BTS’ Jungkook’s Itaewon night out photos with Mingyu go viral, fans outraged: ‘Who gave consent?’

BTS Jungkook and SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu reunite in Itaewon

Itaewon in South Korea has always been a hotspot for its nightlife. From bars and restaurants to karaoke joints, no doubt it’s a favourite destination for celebs looking to relax in the crowd without getting spotted. But even in such a packed area, some eagle-eyed fans managed to spot Jungkook and Mingyu catching up over a meal. While the person who posted these pictures didn’t mention exactly when the photos were taken, many believe it was recent since Mingyu’s hairstyle in the photos matches his current look. Jungkook, who hasn’t been very active on social media since starting his military service, looked healthy and in good spirits. Fans were excited to see him after such a long time. However, the leaked photos soon sparked backlash within fan communities. Many called out those who ignored Jungkook’s polite request.

JUNGKOOK & MINGYU known as gyukook spotted again together having dinner in Itaewon pic.twitter.com/QKjqrlFMZb

— borahaemybts_ (@borahaemybts_) March 20, 2025

A fan pointed out how, despite his request not to upload pictures, it was done anyway. “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.”

“So jungkook actually DENIED to post the pictures from the restaurant bcs he said he will NOT be able to come next time if the pics are posted, yet the OP who met/saw him posted the pictures.. goodness.. he must be so disappointed,” another commented. “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.”

so jungkook actually DENIED to post the pictures from the restaurant bcs he said he will NOT be able to come next time if the pics are posted, yet the OP who met/saw him posted the pictures..

goodness.. he must be so disappointed :/ pic.twitter.com/AYS9Ii2sJA

— kasy (@koovarbie) March 20, 2025

Some even pointed out that Jungkook’s photo from the aespa concert went viral on social media just four days ago. “Now can you delete those concert pics too? Y’all are literally posting them when it was clear he did not want to be seen.”

For those unversed, Jungkook and Mingyu are part of the popular 97-liners which is a squad of male K-pop idols born in 1997. The lineup includes GOT7’s Yugyeom and BamBam, ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo, NCT’s Jaehyun, and Stray Kids’ Bang Chan. Back in March 2023, Mingyu shared a snap on Instagram of him grabbing a meal in Seoul with Jungkook and Cha Eun Woo.

Also read: BTS’ Jungkook, V, RM make top 10 comeback in K-pop brand rankings with military discharge around the corner

BTS’ Jungkook’s military discharge date

Jungkook, along with fellow BTS member Jimin, enlisted in the South Korean military on December 12, 2023. The two signed up for the military companion soldiers program and are expected to be discharged on June 11, 2025. Meanwhile, Taehyung aka V joined the Special Duty Team (SDT) and is set to complete his service on June 10, 2025, alongside RM, who enlisted the same day. So far, Jin and J-Hope have already wrapped up their duties, and the countdown for Suga’s return has officially begun.