Aespa’s member Winter made a notable appearance at the Ralph Lauren Spring/Summer 2026 show during New York Fashion Week, capturing attention with her elegant style. Her outfit, a sophisticated white ensemble, dazzled fans as she promoted the group’s latest single, “Rich Man.” However, her appearance has ignited mixed reactions among Korean netizens, highlighting the often polarized opinions on beauty standards in the entertainment industry.
Winter, who attended the event earlier this week, received significant praise from many attendees and fans. A post on the popular Korean community site Pann celebrated her looks, describing her as consistently beautiful. The original poster expressed admiration for her ability to look stunning even in low-quality mobile photos.
“Ah, she’s so pretty. Why is she so pretty these days? She keeps updating her peak visuals every day,” the user wrote. They also shared their affection for a casual outfit Winter later showcased on Instagram, featuring a navy sweater and beige skirt, which they claimed “made a bunch of girls’ hearts flutter.”
Yet, not all responses were positive. Several comments on the Pann post raised concerns about the authenticity of Winter’s appearance. One netizen remarked that her face appeared unnatural, while another attributed her looks to potential cosmetic surgery, particularly focusing on her nose and eyes.
Despite the criticism, many supporters aligned themselves with the original praise, suggesting that Winter’s striking features perfectly complement the Ralph Lauren aesthetic. Comments included remarks about her captivating presence, with one user stating, “She suits Polo so well, she looks super pure.” Others reiterated sentiments about her almost AI-like visuals, which seem to resonate with fashion-forward audiences.
This incident illustrates the often conflicting perceptions of beauty within the K-pop industry, where idols are scrutinized for their appearances. With the rapid rise of social media platforms, such as Instagram and Pann, opinions can spread quickly, creating a dynamic dialogue around celebrity culture and beauty standards.
As Winter continues to promote aespa’s music in the United States, the group’s impact on international audiences remains evident. The discussions surrounding her appearance at New York Fashion Week not only reflect individual opinions but also emphasize the broader conversation about beauty ideals in the entertainment world.