aespa’s Winter Slams SM Entertainment With Scathing Comments On Live Broadcast
aespa’s new lightstick has quickly become one of SM Entertainment’s most controversial merch drops.
What should have been an exciting moment for fans has instead turned into a frustrating ordeal, and now even the group’s own members are openly voicing their dissatisfaction.
During a live broadcast held after finishing concert rehearsals, Winter did not hold back in criticizing how the company has handled the situation. She pointed out that a simple online reservation system could have prevented many of the problems, explaining that fans could have purchased the lightstick in advance and picked it up at the venue without enduring long waits.
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Instead, SM’s decision to restrict sales to on-site booths has sparked major backlash, especially with thousands expected to queue in the summer heat.
WINTER talking about the lightsticks being bought onsite only 🥺
“If they had at least done an online reservation system, you could’ve bought it online and just picked it up at the venue. That way, the wait wouldn’t be as long. But on-site sales… they should’ve been more… pic.twitter.com/SGgcMY8yRs
— Jazz (@mjkmwntr) August 25, 2025
Winter went on to call out SM for not taking responsibility after production delays, saying the company should have made more effort to resolve the issue rather than leaving fans to deal with the consequences.
She even touched on the way the lightstick was being marketed, stressing that it should not be treated as just “a way to make money.” Winter added that fans should at least receive all four photocards with their purchase, adding that the lightstick should be about fandom pride, not maximizing sales.
Winter continuously clocking SM as she should 😾
“I think they should give all four photocards. Let’s not treat the lightstick as a way to make money. The fans are coming just to support us, so at the very least, like this should be given.”
— Jazz (@mjkmwntr) August 25, 2025
With aespa’s AExis Line concerts in Seoul scheduled for August 29, 30, and 31, fans are bracing for long lines to secure the new lightstick, as no online pre-orders are available. Winter’s blunt remarks only added fuel to the growing criticism of SM Entertainment, showing how the controversy has impacted both the fans and the members.
Previously, Karina also sparked heated reactions after she addressed the issue on Bubble. The idol apologised, which only infuriated fans even more with SM Entertainment.
aespa Karina’s Latest Apology Sparks Rage Towards SM Entertainment
