Aespa Winter’s Unfiltered Look Sparks Harsh Criticism

aespa member Winter is facing backlash over a viral airport photo that sparked cruelty online.

The controversy began when Dispatch posted pics of aespa heading to Hong Kong for their world tour. Winter caught attention for her simple look: black leather coat, tee, and jeans. Bare-faced, casual vibes.

But one Dispatch photo, showing Winter’s side face with what looked like distorted neck muscles, blew up on social media with 5 million views.

The photo brought harsh comments mocking her appearance, especially targeting a supposed “double chin.”

“is she 40?”
— darrah⁷ (@caprihoest) [Feb 10, 2026]

“Oh my goodness.. what is that doublechin???? She looked old af with saggy jaw… is thatbthe plastic surgery result for cutting her jawbone to look pretty?”
— ARIRANG⟭⟬ ㉧㉣㉣⁷ ⟬⟭아포방포BTS IS 7 (@charestriart) [Feb 10, 2026]

“The reality of jaw surgery, you can see where winter’s face is actually supposed to start 🙁 Sm is disgusting”
— (@btsvmsoulmates) [Feb 11, 2026]

“fanwar aside, SM did this woman really dirty, like why would they ruin someone’s face like this, fuck korean beauty standards”
— anushka (@pookie74ever) [Feb 11, 2026]

Soon after, many fans rushed to defend Winter, slamming the harsh comments as unnecessary and toxic.

“Women hating on women is just so disappointing.. Im not even a fan… sigh”
— Serenity (@LoomingSerenity) [Feb 11, 2026]

“its so shameful that some people cant shut the hell up when it comes to this girl. even if you think she’s ugly, he will never fall in love with you. embarrassment to the fandom”
— ྀིྀིྀིྀིྀི ⁷ (@bowwow_koo) [Feb 11, 2026]

“Why are people bodyshaming her? I may not like other idols but you will never see me bodyshaming/slutshaming them. Dragging them for numbers or their music is one thing but doing this is crossing the line.”
— nai (@bngtnluv13) [Feb 11, 2026]