aespa’s Winter will skip the Dallas concert after being diagnosed with shingles; the other three members will perform.
September/30/2026 11:25
aespa’s WINTER will miss the U.S. Dallas performance due to shingles. On the 29th, aespa’s agency SM Entertainment (hereinafter, SM) announced WINTER’s absence from the Dallas performance. SM explained, “WINTER recently showed symptoms of feeling unwell before the Miami performance, but because she wanted to stand on stage together with the members, she went on stage in order to continue the performance,” and “however, her condition did not improve sufficiently after that either, and after going to the hospital following the Miami performance and undergoing a detailed examination, she was diagnosed with shingles.” SM continued, “Even after the diagnosis, WINTER showed a strong will to participate as much as possible in the scheduled performances, and until just before the performance she continued to closely monitor whether she could go on stage while doing her best to recover her condition. However, following the medical staff’s recommendation that the artist’s health and sufficient recovery are the top priority, after careful discussions between the agency and the artist, it was inevitably decided that she would not participate in this Dallas performance and would take a rest.” Accordingly, only the three members KARINA, GISELLE, and NINGNING are scheduled to participate in the main performance and event held on the same day. SM said, “WINTER herself had been looking forward to meeting the audience in Dallas, so she is very sorry that she cannot participate in this performance, and she is expressing her apologies for suddenly delivering this news to the fans who were waiting for the performance,” and “we once again ask for your understanding for having to suddenly deliver this news to the many fans who were waiting for the performance, and we will do our utmost so that WINTER can take sufficient rest, recover her health, and meet the fans again.” aespa is carrying out its fourth world tour, traveling through 25 regions including North America, South America, and Europe. • aespa’s WINTER suffers from defamation and slander…SM warns of legal action • aespa’s WINTER enjoys shabu-shabu and monjayaki! She continues to release commemorative photos from her stay in Japan
Related Articles
ABEMA will broadcast the live finale of Mnet’s STREET WORLD FIGHTER: Directors' War exclusively in Japan and simultaneously with Korea for free tonight. The show spotlights performance directors who create every aspect of a stage, and four finalists—KASPER, BABYZOO, BADA, and kooyoung back—will compete in a cheer performance mission. ZEROBASEONE’s Sung Hanbin will MC, and a related special program featuring YUMEKI and JO1’s Ren Kawashiri is also streaming free.
Some K-pop artists, including IVE, KiiiKiii, FIFTY FIFTY, and Park Hyo-shin, submitted songs for the Grammy’s new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, along with Japanese and other Asian acts. But BTS, Stray Kids, and other major-label artists declined, amid debate over whether the category helps or isolates Asian music.
New Balance has launched a new “983” campaign featuring brand ambassador WINTER of aespa. The shoe reinterprets 2000s performance running design with a sculptural, future-forward silhouette, blending heritage and innovation. It is now on sale online and at select stores.
A roughly 13-second video allegedly filmed in a corridor at aespa’s Seattle concert venue has gone viral, showing several women falling to the floor, pulling each other’s hair, and throwing punches and kicks in a fierce brawl. Witnesses and online users were shocked, but the exact cause and identities remain unconfirmed.
The 2026 Music Bank Global Festival in Japan will be held on December 12 and 13, 2026 at MUFG Stadium (National Stadium). New artists announced include NiziU, INI, xikers, ZEROBASEONE, TWS, NEXZ, KickFlip, AEN, and TUIDE, with performance dates revealed. Tickets and premium lounge options are on sale.
Lee Soo-man’s AI-generated dance video with A2O producer Yoo Young-jin and rookie group A2O LITE went viral, drawing likes and comments from K-pop stars. A2O LITE, a nine-member multinational girl group, debuted with “NEON,” which reached No. 1 on MelOn’s TOP 100.
aespa’s NINGNING captivated viewers with a sexy, daring look in a W Korea cover photoshoot. Wearing a glossy deep-purple fitted suit over a black V-neck top, she highlighted her elegant neckline, dark eye makeup, long black hair, and red nails. Fans praised her beauty and model-like presence, while aespa continues its strong global momentum through its 2026–27 world tour.
I.O.I, reunited after about nine years and topping the music charts, will appear on the year-end awards stage at MMA 2026. MelOn announced the final 11 acts, bringing the total lineup to 26, including aespa, IVE, and others. The event adds a new Global TOP10 category.
MARK & LONA unveiled its latest visual starring aespa’s KARINA, the brand’s first female ambassador. Inspired by her wish to create a knit set, the collection features elegant wool-blend knitwear, a hybrid padding jacket, and a knit cap, blending luxury, warmth, and versatility.
In an ELLE Korea interview and photoshoot, aespa’s KARINA talked about her first Lollapalooza Chicago stage, saying the group practiced hard and built a setlist with songs they had rarely performed. She said nerves can help reduce mistakes, enjoys exploring tour cities, and likes the word “strong” because it means having a firm core and values.
