aespa In Trouble? Massive Fanbase Declares Scathing Boycott
aespa is once again at the center of controversy after Winter’s largest Chinese fanbase announced a complete boycott of all group-related activities.
The sudden decision has sparked massive speculation among netizens, as Chinese supporters make up one of aespa’s biggest and most influential fanbases.
In their announcement, Team Winter stated they would no longer spend money on any aespa albums, events, or merchandise, choosing instead to support Winter’s individual activities only.
According to the official statement shared by Winter’s Chinese bar, the boycott stems from years of frustration toward SM Entertainment’s alleged mistreatment of the idol. The fanbase accused the company of consistently overlooking Winter’s solo activities and failing to promote her schedules on aespa’s official accounts, despite other members receiving regular posts. They claimed they had “lost hope” in the group after repeated requests for fair treatment were ignored.
오늘부로 팀윈터는 에스파 활동 모든 것에 보이콧을 합니다.
소비자이자 팬들의 몇년간 기본적인 것들에 대한 형평성을 요구하는 꾸준한 피드백 요청에도 무시하는 태도에 더이상 이 그룹에는 희망이라는 것을 찾지 못했습니다.
가장 최근 연속적으로 윈터의 개인 스케줄이 5개가 진행되는 동안…— TEAM WINTER.CN (@ChinaWinterBar) November 3, 2025
Starting today, Team Winter will boycott all aespa group activities.
Despite years of requests from fans and consumers asking for basic fairness, our feedback has been ignored. We no longer see hope in this group.
Recently, while Winter had five solo schedules in a row, not a single one was mentioned or promoted. Who could possibly understand that? From now on, we will not spend a single cent on aespa’s group activities or promotions. We will only show our love and support for Winter as an individual.
— Winter’s Chinese bar via X
The statement quickly spread across Korean and Chinese communities, where many debated the impact the boycott could have on aespa’s future sales. Fans pointed out that Karina’s Chinese fanbase had already declared a boycott last year, and losing another major supporter base could deal a serious blow to aespa’s dominance in Chinese markets.
- “To explain the situation: SM’s official aespa accounts (Instagram, TikTok, X, etc.) have been skipping Winter’s schedules. Events like Chaumet, Ralph Lauren, and Harper’s Bazaar October issue weren’t promoted at all, even though they usually post for every member. That’s why Winter’s fans, especially the Chinese ones, are now boycotting.”
- “NCT’s official accounts post about solo schedules, but aespa’s haven’t uploaded a single post about Winter’s recent Ralph Lauren and New Balance events. It’s not even new… they’ve been doing this for years. I unfollowed the aespa account three years ago because it was so obvious and rude. Honestly, lasting five years like this is already too much.”
- “But Chinese fanbases declare boycotts all the time… this isn’t the first or second time, right?”
- “Honestly, I can’t even blame them this time. There has been a flood of malicious rumors and hateful comments lately, yet SM hasn’t issued any legal notices or updates. The official account keeps ignoring Winter’s solo schedules while posting nonstop about merch. Even after WinterBar sent protest trucks, they were completely ignored. I wouldn’t spend money either. This behavior is just disrespectful.”
- “They say boycott, but they’ll still secretly buy everything, lol.”
