Winter (aespa) | Kim Min Jeong

Winter from aespa, born Kim Min-jeong, has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with her exceptional talents and distinct charm. As a key member of SM Entertainment's groundbreaking girl group aespa, her role as a lead vocalist has not only showcased her vocal prowess but also her ability to connect with the audience on a profound level. Her journey from a young aspirant in Busan to becoming an indispensable part of the global phenomenon that aespa is today, punctuated by remarkable milestones such as the release of hits like "Black Mamba," "Next Level," and "Savage," reflects her dedication and passion for music. Winter's unique style and charismatic stage presence have solidified her status as a visual and vocal powerhouse in the K-pop industry.

This article will delve into Winter's life, charting her evolution from her early days to her meteoric rise within aespa. From her training days at SM Entertainment, through aespa's debut, to the significant career milestones she has achieved, each section explores different facets of her journey. Beyond her professional life, insights into her personal interests, including her love for action movies like "Tenet" and "American Sniper," her favorite foods such as chocolate and lasagna, and fun facts about her MBTI personality type, INTJ, will be shared. Moreover, focusing on her activities within aespa and her individual pursuits, will highlight how Winter continues to enchant and inspire her fans, making her one of the most intriguing figures in the world of K-pop.

Instagram: @imwinter

ZEPETO: winter_aespa_sm

Occupation

Singer, dancer

Group debut

November 17, 2020 (aespa)

January 3, 2022 (GOT the beat)

Years active

2020–present

Agency

SM Entertainment (2017–present)

Associations

aespa

GOT the beat

Winter, whose real name is Kim Min-jeong, was born on January 1, 2001, in Nampo-dong, Busan, South Korea. She spent her early childhood in Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do, where she attended Samseong Elementary School and later Yangsan Samsung Middle School. Known for her academic diligence, Winter was popular among her peers and actively participated in various clubs and sports, including the school's dance club.

Winter was born into a military family, with her father, older brother, and several relatives all serving in the military. This environment initially inspired her to dream of a military career. However, her path took a dramatic turn when she was discovered by SM Entertainment during a dance festival in her hometown of Yangsan-si. This opportunity led her to pursue a career in entertainment, diverging from her family's military background.

Winter's journey with SM Entertainment began when she was discovered through her personal social media account. She joined the company around early 2016, shortly after her participation in a Chinese singing program. Notably, Winter had one of the shortest training periods among female SM idols, lasting only 10 months. She trained at Born Star Training Center before officially joining SM, and she was cast during a dance festival in her hometown of Yangsan-si. Her training included being a backup dancer for Taemin's 'Want' music video in 2019, which also marked her public introduction.

Winter's official debut with aespa was announced by SM Entertainment on October 26, 2020, making her the first member to be revealed. The debut was highly anticipated, following SM Entertainment's announcement of launching a new girl group, the first since Red Velvet in 2014. Aespa debuted with their single "Black Mamba" on November 17, 2020. The song's music video set a record for the highest number of views for a K-pop group's debut video within 24 hours, amassing 21.4 million views. Winter and her group members made their broadcast debut on KBS2's 'Music Bank' on November 20, 2020, and secured their first music show win on SBS's 'Inkigayo' on January 17, 2021.

Winter's personality is intricately shaped by her MBTI type, ISFP, known as the "Adventurer" type. This classification highlights her unique self-expression, evident in her choice of clothing and leisure activities. ISFPs are celebrated for their flexibility, curiosity, and a somewhat impulsive nature, often not fully recognizing their own remarkable qualities.

Her favorite foods, mint chocolate ice cream and Hawaiian pizza, suggest an openness to diverse and vibrant flavors, reflecting an adventurous spirit consistent with her personality type. These preferences indicate a sensory inclination towards unique and contrasting tastes, which parallels the characteristics outlined by her MBTI results.

Winter has several unique habits that endear her to fans and make her daily routine quite interesting. She enjoys unwinding by watching the program "Win or Nothing (A Clean Sweep)," which she insists on watching while eating. This habit extends to her meticulous nightly routine of removing makeup and showering right after her meal and show. Additionally, Winter is known for her pen spinning, a habit that has captivated fans and is often highlighted in social media posts.

Winter's preferences reveal much about her personality and interests. She has a strong affinity for scenic walks, preferring to walk for an hour rather than taking public transportation. Her favorite foods include chocolate, lasagna, and snacks like jelly and taro smoothie, showcasing her diverse palate. Interestingly, Winter chose dipping sauce over pouring sauce for ttangsuyuk, highlighting her specific culinary preferences. Her favorite movies are "Tenet" and "American Sniper," which align with her love for action and complex narratives. Additionally, Winter's favorite season is autumn, and she has a special fondness for polar foxes, desert foxes, huskies, dogs, and cats.

In the latest updates for 2024, Winter from aespa has had a significant year, marked by both challenges and achievements. In early April, Winter underwent surgery to address a collapsed lung, a condition known as pneumothorax. This surgery occurred shortly after her return from Japan, where she had been performing. SM Entertainment confirmed her surgery and recovery process, emphasizing that her health remains their top priority amid her busy schedule.

Despite her health challenges, Winter and her group, aespa, are preparing for a busy year. They announced a comeback in May, followed by the launch of their world tour, SYNK: Parallel Line. The tour is set to begin in Seoul at the Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium and will include over 20 stops across several countries, including Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Australia, spanning from June to September.

Furthermore, Winter's project group, GOT the beat, saw significant developments as they released their first mini-album Stamp On It in January 2023. The album includes six tracks and has been well-received, showcasing the dynamic range and strong presence of the group in the music industry.

Throughout the journey of Winter, from her early roots in Busan to becoming a vital component of aespa, her evolution stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication and talent. Her contribution to aespa's skyrocketing popularity and her individual achievements, including her involvement with GOT the Beat and her courageous recovery from surgery, underscore her significance in the K-pop domain. Winter's diverse interests, ranging from her taste in movies to her culinary preferences, paint a picture of a multifaceted individual whose personality resonates with fans globally.

As Winter continues to navigate her career with aespa and explore solo endeavors, her trajectory serves as an inspiring blueprint for aspiring artists. Her resilience in the face of health challenges and her commitment to her craft highlight the positive impact she has on her audience and the music industry at large. The significance of her story goes beyond entertainment; it embodies the essence of perseverance and the relentless pursuit of one's passion. Winter's journey is a compelling narrative that encourages fans and readers alike to embrace their uniqueness and strive towards their dreams with unyielding spirit and dedication.