A Star Nearly Overlooked

Winter from aespa is celebrated as one of K-Pop's most talented all-rounders, known for her stunning vocals and captivating stage presence. However, her recent revelations about her audition journey have left fans in disbelief. How could such an exceptional artist have almost faded into obscurity?

The Rollercoaster Audition Experience

In a candid discussion on the YouTube talk show Saloon Drip 2, Winter recounted the emotional ups and downs of her journey to join SM Entertainment. Surprisingly, she faced multiple rejections before finally earning her spot as a trainee—an experience that shocked fans who always assumed her talent would easily shine through.

An Unexpected Turn of Events

Winter revealed that she was initially scouted during a festival and went on to audition in Seoul. "I auditioned for SM three times!" she shared. In a turn of events, a casting employee mistakenly focused on her brother instead of her, which left her questioning her chances. "Didn’t you come for me? It was that easy?" she recalled.

Resilience in the Face of Rejection

After being turned down in her first audition, Winter faced two more rejections during the process. Despite her doubts about fitting in at SM, she continued to pursue her dream. "After failing again in Busan, I thought maybe I wasn’t cut out for SM. I even explored offers from other companies, but the SM team kept in touch. When I hinted at leaving, they invited me back for one final audition."

A Closer Call Than Fans Realized

In a twist of fate, Winter's persistence paid off when she ultimately passed her final audition, finally securing her dream position. The revelation of how close she came to missing out entirely has sparked a wave of outrage among fans. Many criticized SM Entertainment for their initial dismissive attitude and questionable judgments.

A Harsh Reality for Aspiring Stars

While aespa's rise to fame highlights the group's success, Winter's path shines a light on the stark realities faced by many trainees in the K-Pop industry. As the time for contract renewals approaches, fans are left wondering: Will Winter remain with the company that almost let her slip away?