Aespa’s Winter Reveals Three Rejections from SM Entertainment Before Breakthrough Debut

Jakarta, CNN Indonesia – In a candid revelation that has sent ripples through the K-pop community, Winter, a prominent member of the globally acclaimed girl group aespa, disclosed that she was rejected three times by SM Entertainment before finally securing her place within the prestigious agency. This surprising confession came during her appearance alongside fellow group member Karina on the popular JTBC cooking variety show, "Please Take Care of My Refrigerator," which aired on July 5, 2026. The episode quickly garnered significant attention, not only for the culinary challenges but for the intimate insights into the demanding journey of K-pop idols.

The segment that sparked widespread discussion unfolded when host Kim Sung-joo brought up the common fan observation that both Winter and Karina possess the distinctive "SM look"—a visual aesthetic frequently associated with artists under SM Entertainment’s management. Karina, in agreement, pointed to Winter as the epitome of this visual archetype, remarking, "I think Winter is the most perfect example of the SM visual style. She has fair skin like our seniors, such as Seo Hyun-jin and Taeyeon." However, Winter offered a contrasting perspective, playfully asserting that Karina was, in fact, the one who better embodied the "SM face" due to her smoother entry into the agency.

Winter then elaborated on her arduous path, stating, "I failed the SM audition three times. I kept trying until I was finally accepted, whereas SM directly sent a message to Karina first." This striking difference in their recruitment stories provided a moment of lighthearted banter, with Winter quipping, "SM chose Karina, but I chose SM," eliciting laughter from the hosts and fellow guests. This humorous take underscored the vastly different routes aspiring idols can take to enter the highly competitive K-pop industry, highlighting both the grit required for perseverance and the serendipitous nature of direct scouting. The story was subsequently reported by The Korea Times on Monday, July 6, 2026, quickly disseminating Winter’s inspiring tale to a wider international audience.

The Elusive "SM Visual" and Its Industry Impact

The concept of the "SM visual" is deeply ingrained in K-pop lore and industry discourse. For decades, SM Entertainment has been recognized for cultivating a distinct aesthetic among its artists, often characterized by delicate features, fair complexions, and an aura of ethereal beauty. This visual branding has been a cornerstone of their success, creating a recognizable and aspirational image for groups like Girls’ Generation, EXO, Red Velvet, and NCT. Senior idols such as Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon and actress Seo Hyun-jin, both mentioned by Karina, are frequently cited as prime examples of this visual lineage, embodying a timeless elegance that resonates with a broad demographic.

This emphasis on a specific visual style is not merely superficial; it is a calculated component of K-pop’s global marketing strategy. In an industry where visual appeal often precedes musical engagement, an idol’s appearance plays a critical role in generating initial interest, attracting fans, and securing endorsement deals. Agencies like SM invest heavily in image consulting, styling, and aesthetic development to ensure their artists align with their brand identity and appeal to target markets. While talent remains paramount, the "SM visual" has historically served as a powerful differentiator, contributing to the agency’s reputation for producing idols who are not only gifted performers but also striking personalities.

A Tale of Two Paths: Winter’s Perseverance vs. Karina’s Direct Recruitment

Winter’s journey into SM Entertainment stands as a testament to unwavering determination in the face of repeated setbacks. Her revelation of three rejections before acceptance sheds light on the incredibly competitive landscape of K-pop auditions. Each year, hundreds of thousands of hopefuls from around the world flock to auditions held by major entertainment companies, with success rates often falling below 1%. For Winter to have endured multiple rejections and still possess the resolve to try again speaks volumes about her passion, resilience, and belief in her own potential. This narrative of perseverance resonates deeply with fans, offering an inspiring message that success often follows persistent effort.

After her eventual acceptance, Winter began her rigorous training as an SM Entertainment trainee around 2017. The trainee period in K-pop is notoriously demanding, often spanning several years and involving an intense regimen of vocal lessons, dance practice, language acquisition, acting classes, and media training. Trainees live under strict schedules, constantly evaluated and under immense pressure to improve. Winter’s dedication during this period, following her initial struggles, undoubtedly fortified her resolve and sharpened her skills, ultimately preparing her for the demanding life of an idol.

In stark contrast, Karina’s entry into SM Entertainment represents a more serendipitous, albeit equally selective, route: direct message (DM) recruitment. Karina joined SM as a trainee in 2016 after being scouted through Instagram. This method, while less common than open auditions, highlights the evolving scouting strategies employed by major agencies. Talent scouts actively scour social media platforms, street cast individuals, or even recruit through online communities, looking for individuals who possess a certain visual appeal, natural charisma, or nascent talent. Being directly scouted, especially by a top-tier agency like SM, is often seen as a significant validation of an individual’s inherent star quality and a more direct path to debut, bypassing the multi-stage audition process.

The difference in their entry narratives—Winter "choosing SM" through persistence and Karina being "chosen by SM" through direct recruitment—illustrates the multifaceted and often unpredictable nature of talent acquisition in the K-pop industry. Both paths require immense talent and dedication, but they underscore the diverse journeys idols undertake to reach the pinnacle of their careers.

Inside the SM Entertainment Trainee System: A Crucible of Talent

SM Entertainment’s trainee system is renowned for its intensity and comprehensive approach to artist development. For decades, it has served as a blueprint for other K-pop agencies, setting a high standard for nurturing raw talent into polished performers. The average trainee period at SM can range from two to seven years, with some individuals training for even longer. During this time, trainees typically live in dormitories, adhering to strict schedules designed to maximize their potential.

The training regimen is multi-faceted, covering every aspect of what it means to be a K-pop idol:

• Vocal Training: Intensive lessons to develop vocal range, technique, and stability, including various genres and performance styles.
• Dance Practice: Hours of daily practice focusing on choreography, stage presence, body control, and endurance. Trainees learn diverse dance styles, from hip-hop to contemporary.
• Language Classes: Essential for global market penetration, trainees often learn English, Japanese, and Chinese.
• Acting Lessons: To prepare for potential roles in dramas, films, and music videos, as well as to enhance emotional expression on stage.
• Media Training & Etiquette: Guidance on how to interact with the media, fans, and the public, emphasizing professionalism and maintaining a positive image.
• Physical Fitness: Rigorous workouts and diet plans to ensure peak physical condition and stamina required for demanding performances.

Beyond physical and technical skills, the SM trainee system also focuses on psychological development. Trainees must cultivate immense mental fortitude to cope with the constant evaluations, fierce internal competition, homesickness, and the uncertainty of debut. Many trainees never make it to a debut lineup, making the journey an emotional and psychological gauntlet. Winter’s ability to navigate this system, especially after facing initial rejections, speaks volumes about her resilience and passion. SM’s selection criteria extend beyond visuals; they seek individuals with exceptional talent, a strong work ethic, charismatic stage presence, and the unwavering potential to grow into global stars.

The Rise of aespa: Metaverse Marvels and Record-Breaking Success

Winter’s and Karina’s individual journeys converged with the debut of aespa on November 17, 2020. Alongside Giselle and Ningning, the group introduced a groundbreaking "metaverse" concept that immediately set them apart in the K-pop landscape. aespa’s unique narrative involves "ae" avatars, virtual counterparts that exist in a digital world and interact with the real-life members, blurring the lines between reality and the digital realm. This innovative concept, combined with their powerful music and captivating visuals, quickly garnered global attention.

Their debut single, "Black Mamba," was an instant sensation, breaking records by achieving the highest number of views within 24 hours for a K-pop group’s debut music video. This unprecedented success signaled aespa’s arrival as a major force in the industry. The group continued their upward trajectory with subsequent releases, cementing their reputation for innovative concepts and high-quality productions.

By July 2022, aespa had further solidified their status with the release of their Extended Play (EP) titled "Girls." The EP not only dominated charts but also shattered records, becoming the best-selling album by a K-pop female group in history at the time. More impressively, "Girls" was the first album by a K-pop girl group to sell over one million copies in its first week of release, a monumental achievement that highlighted aespa’s massive and rapidly growing global fanbase. These milestones underscore the collective talent and hard work of all members, including Winter, whose perseverance ultimately contributed to the group’s meteoric rise.

Broader Implications: Resilience, Industry Evolution, and Fan Connection

Winter’s candid disclosure carries significant broader implications for both aspiring idols and the K-pop industry. Her story serves as a powerful narrative of perseverance, offering a beacon of hope for countless young individuals dreaming of a career in entertainment. In an industry often perceived as glamorous and effortless, Winter’s revelation humanizes the idol journey, emphasizing the struggles, rejections, and immense dedication required to achieve success. It reinforces the idea that talent, coupled with unwavering determination, can overcome initial obstacles, even from industry giants like SM Entertainment. This narrative is incredibly inspiring, fostering a deeper connection between idols and their fans who appreciate the authenticity and hard work behind the polished performances.

The incident also subtly highlights the evolving nature of K-pop recruitment. While traditional auditions remain a cornerstone, agencies are increasingly diversifying their scouting methods, leveraging social media and direct recruitment to identify talent. This adaptability reflects the industry’s continuous effort to find the next global stars, recognizing that talent can emerge from various unexpected avenues.

Furthermore, Winter’s story subtly recontextualizes the emphasis on "visuals" in K-pop. While an appealing aesthetic is undeniably important, her multiple rejections despite possessing what Karina describes as the "perfect SM visual" suggest that agencies look for a holistic package. Beyond beauty, factors such as raw talent, growth potential, unique charisma, a strong work ethic, and the ability to fit into a group concept are equally, if not more, crucial. Winter’s eventual acceptance and subsequent success demonstrate that the combination of these attributes ultimately outweighs initial perceived shortcomings or fit. SM Entertainment’s long history of identifying and nurturing talent, even through a rigorous and sometimes initially rejecting process, ultimately aims to cultivate artists who possess both star power and enduring appeal.

Fans have reacted with overwhelming admiration and support for Winter, praising her honesty and resilience. Many have taken to social media to share their own stories of overcoming rejection, drawing parallels with Winter’s journey. This collective outpouring demonstrates the profound impact that such personal narratives from public figures can have, creating a sense of shared experience and motivation. The episode on "Please Take Care of My Refrigerator" not only provided entertainment but also offered a valuable lesson in perseverance and the complex realities behind the K-pop phenomenon.

In conclusion, Winter’s revelation about her three rejections from SM Entertainment before her successful debut with aespa is more than just an anecdote; it is a compelling narrative of resilience, a window into the demanding world of K-pop training, and a testament to the multifaceted nature of talent acquisition in the industry. Her journey, alongside Karina’s more direct recruitment, paints a vivid picture of the diverse paths to stardom, ultimately underscoring that persistence, talent, and a touch of fate are all crucial ingredients in the recipe for K-pop success.