260706 Winter for ELLE Korea x New Balance Lifestyle (July 2026 Digital Issue Interview)
translation by teamwinteroffcl / kirinyangz
aespa WINTER and New Balance: The Courage to Go Beyond Fear
New Balance's global ambassador, Winter, on where her inner self is headed.
Q. It's already been seven years since aespa debuted. Comparing rookie Winter to the Winter of today, what do you think has changed the most?
⭐: When I was a rookie, my surroundings changed completely overnight. I went from being an ordinary student to a trainee, and after debuting, I met new staff members every single day. Adapting to all those sudden changes wasn't easy. It was also the time when I had to build my identity as an artist, so I constantly wondered, "How should I present myself?" and "What kind of person should Winter be?"
Now, though, I try to focus more on what's inside me than what's happening around me. Whenever something happens, I ask myself, "Why am I feeling this way?" I make an effort to have conversations with myself.
Q. Whenever I read your interviews, one thing stands out—you often talk about inner strength. Where do you think that strength comes from?
⭐: I'm someone who thinks a lot. But all of that thinking has become the source of my strength. Because I spend so much time reflecting and working hard, I gain confidence in the choices I make. Repeating that process naturally builds inner strength.
Q. But overthinking can also make people more emotional. How do you stay grounded?
⭐: I consciously try to maintain emotional balance. I don't want my emotions to become too elevated or too low. I think when emotions lean too far in one direction, your perspective becomes narrow. So no matter what situation I'm in, I try to step back a little and observe my feelings objectively. I can't say I've mastered it, but it's something I always strive for.
Q. Today you wore New Balance's fall collection for this photoshoot. Do you usually enjoy wearing sportswear?
⭐: Sportswear is something everyone wears comfortably, so I actually think it's harder to style than people expect. I tend to reach for it more on days when I'm feeling confident. Even with the same outfit, if someone radiates healthy energy and confidence, it looks much cooler. To me, the biggest charm of sportswear is how naturally it reflects both inner and outer well-being.
Q. This photoshoot also officially announces you as New Balance's ambassador. Have you thought about how the brand's slogan, "Fearlessly Independent," connects with you?
⭐: I'm actually someone who's easily frightened. But the joy I feel after overcoming my fears is even greater. For example, I used to be afraid of water, so I decided to learn how to swim. Once I actually tried it, I realized I enjoyed it much more than I expected.
Whenever I'm scared of something, I think, "There might be a kind of happiness I haven't discovered yet." That thought naturally encourages me to challenge myself.
I'm not someone who doesn't feel fear. I'm someone who believes in the exhilaration and sense of accomplishment that come after facing it. That's what keeps motivating me to take on new challenges.
Q. You also seem to value spending time alone.
⭐: I really do. I read books, visit temples, or simply take walks around my neighborhood. Recently, I went back to my hometown and visited Tongdosa Temple in Yangsan.
While walking alone or simply zoning out, I spend time talking to myself. As I focus on emotions and thoughts that I didn't have time to process while promoting, I naturally begin to understand what I truly want and what I want to do next.
Q. Like New Balance's 120-year heritage, is there a value you hope never changes with time?
⭐: I think it's courage. Even as I get older, I never want to lose my desire to learn or my willingness to try new experiences. I believe that attitude begins with courage. There are so many different careers and experiences in the world. It would feel like such a shame if I only lived the life that was given to me without trying any of them. That's why I want to continue challenging myself with new things.
Q. Were you always this courageous?
⭐: Not at all. Before I became a singer, I was extremely shy. Even now, I'm not especially outgoing, but I've gradually changed through my work. In the past, I believed I had to be 100% prepared before starting anything. Now I've learned that being 50% prepared is often enough. Before, if I felt unprepared, I wouldn't even begin. But now I've let go of the obsession with doing everything perfectly. Instead, I try to enjoy the process itself.
Q. I heard you've tried many new things this year.
⭐: I got my driver's license, welcomed a new puppy into my family, and started learning calligraphy. My maternal grandfather writes traditional calligraphy so it has always felt familiar to me. I've always loved traditional things like brush writing and classical paintings. Calligraphy is a quiet hobby that lets me focus entirely on myself, which is why I enjoy it so much.
Q. Is there a new side of yourself you'd like to show during the rest of 2026?
⭐: As aespa, I always enjoy showing new sides of ourselves and continuing to evolve. But now I also want to discover what it truly means to be "Winter." (Winter-look) Until now, I've focused on showing many different sides of myself. Going forward, I want to express my own unique identity more clearly.
Q. Then what kind of future do you envision for aespa?
⭐: Apart from how we’re seen on the outside, the four of us still have a lot of aspects to fulfill. We'll continue to show aespa's signature music and fresh visuals. More than anything, though, I hope we remain a team that's bright as we are right now, genuine, and happiest when we're together—even if we're still a little imperfect. I hope we can stay that way for a long, long time.