Here’s Why aespa’s Ningning Wears Such Bare Clothing In Freezing Winter Weather

While aespa‘s stage styling is certainly impressive, one member in particular is standing out for her personal style: Ningning. Despite the freezing temperatures in Seoul, South Korea right now, the maknae and main vocalist has been spotted several times in clothing that leaves her legs bare. But, while it may seem crazy, netizens have finally uncovered the explanation.

Ningning and the rest of the aespa members have worn shorts and sleeveless tops on stage several times while performing “Black Mamba”, but that’s no surprise. After all, music show venues are heated well for comfort, and dancing keeps them members even warmer.

However, what is surprising is that Ningning wears similarly bare clothes outside too! Last month, for example, the maknae was spotted leaving Music Bank in a stylish fit that didn’t cover her legs at all. At the time, Seoul was experiencing temperature lows of –1°C (30°F)!

And the craziest part is that Ningning has continued her summer-clothes-in-winter trend even as the temperatures dropped further. Yesterday, temperatures in Seoul dropped to –13°C (8.6°F), but that didn’t stop the aespa star from wearing shorts.

In fact, one of the warmest fashion pieces Ningning has donned all winter so far is a white fur coat—and she paired it with a skirt that left her legs exposed to the elements.

At first, you may think that Ningning’s stylist is being inconsiderate of aespa’s comfort, but it seems like these clothing choices are all down to the main vocalist herself. After all, her fellow members are almost always wrapped up warm. Last month, for example, while Ningning was wearing shorts and skirts, leader Karina wouldn’t step outside without her blanket.

But why would Ningning put herself through such extreme temperatures in bare clothing? Netizens recently realized the answer when they looked into the Chinese rookie’s heritage.

Before joining SM Entertainment, Ningning was born and raised in Harbin, Heilongjiang, China. To most in the country, Harbin is known for the beautiful Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival—the world’s largest winter ice festival. Is Ningning’s style starting to make sense now?

In Harbin, the average winter temperature is –16.8°C (1.8°F), but the chill frequently drops as low as –25°C (–13°F)! So, while Seoul’s current temperatures may seem freezing to many around the world, they’re nothing compared to watch Ningning is used to. No wonder she’s so comfortable in shorts, skirts, and short sleeves all year round!