Aespa’s Winter Hospitalized for Collapsed Lung, Undergoes Emergency Surgery
K-pop star Winter of Aespa is recovering after undergoing surgery for a collapsed lung, her agency SM Entertainment confirmed on Friday. The 22-year-old singer was rushed to the hospital after experiencing breathing difficulties and chest pain during rehearsals on Thursday evening.
Diagnosed with Pneumothorax, Required Immediate Surgery
“After a thorough examination, Winter was diagnosed with pneumothorax, a condition where air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall, causing the lung to collapse,” the agency stated. “She required immediate surgery to re-inflate the lung and prevent further complications.”
Pneumothorax can occur spontaneously in young adults, especially those with a tall, thin build.
Risk factors also include lung diseases, smoking, and activities that involve sudden changes in air pressure.
It is unclear what triggered Winter’s condition.
The emergency surgery, known as video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery (VATS), was performed successfully on Thursday night. It involved making small incisions in the chest to insert a tiny camera and surgical instruments to seal off the air leak and re-expand the lung.
Expected to Make Full Recovery, Will Need Several Weeks of Rest
“The surgery went smoothly and Winter is now resting comfortably,” SM Entertainment assured fans. “She is expected to make a full recovery but will require several weeks of healing before resuming activities.”
Recovery from VATS typically takes anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s overall health.
Winter will likely remain hospitalized for a few more days before being discharged to continue her convalescence at home.
This marks yet another health setback for the Aespa member, who was also forced to sit out of the group’s US festival appearances last year due to flu-like symptoms. Her ongoing health struggles have raised concerns among fans.
Outpouring of Support from Fans and Fellow Artists
News of Winter’s hospitalization has sparked an outpouring of well-wishes from concerned fans and industry colleagues alike. The hashtag #GetWellSoonWinter trended worldwide on Twitter as MyS (Aespa’s fandom) banded together to send their idol messages of support and strength.
Several SM Entertainment artists, including members of Red Velvet, NCT and EXO, also took to social media to express their sympathies and wish Winter a speedy recovery.
“I was so worried when I heard the news. Winter is such a sweet and strong person. I know she’ll get through this!“ Red Velvet’s Seulgi posted on Instagram.
Winter debuted with Aespa in November 2020 and has been praised for her striking visuals, dancing skills and unique vocal tone. Known for hits like “Black Mamba”, “Next Level” and “Savage”, the 4-member girl group has been enjoying immense popularity both in Korea and internationally.
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Aespa is set to make a comeback in late May with their new album “MY WORLD”. It remains to be seen whether Winter will be able to participate in promotional activities. SM Entertainment said they will provide updates on her condition and future schedules in due course.
