As one of the powerhouse K-pop groups in the fourth generation, aespa has been active in their promotions for their first-ever full album "Armageddon." The group has been promoting various schedules collectively while also engaging in their solo endeavors.
Particularly, Winter made rounds on social media earlier on June 5, when comedian Park Myung Soo appeared with the aespa member in a preview skit.
According to the post, the comedian adopted the persona of Cha Eun Woo, and engaged Winter in playful banters. At the end of the teaser, Park Myung Soo and Winter lean their heads together, followed by a caption saying "Eunsoo and Minjeong's Secret Story."
The video immediately went viral online, as it was fueled by netizens' discomfort due to the 30-year age gap between the two celebrities, the teaser's suggestive undertones, and Park Myung Soo's previous reveal about his appreciation for Winter's beauty.
Netizens stormed social media platforms to express how uncomfortable they were with Park Myung Soo's skit with Winter.
idgaf if itβs a parody or what this old man has expressed many times abt how he finds winter pretty you canβt say this is something done innocently https://t.co/dMemfrswZn
However, the fire was fanned when the comedian appeared again with Winter in a separate content. On June 13, aespa uploaded on their official SNS an "Armageddon" dance challenge video, featuring Winter and Park Myung Soo.
Fans stated how uncomfortable they were with the comedian's presence. As if that wasn't enough, they also expressed outrage over Park Myung Soo's skinship with the idol at the end of the video, which showed him leaning his head closely to Winter's.