Outrage Erupts as aespa’s Winter Misses Concert Due to Illness

Fans of the South Korean girl group aespa expressed outrage after member Winter was unable to perform at their concert in Thailand on November 16, 2025, due to health issues. The concert took place at the renowned Impact Arena as part of the group’s ongoing world tour, SYNK: aeXIS LINE. Just hours before the concert, SM True Thailand announced that Winter would skip the sound check and rest to prepare for the show.

In a subsequent statement, the agency confirmed that Winter had been hospitalized with “cold and flu-like symptoms.” They advised her to take adequate rest, which led to the decision for her absence from the concert. The announcement read, “This decision has been made with the artist’s health and well-being as our top priority,” a sentiment that did not sit well with many fans.

Anger among fans intensified as they criticized SM Entertainment for what they see as a persistent disregard for the health of aespa members. Many voiced their concerns on social media, highlighting the demanding schedules imposed on the group. One fan noted, “SM planned an insanely packed schedule for the girls with zero regard for their health,” pointing to the quick turnaround from their previous performance in Los Angeles to the concert in Bangkok.

The concert marked aespa’s eleventh show in just six weeks, following performances across Japan. Just two days prior, on November 14, they had delivered a ten-song set at Amazon Music Live in Los Angeles, before catching a lengthy flight to Thailand. Fans are now questioning the sustainability of such rigorous touring schedules, especially after Winter’s previous health challenges, including surgery for a collapsed lung a year and a half ago.

As news of Winter’s condition spread, fans shared their observations of her struggle during the previous concert, where she appeared visibly unwell, coughing and struggling to catch her breath. One fan remarked on social media, “Winter always puts in her best despite her condition,” emphasizing the dedication and hard work the members show even when unwell.

The situation worsened as reports emerged that another member, Karina, was also experiencing health issues, having coughed during the previous sound check. This raised further concerns regarding the overall health of the group, prompting fans to call for better management practices from SM Entertainment.

The growing frustration reflects a broader sentiment among the fans of K-pop groups, who are increasingly vocal about the need for agencies to prioritize the well-being of their artists. As they continue to support aespa, fans are urging SM Entertainment to reconsider their approach to scheduling and artist care.

In light of the recent events, many hope for a speedy recovery for Winter and a reassessment of the group’s future concert plans to ensure such health-related absences do not become a recurring issue.