aespa member Winter has unintentionally sparked a major conversation among K-Pop fans after a clip from a few years ago resurfaced online.
The clip, shared on X (formerly Twitter), shows Winter at a park during a game show episode. She appears startled by an actor posing as a ghost and bursts into a high-pitched cry. Intended as a humorous moment for viewers, the clip has now gone viral, amassing over 9.3 million views in just a few days.
Many netizens argued that Winter’s voice sounded childlike, raising broader concerns about K-Pop’s aegyo culture and its subtle appeals to problematic audiences.
- Genuinely though, we need to talk about how weird and creepy the K-pop industry is for finding grown adults acting like children cute..
- Proving my theory about K-pop girl groups benefiting from pedophilia (aside from the actual minor idols), the grown women acting like toddlers to cater to the fetish.
- There’s nothing more disgusting than adults acting like small kids.
- Infantalization and fetishization to cater to grown men is a part of the K-pop industry’s idol training… Scaryass industry makes me puke yuckk.
Fans, however, defended Winter, emphasizing that she was genuinely scared and the clip did not represent any deliberate attempt to act childlike for audience appeal. While discussions about K-Pop’s industry culture are valid, many felt judging a brief clip from years ago was unfair.
- She’s traumatized that night! And she’s not pretending to be a child! This girl from Yangsan has a satoori tone. She believes in Giselle that there’s no ghost because Giselle is the first challenger to finish the task. This variety show was released in 2022!
- Mind you this clip is 3 years old, Winter was a lot younger here. A girl can’t even be jump scared anymore..
- Having a phobia is suddenly pedophilia now? K-pop stans are fucked up in the head.
In response to online rumors and harassment, SM Entertainment issued a statement on December 10 regarding Winter’s protection. The agency confirmed they are pursuing both criminal and civil actions against malicious posts, defamation, personal attacks, sexual harassment, deepfakes, and other harmful content.
SM Entertainment stated, “We have identified numerous posts on various platforms that damage Winter’s dignity and reputation. After reviewing these posts, we plan to gradually expand our legal actions. We intend to respond firmly without leniency.”
They also urged fans and the public to avoid engaging with harmful content, reiterating their commitment to safeguarding Winter’s rights and career.
Sources: Koreaboo