aespa’s Winter will not participate in the group’s Dallas concert after being diagnosed with shingles during the group’s ongoing U.S. tour.
SM Entertainment announced that the singer will miss not only the main performance but also the scheduled fan interaction events connected to the Dallas stop.
The announcement came on September 30, as aespa continued its 2026-27 “SYNK : COMPLaeXITY” world tour.
According to the agency, Winter had already been experiencing health problems before the group’s recent Miami concert on September 26.
Despite not feeling well, she chose to take the stage because she wanted to perform alongside Karina, Giselle and Ningning.
However, Winter’s condition did not improve sufficiently after the Miami performance.
She subsequently visited a hospital for a detailed medical examination, where she was diagnosed with shingles.
The diagnosis led to discussions about whether she would be able to continue with the next scheduled concert.
Winter reportedly continued trying to recover and remained willing to perform in Dallas, monitoring her condition until shortly before the event.
Ultimately, medical advice recommended that she prioritize sufficient recovery, leading Winter and SM Entertainment to decide that she would sit out the Dallas schedule.
Winter to Miss Dallas Concert and Fan Events
Winter’s absence applies to the entire Dallas schedule rather than only the main concert.
She will also miss the planned Hi-Bye and Send-Off events, where artists have opportunities to interact with fans before or after the performance.
SM Entertainment explained that the decision was made after considering Winter’s health and medical advice.
While she had hoped to recover in time to appear, the agency and artist ultimately agreed that taking time to rest was the appropriate course of action.
The Dallas concert will therefore continue with the remaining three aespa members: Karina, Giselle and Ningning.
The group’s performance at American Airlines Center is part of its large-scale “SYNK : COMPLaeXITY” world tour, which is scheduled to travel across 25 regions.
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox.
Winter’s diagnosis was confirmed following her hospital examination after the Miami concert.
The news has prompted concern among fans, particularly because
Winter had performed in Miami despite already feeling unwell.
Her decision to step away from the Dallas performance comes after she had reportedly hoped to participate despite the diagnosis.
At present, the agency’s announcement specifically concerns the Dallas schedule.
It does not establish whether Winter will miss any additional dates on the world tour, so future participation will depend on her recovery and further updates from SM Entertainment.
Health Update Comes Amid Recent Attention on Winter
Winter’s health announcement arrives shortly after SM Entertainment issued a separate statement concerning malicious online posts targeting the aespa member.
On September 28, the agency said it was taking legal action over what it described as false information, defamation, insults, malicious slander, personal attacks and other inappropriate posts concerning Winter.
SM Entertainment stated that it had been collecting evidence through monitoring and reports submitted by fans, with legal procedures being pursued following review.
The agency also indicated that its response could extend to accounts operated from outside South Korea.
The timing of the two announcements has brought additional attention to Winter’s current circumstances, although the health update itself concerns her medical condition and tour participation.
The agency’s decision regarding the Dallas concert was based on medical advice to allow her sufficient time to recover.
For aespa, the Dallas concert will move forward with three members.
Karina, Giselle and Ningning will perform in Winter’s absence, while the Hi-Bye and Send-Off activities will also proceed without her.
Winter’s absence marks a temporary change to aespa’s current tour lineup, but the agency has not announced a broader change to the group’s tour schedule.
The immediate priority remains Winter’s recovery following her shingles diagnosis.
The “SYNK : COMPLaeXITY” tour is an important part of aespa’s ongoing global activities, bringing the group to audiences across multiple regions.
With Winter taking a break from the Dallas stop, fans are now waiting for further official updates regarding her condition and whether she will be able to rejoin the group for subsequent performances.
For now, the Dallas concert will continue with three members, while Winter takes time away from the stage on medical advice.
The announcement also serves as a reminder that even during demanding international schedules, artists may need to step back from performances when health concerns require proper recovery.
