Backlash Against aespa Arises Over Giselle’s Remarks on Winter Eating and Eating Disorders
aespa is facing controversy over alleged promotion of bad eating habits.
The drama started when a clip showed member Giselle saying Winter “didn’t eat anything that day” and calling it “good self-management.” This clip was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by “tteokbokki twt,” sparking massive backlash.
Netizens claimed aespa was promoting eating disorders and unhealthy body images, especially targeting weight changes in Ningning and Giselle. Some comments called out the group for “forcing themselves to starve” and criticized their appearances.
“Besides the obvious eating disorder of those three Aespa members, if you have to force yourself to starve yourself to be thin, it means you’re not naturally thin, and that’s all. Why don’t you accept your body? They’re promoting eating disorders to younger fans it’s so disgusting”
— @28942993pap on X, February 4, 2026
“talking so openly about disordered eating like this is just irresponsible i do not like it”
— @antonitonytone on X, February 4, 2026
“we can literally count winkhia’s ribs in this pic ”
— @____11April on X, February 4, 2026
But the post left out important context. In the original behind-the-scenes video, Giselle’s comment sounded sarcastic. Winter laughed and confirmed the joke. They then talked about the pizza Giselle actually ate that day.
Fans pushed back hard against the accusations, defending aespa and accusing others of spreading false narratives.
“aespa openly promotes ed” they always talk about how they love food and how important it is to be healthy but your stupid ass will take two words out of context to spread your sick false narrative
— vivi ⋆˚࿔ (@lilyviria) on X, February 5, 2026
In this context, giselle was being sarcastic because winter was working too much and didn’t have time to eat, after which they had an open conversation about food
— Dopamine (@kingodselle) on X, February 5, 2026
“Giselle is promoting ed”
Meanwhile Giselle:
— Bringining (@Ningieningning) on X, February 4, 2026
No official response has been released by SM Entertainment. The debate highlights ongoing concerns about K-pop idols and body image pressures, but viewers are urged not to assume any diagnosis from limited footage.
aespa | SM Entertainment