Winter (Kim Min-jeong), main vocalist and visual of aespa, is admired not only for her talent but also for the close relationships she shares with her group members. Despite being more introverted, she fosters warm bonds that contribute greatly to aespa’s strong team spirit.
Relationship with Karina
According to Koong Studio’s YouTube channel, Winter and Karina’s relationship is considered the strongest within aespa. Living together for seven years in SM Entertainment’s dorms allowed them to build a solid connection through shared challenges.
Their first encounter was in a small practice room as trainees, where three Japanese trainees and the two of them shared a tight space. Karina, having trained a few months longer, approached Winter first and introduced herself: “Hello, I’m Yoo Jimin.”
Winter later revealed that she felt at ease living with Karina, and that they had “gone through difficult times together.”
Fans affectionately call their bond “WinRina,” and the two are often spotted together on what fans describe as “secret outings” in Korea.
Relationship with Ningning
Winter and Ningning, the youngest members of aespa, share a bond fans call “WinNing.” Despite their two-year age gap, both belong to the maknae line and are often seen in endearing moments together.
Winter once shared: “연습생 때 저랑 닝닝이는 청순, 귀여움 조였다” (During our trainee days, Ningning and I followed a pure and cute concept). (Source Daum)
Relationship with Giselle
Winter and Giselle, known as “WinSelle,” may not be highlighted as much as WinRina or WinNing, but they still display a natural connection. In the October 2024 YouTube video “aespa’s Winter and Giselle tries to spill a secret while Karina’s covering for them”, the two showed playful chemistry while navigating a “secret reveal” situation together.
These interactions reflect what fans call their “unbreakable bond” and “secret chemistry.” Even if not always showcased as openly as other pairings, their ease and trust in one another stand out during group activities.
Friendships Beyond the Group
Winter has a close friendship with actress Kim Ji-won, known for Queen of Tears. Their bond began at a hair salon through a mutual stylist and was later confirmed when fans noticed they exchanged keychains.
She also shares a special friendship with Irene (Red Velvet), despite their ten-year age gap (Irene born in 1991, Winter in 2001). Winter affectionately calls her “eongnie” (a cute version of unnie), “my love,” and “joohyunie unnie” (after Irene’s real name, Bae Joo Hyun). She once posted an Instagram story referring to Irene as “my love” while thanking her for gifting aespa watermelons.
