aespa’s Winter Faces Backlash Over Revealing Outfit Ahead of Comeback

Fans of the K-pop group aespa are expressing mixed reactions following the release of concept photos featuring member Winter in a revealing outfit. The images, shared on August 27, 2025, in anticipation of their upcoming album, Rich Man, have ignited a debate about the appropriateness of the ensemble.

In the photos, Winter sports lacy tights and a bold fashion statement, similar to a previous post by group member Karina. While some fans praised Winter’s striking visuals and the daring style, others criticized the outfit for being overly revealing. Comments on social media highlighted concerns regarding the outfit’s appropriateness for the group’s younger audience, stating, “These lingerie-look photos are embarrassing to see—feels 19+ (adult-only).”

The backlash reflects a growing sentiment among fans regarding the portrayal of female idols in the K-pop industry. Critics argued that the ensemble, akin to lingerie, is not suitable for the group, which has a significant number of teenage followers. One user remarked, “It looks tacky and outdated,” while another lamented, “Between that and the cat’s-eye look, it feels like exposure isn’t a choice but a requirement.”

As aespa prepares for their comeback with the release of Rich Man on September 5, 2025, at 1 PM KST, the controversy over Winter’s outfit raises questions about the expectations placed on female idols in the music industry.

The group’s management, SM Entertainment, has not yet commented on the backlash. However, this incident adds to a series of mixed reactions to aespa’s performances and fashion choices. Notably, Winter has previously voiced her frustrations with the entertainment industry during a live broadcast, indicating a growing tension between artists and management regarding image portrayal.

As the release date approaches, it remains to be seen how this situation will affect aespa’s promotional activities and overall reception from fans. The ongoing dialogue about fashion, representation, and the pressures faced by idols in the K-pop landscape continues to evolve, highlighting the complexity of balancing artistic expression with audience expectations.