Before rising to fame as a key member of the popular K-pop group aespa, Winter faced significant setbacks in her pursuit of joining SM Entertainment. In a candid conversation on the online program Salon Drip 2, the singer opened up for the first time about the challenging path she walked, revealing that she was turned down three times by the agency before finally securing a spot as a trainee. Her story highlights the determination required to succeed in the highly competitive entertainment industry.
Winter officially signed with SM Entertainment in 2017 and spent approximately three and a half years training before debuting with aespa in November 2020. However, reaching that milestone was far from straightforward. She endured repeated disappointments during the audition process, each time pushing herself to try again despite the emotional toll. Her perseverance ultimately paid off, turning her into one of the most recognized faces in fourth-generation K-pop.
Three Audition Attempts and Near Misses
Winter’s first attempt at joining SM Entertainment did not go as planned. Interestingly, it was her older brother who initially caught the attention of the company scouts rather than her. On her second try, she stood out during a dance festival with a strong performance that surpassed her brother’s, earning her a chance to advance further. Despite this progress, she still fell short of the final selection.
Her third attempt took her to a global audition held by SM Entertainment in Busan. Once again, she demonstrated her talent but did not receive the desired outcome. These repeated rejections could have easily discouraged many aspiring idols, yet Winter remained focused on her dream of becoming part of the prestigious agency she had long admired.
After these setbacks, opportunities from other entertainment companies began to emerge. Several agencies showed interest in signing her, presenting viable alternatives that could have launched her career sooner. However, Winter chose to hold out, prioritizing her goal of joining SM Entertainment above all else. This decision reflected her strong personal commitment and belief in the path she had envisioned for herself.
The Turning Point and Path to Debut
A pivotal moment arrived when Winter proactively informed SM Entertainment’s representatives that she was considering offers from rival companies. This honest communication appeared to shift the situation in her favor. Not long afterward, she received the long-awaited offer to join the agency as a trainee. This breakthrough allowed her to begin the intensive training period that prepared her for her eventual debut.
Winter made her official entrance into the K-pop scene alongside aespa in November 2020 with the release of their debut single “Black Mamba.” The group quickly gained momentum, delivering a series of hit tracks that showcased their unique concept and powerful performances. Songs such as “Next Level,” “Savage,” “Drama,” “Supernova,” “Armageddon,” and the more recent “Lemonade” have solidified aespa’s position as one of the leading girl groups of the new generation. Winter’s distinctive vocal style, sharp dance abilities, and charismatic presence have played a vital role in the group’s success.
Her personal story has resonated deeply with fans, many of whom view it as a powerful example of resilience. The idea that success often comes after numerous failures has struck a chord, inspiring aspiring artists and young people facing their own obstacles. Winter’s willingness to share these vulnerabilities humanizes the glamorous image of idol life, revealing the hard work and emotional challenges that occur behind the scenes.
Lessons from a Demanding Selection Process
Winter’s experience also sheds light on the rigorous and often unpredictable nature of SM Entertainment’s audition system. The company is known for its high standards and selective approach, which has produced many of K-pop’s biggest stars but also means that even talented individuals may face multiple rejections before acceptance. Several other well-known artists have similarly shared stories of repeated attempts before breaking through, suggesting that persistence is a common thread among successful trainees.
For Winter, those early struggles likely strengthened her resolve and prepared her mentally for the demanding life of a professional idol. The training period following her acceptance would have been intense, involving vocal lessons, dance practice, language studies, and media training — all while balancing the pressures of becoming a public figure. Her journey from repeated disappointment to group debut illustrates how timing, opportunity, and personal grit can align to create remarkable outcomes.
Fans have praised Winter for her honesty in discussing these challenges. In a industry where polished images often dominate, moments of authenticity like this help build stronger connections between idols and their supporters.
As aespa continues to expand its influence both domestically and internationally, Winter’s role within the group remains central. Her story serves as motivation for anyone pursuing difficult dreams, demonstrating that initial setbacks do not define future potential. The three rejections she faced ultimately became stepping stones rather than roadblocks, leading her to a successful career alongside her talented group members.
This revelation adds depth to Winter’s public persona, showing the dedication behind her achievements. It also reminds aspiring performers that the road to success is rarely linear. For Winter, the long wait and multiple attempts made her eventual debut all the more meaningful, fueling her passion and commitment to delivering memorable performances for fans worldwide.
Her candid sharing on Salon Drip 2 not only entertained viewers but also provided valuable insight into the realities of the K-pop trainee system. As aespa moves forward with new projects, Winter’s journey will likely continue to inspire many who face their own series of challenges while chasing ambitious goals in the entertainment field.
