K-pop star Winter of aespa appeared on the 2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon red carpet with her forearm tattoo notably concealed.
The move comes after the tattoo sparked viral “couple tattoo” rumors linking her to BTS member Jungkook.
Winter walked the red carpet at the Inspire Arena in Incheon on December 25th wearing an elegant, light blue-grey off-shoulder dress. While she smiled faintly alongside her group members, fans immediately noticed something missing: the distinct horizontal tattoo usually visible below her right forearm.
On this day, the tattoo in question appeared to be perfectly covered with makeup. Observers interpreted this as a deliberate choice to address—or avoid—fan dissatisfaction regarding the ongoing dating speculation.
This isn’t the first time she has hidden the tattoo recently. Winter performed at the 2025 KBS Song Festival on December 19th, wearing a long glove on only her tattooed arm. Additionally, photos from the ‘2025 Melon Music Awards’ waiting room on December 21st showed her posing in ways that naturally obscured the area.
Dating rumors between Winter and Jungkook exploded earlier this month across online communities. Netizens pointed out similar tattoos in comparable locations on both idols, matching ring-finger nail art and alleged sightings of Jungkook at an aespa concert.
Neither HYBE nor SM Entertainment has issued a statement addressing the rumors.
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