aespa Winter’s “Visual Transformation” After Dating Rumors With BTS’s Jungkook Is Going Viral

It didn’t take a stage or a teaser. Winter’s airport look alone was enough to set off strong reactions from Korean netizens.

Alongside her members, the aespa star departed Incheon on January 30 to make her way to Japan, where the girl group is set to perform during SMTOWN. Upon seeing her now viral pictures and videos at the airport, netizens say she looks much prettier.

The timing is especially interesting. Winter recently shocked fans by cutting her hair back into a short bob, a style that many associate with her early debut days. The change came amid explosive rumors with BTS’s Jungkook that have taken over headlines in the K-Pop indsutry ever since the first few sparks. Now, a viral post on Pann claimed she has gotten prettier since.

Ever since Winter started dating, she’s gotten prettier.

— Viral post on Pann

While neither side has confirmed anything, some netizens claim Winter looks happier and more radiant lately. Others pushed back strongly, saying she has always been beautiful regardless of her relationship status.

• “Winter was already pretty to begin with~”
• “Yeah, lately she’s insanely pretty, haha.”
• “She was always pretty. Unlike you guys lol.”
• “Once again, the Pann ajummas are spending their days obsessing over idols’ dating lives because they can’t date themselves at their age… haha.”
• “Her slightly prim and aloof vibe makes her even prettier.”

Overall, the response to Winter’s new hairstyle has been overwhelmingly positive. Whether fans believe the glow-up is linked to dating rumors or not, one thing is clear: Winter’s bob haircut comeback is a hit.