On March 20, 2025, Kpop Chart highlighted a trending topic as images of BTS’ Jungkook and SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu dining together in Itaewon surfaced online. Initially, fans were thrilled to catch a glimpse of the two idols. However, the sentiment quickly soured when it emerged that Jungkook had explicitly asked a fan to refrain from sharing the photos, citing the need to safeguard their privacy.
This breach of unwritten fan etiquette ignited a wave of indignation among the community. Many took to their social media platforms to express their frustration and disapproval of those who ignored Jungkook’s request. Fans emphasized the critical importance of maintaining personal boundaries within fandoms.
One user on X stated:
“Please, even after he told them they still didn’t listen. The straight-up disrespect and audacity to spread those when he LITERALLY GAVE NO CONSENT. These people need to be sued.”
Many supporters pointed out that while idols are in the public eye, they are entitled to a private life just like anyone else.
“So Jungkook actually DENIED to post the pictures from the restaurant because he said he will NOT be able to come next time if the pics are posted. Yet the OP who met/saw him still posted the pictures… goodness! He must be so disappointed,”a fan wrote.
“The way he said no and she still went ahead and posted them,”another fan remarked.
“Not sharing their private time photos is not going to hurt you but will hurt them. Don’t do it. You should have more impulse control than a child,”asserted another fan.
This incident underscored the broader ethical dilemmas surrounding fan behavior and the unauthorized sharing of personal moments involving public figures. Fans collectively condemned the individuals who disregarded the idols’ requests.
“Jungkook has made it clear, time and again, that he deserves his privacy and to be treated as a human being. Let’s please show him the respect he deserves and stop invading his space,”wrote one supporter.
“And y’all are the same people who be spreading unofficial photos/videos just for likes and engagement. He doesn’t want photos spread of him. GET THAT FACT. In fact, don’t take any photos of him at all. His privacy has been invaded too many times; he just wants to enjoy his life,”commented another fan.
“It’s super weird that people think it’s okay to post photos of people without their consent just because they’re a celebrity. Especially if he literally said no. He knew and stated he didn’t want it to be public. Why would you ask if you don’t care?”another fan expressed.
Dining Moments with Friends: Jungkook and Mingyu
Both Jungkook and Mingyu are part of the ’97-liners, a collective of K-pop idols born in 1997, which includes notable figures like GOT7’s Yugyeom and BamBam, ASTRO’s Cha Eun-woo, NCT’s Jaehyun, and Stray Kids’ Bang Chan.
In March 2023, Mingyu took to Instagram to share moments with Jungkook and Cha Eun-woo, highlighting their casual dining experience in Seoul, where they enjoyed traditional Korean fare.
Additionally, in August 2023, the trio was spotted at a barbecue restaurant in Busan, the hometown of Jungkook. The restaurant owner amusingly noted that they needed to verify their ages before serving alcohol.
In related news, Jungkook is currently fulfilling his military service duties and is scheduled to be discharged on June 11, 2025.