by Jeon Sohee 2024.09.20

When I watched today’s shooting, you look like a beautiful girl and a beautiful boy at the same time. A lot of fans are crazy about the “handsome pretty”, where do you think this mood comes from?

Haha. A lot of people said that when I had short hair, especially when I was promoting “Spicy”. There are a lot of people who like it because it has a neutral charm. Since I had an older brother, I’ve been easy-going since I was young, and I think it’s because of that personality.

I could not imaging because you have such a thin body, but I heard you like kendo. You’re also a great dancer so you must be good at using your body.

When I was in elementary school, I started Kendo with my brother because they said they would give me a gift if I sign up. All of our members are quick to learn dance, but I tend to make sure that I have details.

Are you always meticulous?

Only when I’m working. (laughs)

Is your ego different when you work and when you rest?

It’s the complete opposite. I’m planning and rational when I’m working. I plan things a week ahead; check all the schedules, set a travel time of 30 minutes, and figure out what to do on the move. On the other hand, when I’m off working, I don’t even decide where to go and what time to meet if I go out with my friend. I just meet them in the morning like, “Are you awake?” and pick a place to go spontaneously and go play. And it’s very emotional.

I heard you like action movies.

There was a time when I was really into Marvel. At first, I liked Thor, Loki, and Winter Soldier.

You like handsome characters.

Hah, hah, hah.

Who would be a hero who looks like Winter?

It’s hard. Who do I look like?

You have different personality, but in terms of beautiful appearance, Scarlet Witch?

Hey, I want to do Groot. It’s a baby, but sometimes it becomes a giant!

Unlike your name, you don’t get hot and like summer more than winter?

I get cold easily. I can endure summer well because I don’t get hot, but I prefer winter. It’s that warm feeling of being wrapped in a scarf while the snow piles up.

Japanese fans call you ‘Fuyuko’ (child of winter).

It’s a lovely nickname, right? (laughs)

How did you feel when your stage name was chosen as “Winter”?

There were many candidates, including Moa, Millie, and Snow White. I really liked “Winter” because it felt very unique and neutral and sleek. That’s when I loved Winter Soldier!

What kind of child were you when you were a child living in Busan and Yangsan?

I was really fearless in my childhood. I was so proud of myself that I used to stare at the needle the whole time without crying when I got a shot. I loved running around, riding my bike, and playing tag in the mountains behind my house every day.

How was your adolescence?

I really enjoyed spending time with friends. I would often tell my parents, “I’m staying over at my friend’s house tonight,” or “Can my friend stay at our place?”

What kind of friends did you hang out with?

The funny ones! You know, the class clowns, the ones who are active and bring energy? I loved being around them. I was the smiling one in the group. (laughs)

I heard you laugh a lot and cry a lot. When do you usually laugh?

This might be TMI, but I find sneezing sounds funny. It cracks me up when people sneeze. (laughs)

That’s adorable! Why is it funny to you?

I don’t know. It’s just when I hear someone sneeze in the distance during filming, I can’t help but laugh. (laughs)

When do you cry?

Honestly, even the smallest drop of sadness makes me cry. Whether I watch a video or read the news, I can tear up easily.

Your affectionate KakaoTalk conversations with your brother became a hot topic. It’s not typical for siblings to be that close.

I started working at a young age and moved to Seoul in my teens. That probably brought us closer. I have a lot of aegyo when it comes to my family.

Just talking to you today, I can tell you’re someone who is loved for your expressions, gestures, and how you speak. Do people often say “Ah, you’re so cute”? Like me?

Really? Is that so? (laughs)

I heard you were the vice president of your school and joined a special math class in middle school. Were you a model student?

I wasn’t really the type to study hard. Whenever I went to the study room, I spent more time eating cup noodles than actually studying. You know what I mean, right? (laughs) But I did like math more than Korean. Korean felt too ambiguous, while math was straightforward since you could apply formulas to find the correct answers.

When did you first dream of becoming a singer?

In kindergarten, my parents were watching a popular drama starring Kwon Sang-woo. I said, “I’m going to marry Kwon Sang-woo!” My mom replied, “You’d have to be a celebrity to do that.” From then on, I dreamed of becoming a celebrity. Growing up, I idolized Wonder Girls and Girls’ Generation, but I was too shy to say that out loud. Becoming a singer and dancer felt like an impossible dream. In middle school, I finally gathered the courage to tell my mom, “I want to be a singer too,” and she said, “We should’ve moved to Seoul earlier for that.” Then, by chance, I got cast! I immediately moved to Seoul. (laughs)

It seems like being an idol is truly your calling.

Even as a trainee, I didn’t tell anyone except for one or two close friends. I kept it a secret until the debut teaser came out, and people were like, “Wait, is this you?” None of my schoolmates knew. I also wore a lot of Ralph Lauren hats back then. (laughs)

How does it feel to achieve what once seemed impossible?

It feels like yesterday when I was excitedly saying, “Today’s the school festival!” It’s still surreal that I’m the one giving people that excitement now. When fans say, “Today was tough, but Winter’s message cheered me up,” it’s amazing to think that I can uplift someone like that.

I’ve become a fan today too.

Wow, thank you! (laughs)

Aespa is creating a unique space in K-pop with its concept. What do you think of the group’s identity?

Our strong concept is our biggest weapon. At first, it felt a little challenging, but as time went on, I realized how powerful it is. Now, I enjoy it! (laughs)

How’s it been touring the world on your second world tour?

I love it because each country has different energy and cultures. When I have time, I explore local markets or visit the sea. In Chicago, I went to see the lake; in London, I strolled through the alleys, sipping coffee. I even went hiking in Mexico! I convinced the managers to walk up instead of taking the cable car. The other members? They were resting. (laughs)

I heard you love walking.

I do! I like walking through alleys without a set destination. The feeling of seeing something new for the first time is amazing. In Korea, I walk without using a map.

What do you think the public sees in Winter?

I think people see me as someone who’s serious on stage but more laid-back off stage. When I perform, I express more because I can feel the energy from the fans.

How do you see yourself?

I’m not good at lying. Even if I don’t say it, people can tell when I’m really enjoying something. I may not express much affection, but when I do, it’s 100% sincere. On the other hand, if I don’t like something, I’ll be honest about it too.

What do you like about yourself?

I’ve been told that I’m smart. I tend to make fewer mistakes at work. While it’s an advantage, I’m also a perfectionist, so I push myself to do more. For my solo performance in this concert, I had to work closely with the lighting and camera directors to get everything right. I’m sure it was tough for them, but their hard work helped make the stage perfect.

Even as a young artist, you’re deeply involved in stage production.

During group stages, I leave it to the director’s vision. But for my solo performances, I give my input because I want to express myself fully.

What does professionalism mean to you?

A professional is someone who consistently does things that others might find tedious or bothersome. It’s about continuing to do those things that require effort over time.

You seem to take great care of yourself.

I never forget my responsibilities. I don’t skip vocal or dance lessons, and I practice individually to make sure I don’t show any weaknesses.

You really do.

Yes, I do.

What’s your ambition as Winter?

I want to show my best in everything I do. When I’m not at my best, I think, “No, this isn’t good enough.” Even though we perform frequently, for someone, it might be their first or only time seeing us. So I treat every stage like it’s the last performance of my life, always giving my all. I never forget that my role is to be a singer.

And as Kim Min-jung?

Sometimes, the ambitious Winter is overtaken by Kim Min-jung, who reminds herself, “No, no, I’m just a regular person.” (Laughs) When I’m in my off mode, I let go of everything and just think, “Let’s be happy.”

Many female idols want to get close to you.

Oh, who are they? Let’s be friends! (laughs)

We’ll save that for Off the Record. (laughs) Is there any colleague, senior, or junior you’d like to be close to?

I’m already close to Kepler’s Chaehyun, who I trained with, but I don’t know many others. There are a lot of people I’d love to get to know! The person I want to befriend the most is IU. I recently went to her concert, and I was so impressed to see her command the stage alone. I really respect her as a senior. Also, New Jeans—you’re so cute and talented!

What does Winter believe in?

I have a lot of ambition, but I aim to focus on competing with myself rather than others. I want to trust in the idea that “I’m better today than I was yesterday.” That way, tomorrow’s Winter will always be better than today!

*This is the translated version of an article from the September issue of Cosmopolitan Korea. All rights and photo credits are reserved to Cosmopolitan Korea.