Winter

Winter, born Kim Min-jeong on January 1, 2001, is a South Korean singer and dancer best known as a member of the K-pop girl group aespa under SM Entertainment. She was the first member revealed for the group in October 2020 and debuted with the hit single "Black Mamba" in November 2020. Winter is recognized for her stable live vocals, sharp dance moves, and visual appeal, quickly becoming a fan favorite in the 4th generation of K-pop.

Beyond aespa, Winter joined the supergroup GOT the beat in 2022, part of SM's Girls on Top project, performing alongside industry legends like BoA and Taeyeon. She has also contributed to collaborations and OSTs, including a duet with Yesung of Super Junior and the single "Officially Cool" with Bang Yedam. Her career reflects a steady rise within SM's ecosystem, marked by group achievements and increasing individual recognition.

In 2024, Winter underwent surgery for a collapsed lung (pneumothorax), taking a brief hiatus to recover. She returned to full activities with aespa, continuing to tour and release new music. As of 2026, she remains a core member of aespa, actively performing and expanding her artistic portfolio. [edit]

Winter grew up in the Busan-Yangsan area with her parents and an older brother born in 1999, who later became a military officer. Her family has a strong military background, which initially inspired her to dream of becoming a soldier. She attended Yangsan Samsung Elementary and Middle Schools, where she developed an interest in singing and dancing, often performing at school events.

She was scouted by SM Entertainment during her mid-teens and became a trainee, training for an estimated 3-5 years before debut. During this period, she honed her vocals and dance skills, earning a reputation for her quick learning and dedication. She was selected as the first member of aespa, signaling SM's confidence in her abilities. [edit]

Winter's career took off with aespa's debut single "Black Mamba" in 2020, which became a global hit and established the group's futuristic concept. She gained further recognition with the viral success of "Next Level" in 2021 and the EP "Savage," which won multiple rookie awards. Her inclusion in GOT the beat in 2022 showcased her alongside top SM artists, performing the single "Step Back."

In 2023, Winter expanded her discography with collaborations like "Floral Sense" with Yesung and the OST "With You." The 2024 duet "Officially Cool" with Bang Yedam demonstrated her versatility. Despite a health setback in 2024, she returned to active promotions with aespa, solidifying her position as a leading 4th-generation idol. [edit]

Winter is widely regarded as a versatile 4th-generation all-rounder, praised for her stable live vocals, sharp dance skills, and bright 'girl-next-door' visual. Her signature aesthetic blends cute and cool concepts, often showcased in aespa's futuristic concepts and her own fashion choices. Media and fans alike recognize her for her dedication and professionalism, as well as her playful, concise social media presence on Instagram (@winter_0_0_). Aespa's official fandom is called MY (Meow York), and Winter's dedicated supporters enthusiastically support her, especially following her health recovery in 2024. Her public image is that of a hardworking, talented idol who maintains a warm and appreciative connection with fans.[edit]

Winter stands as a defining figure of the fourth generation of K-pop, anchoring aespa with a vocal presence and visual identity that has resonated globally since her 2020 debut. Her influence extends beyond the group's futuristic narratives into broader cultural conversations, marked by significant moments ranging from health battles to high-profile industry collaborations. As an iFANN evaluated entity, Winter is currently the subject of a comprehensive fame analysis; however, the iFANN Global Fame Engine has determined she does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings for the Global Top 1,000 or any specific top-100 scope list. This evaluation reflects a status where her immense popularity within the K-pop sphere has yet to translate into a quantified global rank in the current dataset. Her fanbase, known collectively as MY, operates with a level of organization and financial power rarely seen outside the highest echelons of the music industry. The community mobilizes rapidly for digital voting, coordinates massive birthday campaigns featuring global billboards, and engages in charity drives specifically dedicated to Winter. While the fandom lacks an individual name separate from the group, their rituals are distinct, utilizing color-coded light sticks and specific chants associated with Winter during concerts. Recent years have also seen the community navigate complex media landscapes, including intense reactions to unverified dating rumors that sparked public demonstrations and legal considerations from management agencies, further illustrating the depth of the bond between the idol and her supporters.[edit]

Winter identifies as ENFJ as of 2026, a shift from previous MBTI classifications that often fluctuated throughout her career. She possesses a notable talent for tongue-twisters and maintains a strong affection for polar foxes and huskies, preferring the autumn season over others. Her favorite color is ivory, and she is renowned for her ability to memorize choreography with exceptional speed. A defining moment in her personal history occurred in April 2024 when reports confirmed she underwent preventive surgery for a collapsed lung, an event that drew widespread concern and highlighted the physical demands of her profession. Fans rallied around her recovery, viewing the incident as a reflection of her dedication despite health challenges. Another pivotal chapter involves her 2025 participation in the supergroup Got the Beat, which expanded her visibility alongside established legends like BoA and Taeyeon. More recently, late 2025 introduced a layer of folklore surrounding unverified dating rumors linking her to BTS member Jungkook. These rumors triggered unprecedented truck protests in Seoul and became a dominant topic of conversation, transforming public discourse around her from simple admiration to a high-stakes media saga involving agency responses and petition campaigns.[edit]

Winter's parents have stayed out of the public eye. She has an older brother born in 1999 who serves as a military officer. Her family's military background influenced her early ambition to become a soldier. [edit]

Winter is a member of aespa alongside Karina, Giselle, and Ningning. She also performed with GOT the beat, featuring BoA, Taeyeon, Hyoyeon, Seulgi, Wendy, and Karina. Her collaboration with Bang Yedam on "Officially Cool" in 2024 was a notable cross-company project. [edit]

Winter has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships. As of 2026, she is reported as single, with no official dating history or confirmed partners. SM Entertainment has not commented on any rumors, and Winter has maintained a private personal life focused on her career. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Winter's net worth is estimated at $3 million as of 2026. This valuation primarily reflects her earnings from activities with aespa, encompassing album sales, concert tours, merchandise, and endorsements from major brands such as Givenchy and Samsung. Additional income streams include her contributions to the supergroup Got the Beat and individual collaborations like "Officially Cool" and "Floral Sense." SM Entertainment distributes revenue among its members, and Winter's share has shown steady growth since her debut. The figure is projected to rise alongside the group's ongoing global expansion.[edit]

Winter has won several major awards as a member of aespa, including Best New Female Artist and Best Dance Performance – Female Group at MAMA 2021, Best New Artist at Melon Music Awards 2021, and Rookie Artist at Golden Disc Awards 2022. These group accolades highlight her contributions to aespa's rapid success. [edit]