Aespa’s Winter Faces Backlash from SM Entertainment Over “Endangered”

aespa's Winter "Endangered" By SM Entertainment, Sparking Outrage

aespa is facing backlash after member Winter missed the group’s latest concert in Bangkok due to health issues.

The controversy began just hours before the Day 2 show at Impact Arena when SM True Thailand announced Winter would skip the sound check, citing health reasons and saying she’d be “resting fully in preparation for the concert.”

Soon after, SM True Thailand issued a second statement confirming Winter’s full absence from the concert. She was diagnosed with “cold and flu-like symptoms” at a hospital visit and was advised to “take sufficient rest.”

After the show yesterday, WINTER visited the hospital and was diagnosed with cold and flu-like symptoms. As the doctor advised to take sufficient rest, we regret to decide that it would not be possible for her to participate in today’s sound check and concert.

This decision has been made with the artist’s health and well-being as our top priority. We sincerely hope for the understanding of all fans.

Due to this reason, three members will participate in the SOUND CHECK event and concert as scheduled.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

— SM True Thailand

Fans exploded on social media, slamming SM Entertainment for what they say is an overpacked, exhausting schedule with zero regard for the members’ health.

sm planned an insanely packed schedule for the girls with zero regard for their health….having them to perform a 2 days concert right after an overseas schedule without any rest is just not it

— (@icurina)

this agency man every day there’s a new disaster happening. of course it was gonna reach a breaking point. flying the girls from asia to the us and straight back to asia in less than five days like they’re cargo, not humans whose bodies need time to adapt. and somehow we’re…

— 13 ✿ (@uchgaeri)

Many highlighted Winter’s work ethic despite her condition, recalling her past health struggles like lung surgery just 18 months ago. Fans mourned seeing her push through serious symptoms on stage.

Winter always put her best and perform all out despite her undesired condition. She is really that hardworking

But SM never treat the girls like humans and always put them in a crazy schedule…

— S (slow) (@winteraphy)

This weekend’s Thailand shows are part of aespa’s 11th concert in six weeks, following nonstop performances across Japan. On November 14, the group flew from Los Angeles after performing at Amazon Music Live to Bangkok — a roughly 30-hour journey — and hit the stage nearly immediately.

will never understand why it’s so hard for sm to give aespa a healthy schedule no member should be missing from any event if the proper preparation and precautions are in place like they claim time and time again

this is no one’s fault but sm’s…please get well soon winter and…

— 윈터얼트 (@wntrult)

Fans at the first night’s concert also reported seeing Karina coughing and visibly unwell, adding to worries about the group’s grueling schedule.

Jimin [Karina] kept coughing the whole time during the sound check, so I’m feeling uneasy. Sigh.

— @cheeblu on X

someone needs to take one for the team and blow up that company

— (@stupidcheesecat)

The continuous health issues and tight schedules have fans demanding SM Entertainment seriously reconsider how they handle their artists’ well-being.

“this decision has been made with the artist’s health and well-being as our top priority”

Well, it doesn’t look like it

— Jazz (@mjkmwntr)

Winter appeared visibly sick during Day 1, reportedly catching her breath frequently and sniffing through parts of the show, earning fans’ sympathy and respect.

from the start of the concert til the end, Winter was seen catching her breath alot, and sniffing too during their ments as she drinks water

my baby worked really really hard amd gave her absolute very best on stage,

i hope she got a well deserved rest and sleep last night…

— win (@aeswinterismine)

Fans continue to monitor the situation closely as concerns grow about the toll the relentless schedule is taking on aespa’s health.

Winter Instagram
| @imwinter/Instagram