Winter of K-pop girl group aespa has recently undergone surgery to treat a pneumothorax, commonly known as a collapsed lung, her management company SM Entertainment confirmed. 

This medical condition, which can occur spontaneously or due to trauma, involves air entering the pleural space between the lung and chest wall, preventing the lung from fully expanding.The severity of a pneumothorax can vary, with smaller cases possibly healing on their own and more severe instances requiring medical intervention. 

In Winter’s case, she went under the knife after consulting a team of medical professionals. This decision was influenced by the recurrent nature of her condition and the potential for significant air leakage.

Pneumothorax – causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

When did Winter have surgery?

Winter’s surgery took place shortly after she returned to South Korea from Japan, where she had been performing. On April 6, just days before her surgery, Winter appeared on Venue 101, a live music show aired by NHK alongside her group members. The timing indicates the severity of her condition, necessitating immediate medical attention upon her return.

SM Entertainment reassured fans, stating, “Pneumothorax is a common condition, and Winter opted for preemptive surgery after ample discussion based on medical advice.” They emphasized that her recovery and health are their utmost priority, with her future schedules being adjusted to ensure a full recovery.

Recovery from such surgeries can vary; simpler procedures like needle aspirations may allow for rapid improvement, but surgical interventions like video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or pleurodesis—aimed at preventing future collapses—require weeks of healing. During this time, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and closely follow their doctor’s recommendations to prevent complications or recurrence.

[#토레타!] 가벼운 일상 이온보충 토레타! – 30′

What is aespa up to?

Despite her health challenges, Winter continues to be a significant presence in aespa’s promotions. Recently, a new beverage advertisement featuring her was released. It showed her in various everyday situations and highlighted her charming and bubbly energy. This includes scenes of her cooking, exercising, and playing the guitar, all while promoting hydration and health. In light of her surgery, this advertisement comes across as a poignant reminder of her resilience and the support she receives from her team and fans.

aespa is slated to return with new music in May and will begin their SYNK: Parallel Line world tour in late June, with performances scheduled across Asia and Australia. As Winter recovers, aespa and their management are likely to take every precaution to ensure her health is never compromised as they continue their international engagements. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: She looks super pretty in her new cf for Coca-Cola Korea, doesn’t she? Get well soon, Winter! Source: YouTube/@CocaCola_Korea.