The long-standing rumors surrounding BTS’s V (Kim Taehyung) and BLACKPINK’s Jennie are once again in the spotlight—this time due to a controversial comment made by the same photographer who allegedly captured the pair during their rumored date in Paris in 2023.
The issue first ignited online in 2022 when photos and videos began circulating allegedly showing V and Jennie vacationing together, with several intimate moments seemingly captured on camera.
These images, shared by a user named Gurumiharibo, included supposed photos of the duo in private settings—such as V’s apartment—and on what appeared to be a couple’s vacation.
At the time, fans were divided: many believed the images were edited or fabricated, while others were convinced the two K-pop stars were secretly dating.
The rumors reached a fever pitch in May 2023 when a video surfaced allegedly showing V and Jennie holding hands while walking through the streets of Paris.
The video went viral under the hashtag #TAENNIE, with fans analyzing everything from the couple’s clothing to the location and timing.
The clip was posted by a Paris-based photographer, Amar Taoualit, who claimed the sighting happened by chance.
While the photographer insisted the footage was not planned, he came under heavy scrutiny for violating the idols’ privacy.
Critics accused him of capitalizing on the fame of the two stars without consent. Despite the controversy, the video cemented the alleged “Taennie” couple in internet lore.
Controversy Resurfaces in 2025
Fast forward to July 2025, and Amar Taoualit has found himself in hot water again.
The situation reignited after Taoualit posted a new video on social media showing BTS’s V during his recent visit to Paris Fashion Week, where he appeared as an ambassador for the luxury brand Celine.
In the comments section of the video, a fan asked Taoualit if he would be able to “catch” V with Jennie again, referencing the previous viral Paris date video.
To this, Taoualit replied, “We will try again next time,” a comment that has since been deleted.
While the comment may have been made in jest, fans did not take it lightly.
Fans React With Outrage
Shortly after the comment was posted, fans flooded social media with criticism, accusing the photographer of stalking, privacy invasion, and profiting off of unverified relationship rumors.
The phrase “free Taehyung” began trending, as fans expressed concern over how closely celebrities like V are being followed by paparazzi—often in foreign countries and without any protection from their agencies.
“Free Taehyung from these incels and shippers. It’s scary how paparazzi are purposely following him around to get pictures,” one fan tweeted, along with clips showing V being tailed during Fashion Week.
Many also called on HYBE, BTS’s label, to take action, with fans organizing mass email campaigns demanding legal protection for V.
They circulated email templates and contact information for BIGHIT MUSIC’s legal team, urging others to report the photographer and seek consequences for his behavior.
“Please take this seriously so they can be sued and serve jail time,” one post read, echoing the concerns of many who viewed the situation as dangerous harassment.
The Bigger Picture: Celebrity Privacy and Fan Culture
This incident has reignited a broader conversation about celebrity privacy, fan entitlement, and the ethics of paparazzi in the K-pop world.
As K-pop idols gain more global recognition, their movements are increasingly monitored by fans, media, and professional photographers alike.
While public figures do attract attention, many fans argue that this does not justify the kind of intrusive behavior allegedly exhibited by Taoualit and others.
The situation becomes even more complex when international boundaries come into play, with idols facing different privacy laws and media cultures in countries outside Korea.
Also, the resurfacing of the Jennie-V dating rumor continues to highlight how speculative content can dominate discourse in K-pop fandoms.
With no confirmation or denial from either party or their respective agencies, the rumors remain just that—rumors.
Yet, they’ve significantly impacted how both stars are treated in public and online, often overshadowing their professional work.
A Call for Respect
While the now-deleted comment may have seemed harmless to some, it reopened wounds that had just started to close.
The idea that a photographer might actively seek to stalk or provoke private interactions between celebrities for content has left fans and industry insiders unsettled.
As more K-pop idols reach global stardom, situations like this one call for clearer industry standards, stricter boundaries, and greater protections for artists, especially when they travel abroad.
Fans are continuing to call for agency intervention—not only to protect their favorite idols but also to set a precedent for how public figures should be treated in the digital age.
For now, the backlash against Taoualit serves as a reminder that fans aren’t just passive consumers of content—they are vocal, organized, and increasingly willing to take action when lines are crossed.
