aespa’s Winter has been in the middle of controversy due to dating rumors involving BTS’ Jungkook. After receiving harsh backlash, Winter returned to social media with words that showed her honesty, vulnerability, and kindness. While talking about aespa’s upcoming Melon Music Awards performance, she focused on gratitude and self-reflection, rather than talking about the controversial rumored romance.
Winter told fans she would prepare as hard as they cheer for her, that she never takes their support for granted, and that even if she is not perfect, she will keep trying. Those messages quickly went viral on Pann, with one post passing 60,000 views and a noticeable change in tone in the comments. Many users praised the aespa member for the honesty and realness in her message.
“I’ll prepare as well as you cheer for me and put on a really cool stage!”
“I never take your support for granted!!”
“Even if I’m not always perfect! I’ll keep trying.”
The whole dating controversy reached its peak on December 10, 2025, when protest trucks appeared outside SM Entertainment headquarters targeting Winter, whose real name is Kim Minjeong. The slogans demanded apologies, personal changes, and even suggested she leave aespa if she wanted to date another person. That same day, SM released an official statement confirming legal action against malicious content, harassment, and deepfake material. Since then, Winter’s calm message has reminded users that she’s a human first, and that she remains committed to being an aespa member.
