aespa Winter’s “Skinny” Appearance Hit With Brutal Reactions

Winter is at the center of a wave of criticism over her changed appearance at aespa’s latest concert.

The group performed at Palacio de los Deportes this week for their sold-out SYNK : COMPLæXITY show in Mexico City, Mexico, and footage from the concert quickly went viral among aespa fans on social media. In particular, when Winter appeared in a tucked polo shirt and sweatpants with her hair pulled into messy pigtails, numerous fans were stunned by her lean figure and visible abs.

wabs 😵‍💫 pic.twitter.com/urWhXIXE81

— jen ❆ (@wintersrabbit) September 12, 2026

But not everyone reacted the same way. Alongside the praise, a major wave of backlash followed as some argued that Winter has become far too thin.

痩せすぎて可愛く無くなってきた。なんかガリガリ男子の女装みたい。

— にゃんこ (@nyagonyago999) September 12, 2026

She’s gotten so skinny that she’s stopped being cute. She kind of looks like a skinny guy in drag.

— @nyagonyago999 on X

Some netizens, on the other hand, pushed back against the criticism, claiming that Winter’s slim figure is one of the charms that makes her stand out.

ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ근데 솔직히 그게 윈터 매력임…. pic.twitter.com/h50W3FLmNP

— illi (@illlione) September 13, 2026

LOLLLLL but honestly, that’s Winter’s charm….

— @illlione on X

ウォニョンとかウィンターみたいに、グループで群を抜いて細いことが魅力のひとつって子がいるからなー。
みんながみんなウィンターみたいに痩せてたらさすがに不健康集団だけど、私もこの子はこの異次元な細さが魅力の一つだと思ってたよ、、AIっぽくて不思議な魅力

— 砂糖 (@adqcvq) September 13, 2026

There are people like [IVE’s] Wonyoung and Winter whose appeal is, in part, that they’re exceptionally thin compared to the rest of their group.

If everyone were as skinny as Winter, then sure, the whole group would look unhealthy, but I also always thought that this girl’s otherworldly thinness was one of her charms…

She has this AI-like, mysterious appeal.

— @adqcvq on X

The debate is one of many surrounding Winter this year. Over the past few months, the star has faced repeated hate for her visuals, particularly tied to accusations that she has undergone extensive plastic surgery.