Aespa’s Winter Diagnosed With Shingles, Sits Out Dallas Concert

Winter performed in Miami despite feeling unwell, but withdrew from aespa’s Dallas concert and fan events after doctors advised her to prioritize recovery.

aespa member Winter has stepped back from the group’s Dallas concert after being diagnosed with shingles, SM Entertainment confirmed.

The agency announced through aespa’s official Weverse community that Winter would not participate in the September 29 Dallas stop of the group’s 2026-27 world tour, “SYNK: COMPLaeXITY.”

Her absence also extended to the Hi-Bye and Send-Off events planned around the performance. Karina, Giselle and Ningning were set to continue the concert and accompanying fan activities as a three-member lineup.

aespa’s Winter Withdraws From Dallas Concert After Shingles Diagnosis / Official IG Account

Winter Performed in Miami Despite Feeling Unwell

According to SM Entertainment, Winter was already experiencing health problems before aespa’s September 26 concert in Miami.

Although she reportedly expressed a strong desire to perform with the other members, her condition did not sufficiently improve after the show. She subsequently visited a hospital for a detailed medical examination and was diagnosed with shingles.

Winter continued to monitor her health and hoped to take part in the Dallas performance. However, medical professionals recommended that she prioritize treatment and adequate recovery. Following discussions between Winter and the agency, the decision was made for her to withdraw from the Dallas schedule.

The concert was scheduled for September 29 at 8 p.m. local time at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

What Is Shingles?

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox.

After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus can remain inactive in the body and reactivate later. The condition commonly causes a painful or itchy rash, often appearing on one side of the face or body.

Symptoms and recovery times can vary, making individual medical advice especially important. SM did not disclose further details about Winter’s symptoms or treatment, and no official timetable for her return has been announced.

The agency’s decision to remove her from the Dallas schedule therefore reflects the recommendation of her medical team rather than a confirmed extended hiatus.

aespa’s Winter Withdraws From Dallas Concert After Shingles Diagnosis / Official IG Account

Will Winter Join aespa’s Next Concert?

Following Dallas, aespa’s North American tour schedule includes concerts in Los Angeles on October 3, Oakland on October 6, Seattle on October 9 and Vancouver on October 11.

SM Entertainment has not yet confirmed whether Winter will return for the Los Angeles show or sit out additional dates. Her participation is expected to depend on her recovery and further medical guidance.

For now, fans have been encouraged to support Winter as she takes the time needed to recover fully.

The Dallas absence represents a difficult interruption during a demanding international tour. aespa began the North American portion of “SYNK: COMPLaeXITY” in September, with performances scheduled across the United States and Canada before the tour moves to Europe in January 2027.

SM Announces Legal Action Over Malicious Posts About Winter

News of Winter’s health condition arrived shortly after SM Entertainment issued a separate statement concerning malicious online content directed at the singer.

On September 28, the agency warned that it would pursue strong legal action over posts involving alleged false information, defamation, insults, personal attacks and sexual harassment.

SM said it had been collecting evidence through fan reports submitted to KWANGYA 119 as well as its own monitoring. The company also indicated that it would seek to identify people responsible for illegal posts created or distributed outside South Korea.

According to the agency, online anonymity would not exempt users from potential legal responsibility. It said relevant evidence would be submitted to investigative authorities and that its legal response would continue without regard to whether the posts originated domestically or overseas.

The legal announcement and Winter’s shingles diagnosis are separate developments. Neither SM Entertainment nor medical professionals have stated that the online harassment caused her condition, and such a connection should not be assumed without evidence.

The immediate priority remains Winter’s recovery. With several North American performances still approaching, further updates from SM Entertainment will determine when she can safely return to the stage.