If you even have an inkling about K-Pop in America, then you've probably at least heard of the monster groups BTS and BLACKPINK. Known for their avid fan bases and chart-topping music, these bands are so popular that BTS - the male group - is currently embroiled in controversy about being possibly granted an exemption from serving the mandatory military service for South Korean men.

Despite all this hubbub, however, the news that's currently dominating the K-Pop sphere is the dating rumors surrounding BTS' V and BLACKPINK's Jennie.

Arguably two of the most popular members of their respective groups, the rumors started swirling when a photo was revealed that allegedly showed V and Jennie riding in a car together on Jeju Island.

However, even with the fan group BTS Gallery releasing a statement giving their blessing to V and Jennie despite a lack of official agency dating confirmation, there are already scores of fans out to debunk the rumors.

Claiming that the photo is a photoshopped still from a video where V and fellow band-mate J-Hope ride in a car together, these fans are convinced that the dating rumors are an effort to distract the public from the recent controversy surrounding new HYBE Corporation girl group LE SSERAFIM, and member Kim Garam's alleged school bullying.

(BTS is also an artist under HYBE.)

For context, school bullying is taken very seriously by the South Korean public - such accusations behind many cancellations of K-Pop idols and actors. The fact that LE SSERAFIM is HYBE's first girl group in a decade - after their last girl group GLAM was disbanded, after member Dahee was sentenced to a year of prison for blackmailing popular actor Lee Byung-hun - just added fuel to the fire and drove up the stakes for HYBE.

Considering how seriously dating rumors have the potential to tank K-pop idols' careers, if there's any truth to the distraction strategy conspiracy theory, then that means that HYBE is risking BTS, arguably their biggest act and the act that made their company the powerhouse it is, to protect LE SSERAFIM and Kim Garam.

For now, fans seem split over whether V and Jennie are actually a couple, despite supposed social media hints - such as V accidentally following Jennie on Instagram and coincidences seen in their posts - fueling the rumors.

What do you think? Do you think these two young stars are really dating? Let us know!

For more entertainment news and commentary, check out Enstarz! We bring you the latest on your favorite celebrities, TV shows, and films.

Tags
BTS, BTS V, BLACKPINK, BLACKPINK Jennie