aespa’s Winter appears to be regaining public sympathy following intense backlash sparked by recent dating rumors involving BTS’s Jungkook. After initially facing harsh criticism including from some fans Winter’s latest heartfelt messages have begun to change public sentiment, drawing support from both fans and general netizens.
Following the spread of the dating rumors, Winter shared her first Bubble messages addressing fans. While her initial message reportedly drew negative reactions, her subsequent words struck a more emotional chord, especially as aespa prepares for an upcoming performance at the Melon Music Awards.
In her messages, Winter expressed gratitude for fans’ continued support while subtly opening up about her own vulnerabilities.
Winter: “I’ll prepare as well as you cheer for me and put on a really cool stage!”
Winter: “I never take your support for granted!!”
Winter: “Even if I’m not always perfect! I’ll keep trying.”
Winter’s comments quickly gained traction on Korean community forum Pann, where one post surpassed 60,000 views and sparked extensive discussion. Many netizens noted a visible shift in tone, with growing criticism aimed not at Winter, but at the extreme backlash she received.
Several comments defended the idol, arguing that the reaction to the dating rumors had gone far beyond reasonable disappointment.
- Before fans even had time to be upset, other fandoms and people with long-standing jealousy toward aespa rushed in with far worse abuse. I cooled off at first too, but after seeing the disgusting verbal attacks, I ended up defending Winter instead.
- Every time dating rumors happen, female idols get sexually harassed even more brutally, especially on so-called female communities. It honestly makes me sick. Winter, fighting.
- This rumor just exposed all the people who’ve been waiting to unload their inferiority complex toward aespa. Thanks to their vile insults, fans who were about to unstan are actually coming back.
- Why are people who aren’t even fans angrier than the fans themselves?
- It feels like the only people furious are the ones who desperately wanted aespa fans to unstan and failed.
While the dating rumors themselves remain unconfirmed, Winter’s calm and appreciative response appears to have softened public attitudes. Many netizens pointed out that her messages highlighted sincerity rather than defensiveness, helping redirect attention toward the excessive nature of the backlash rather than the rumor itself.
As aespa gears up for major year-end stages, Winter’s words seem to have reinforced loyalty among fans and even drawn sympathy from observers who initially remained neutral.
Sources: Pann