aespa Winter's 'Too-White' Makeup Receives Backlash, MYs Defend Idol

In a recent airport appearance en route to Japan, aespa Winter has found herself at the center of a brewing controversy after it was rumored that she styled herself, opting for a more minimalistic makeup look.

The decision to forego the usual group stylists raised eyebrows, especially as Winter showcased a noticeably bare-faced and natural appearance.

While Winter's choice was praised for its simplicity and elegance, it also ignited speculation among netizens regarding her complexion.

Some observers remarked on Winter appearing paler than usual, prompting discussions on whether she had used skin-lightening products.

In South Korea, where beauty standards often favor lighter skin tones, such speculations are not uncommon and can stir heated debate.

Winter, who is naturally fair-skinned, has faced similar accusations in the past.

Earlier this year, there were allegations that her stylists had applied makeup to lighten her skin, even extending to her arms.

This latest incident has only added fuel to the ongoing discourse surrounding beauty standards and the pressures faced by idols in the K-Pop industry.

In response to the controversy, fans of aespa rushed to Winter's defense, suggesting that factors such as camera flashes and the use of sunscreen or mattifying products could have influenced her appearance at the airport.

• "Wait...? What's this nonsense? I'm about to get on a plane and you're asking why I put on sunscreen? Seriously, lol. Are you trying to skip the time from the accommodation to the airport altogether? It's not like we're teleporting from the accommodation to the plane, lol. What's the point of putting on sunscreen then...:"
• "Who's trying to lighten their skin by applying powder without even knowing its purpose, just applying it for tone-up? Is this the kind of thinking that's going around now? If you want to tone up, use tone-up cream, you blockhead."
• "Have you never tried makeup??? It's obvious that it's powder or something, the flash exploded and that's why it looks like that."
• "Now, even if you apply body lotion on your body, you'll say you did self-makeup. Powder is supposed to remove oil and make it smooth, so when did it become something to apply to make your body white?"
• "Isn't it powder instead of skin makeup, with sunscreen function in powder these days? Usually, you apply sunscreen down to your neck."

They emphasized that Winter's natural beauty should be celebrated without unnecessary scrutiny over her complexion.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Cassidy Jones.