest also mirrors another ongoing truck demonstration outside HYBE, targeting Jungkook himself with similar accusations about tattoos, dating, and fan loyalty. Reactions online have been sharply divided. Some users argue that idols should uphold a certain image if they choose the spotlight, while others respond to that, saying dating is not a crime and personal choices should stay personal.