A recent post on the forum Pan has drawn widespread criticism for attempting to distort the image of aespa‘s Winter and mock her appearance. The author shared a series of photos of Winter with the controversial comment: “The situation of Winter’s ajumma is very serious these days;;”
He added: “What’s wrong with her? Seriously, the older she gets, the more she becomes… It’s annoying to look at, and disgusting;
This is an unsolicited offer, and yet you try so hard, Winter ajumma.”
Korean netizens quickly expressed their dismay at the double standards and unjustified hatred directed at female idols, from criticism of appearance to weight, performance, and interactions with male idols.
Korean netizens commented:
- “Poor post owner: born as a result of his parents’ mistake, feels inferior to female idols as he gets older, and even if he tries his best, he won’t have a life like Winter.”
- “Even if you screamed your whole life, you’d never reach the level of the idols you call nobody, and Winter is at a level you’ll never reach, even the tips of her toes. Your miserable life will remain in the corner of your room, just complaining. Good luck.”
- “Dear Ajumma, leave Jenny and Winter’s hair and go wash the dishes, be diligent in earning the minimum wage, and don’t envy the rich, successful women who earn millions.”
- “If you’re going to do a smear campaign, at least be smart. This level of anti-viral marketing makes your group look worse, while aespa and Jennie are still at the top.”
- “Winter has become a granny? So you’re a grandmother. All this hatred is because her popularity is still strong? Some people are spiteful because they have nothing.”
- “Winter is beautiful and obviously very popular. Sometimes excessive hatred is an expression of love and jealousy. You are clearly jealous of her.”
