aespa's WINTER graces the cover of Esquire April 2026, showcasing Polo Ralph Lauren's collection and discussing her world tour.
March/25/2026 19:15
aespa's WINTER adorned the cover of the April issue of 'Esquire'. This photoshoot is a collaboration project with Polo Ralph Lauren, where WINTER is an ambassador, showcasing the brand's Spring/Summer 2026 collection. She wore various items, from a vivid red knit dress reminiscent of spring flowers to a wild-looking jacket and swimsuit. Notably, WINTER was photographed with minimal makeup, drawing even more attention. She expressed, 'Polo Ralph Lauren originally has a diverse image, so every time we collaborate, it's fun to show various charms that match it.' The following interview also provided glimpses of WINTER's diverse sides. Currently on a world tour, WINTER introduced aespa's various charms encountered during performances. Regarding the keyword 'iron taste' associated with the shows, she mentioned, 'You might imagine a heavy and dark atmosphere, but there are many cute songs than you think, and the stage is structured considering communication with the audience, so you will feel the spectrum.' She also spoke about the emotions felt during performances, stating, 'When the song starts, and the cheers exceed that music, I'm really happy,' and explained, 'Thanks to those voices, dopamine is released for us, allowing us to enjoy together with fans.' She shared that her biggest personal goal right now is to have an experience where she can truly say, 'I enjoyed this stage completely and was completely free.' Various topics were discussed in the interview, including the joy and difficulty of singing aespa's songs, the backstory behind her solo song 'BLUE', memories of her first birthday party event 'WINTER Blues' held last year, and her special feelings for the members. The April 2026 issue of 'Esquire' featuring WINTER on the cover is available for purchase at Korean bookstores and can be checked on the 'Esquire Korea' website.
Related Articles
aespa is set to return with their 2nd full album 'LEMONADE', releasing the pre-release track 'WDA (Whole Different Animal)' featuring G-DRAGON. The song is described as a hip-hop dance track with a grand synth bass and heavy hooks, reflecting aespa's growth. The music video is available on their SMTOWN YouTube channel, with the full album releasing on the 29th.
In a lighthearted YouTube segment, aespa's NINGNING and singer Lee Yong-ji engage in a humorous bet that results in a significant donation of 20 million won to a welfare facility. Despite the competitive spirit, both artists demonstrate their commitment to charity, reflecting on humility and gratitude in their conversations.
KARINA of aespa participated in a beauty shoot for Harper's BAZAAR Korea, captivating with her radiant skin. In a follow-up interview, she addressed fan concerns, providing practical advice on making friends, maintaining a positive attitude, and how to decline requests wisely. aespa will release their 2nd full album 'LEMONADE' on the 29th of this month.
A new video featuring Faker and aespa's KARINA has gone viral, showcasing Faker's heartfelt confession to her. The video, titled 'Who did Faker confess to?' shows him walking alone and dramatically taking her hand as he admits his feelings. Fans are buzzing about this unexpected pairing, expressing their surprise and excitement over the romantic vibe of the video.
G-DRAGON is featured in aespa's new song 'WDA (Whole Different Animal)', part of their 2nd full album 'LEMONADE', set to release on May 29. The digital single will be available on May 11. This collaboration marks their second, following G-DRAGON's previous work with aespa's KARINA in 2022.
At Met Gala 2026, BLACKPINK members, including Karina and Ningning from aespa, and actor Ahn Hyo-seop, dazzled in designer outfits. The event, themed 'Costume Art,' featured the group in glamorous dresses from brands like PRADA and GUCCI. This was the first time all BLACKPINK members attended together, creating a buzz with their group photo. Other attendees included model Bhavitha Mandava and actress Jung Ho-yeon.
aespa is set to make a comeback with their 2nd full album "LEMONADE" on the 29th, showcasing a unique world filled with tension. They will release a pre-release track, "WDA (Whole Different Animal)," on the 11th. The album promises to highlight aespa's musical growth and introduce a new chapter in their story.
On the morning of the 3rd, aespa's KARINA and NINGNING departed from Incheon International Airport to attend the Met Gala 2026 in New York. NINGNING was appointed as GUCCI's global ambassador, a brand she has admired since childhood. Additionally, KARINA received praise for her Japanese skills during a golf challenge, delighting the audience with her innocent smile.
NINGNING from aespa has been appointed as the new global ambassador for GUCCI. She expressed her pride and excitement, having admired the brand since childhood. Previously, she showcased GUCCI styles at various events and attended their fashion show in Milan. aespa is set to release their 2nd full album 'LEMONADE' on May 29 and will embark on a world tour starting in August.
The operator of the YouTube channel 'Tardok (De-Otaku) Detention Center' was ordered to pay 1.7 billion won for defaming SM Entertainment artists like aespa and EXO. The court found that the videos harmed the artists' reputations and brand value, leading to significant damages. SM Entertainment plans to continue legal action against such defamatory content.
