aespa, the popular K-pop girl group, recently grabbed headlines following their captivating performance at the MLB Seoul Series.

However, amidst the praise for their medley of hit songs, a controversy erupted over allegations that Winter, one of the group members, had her skin tone altered with makeup.

Allegations of "Whitewashing"

In the aftermath of the performance, sharp-eyed netizens pointed out what they perceived as a significant difference in Winter's skin tone, particularly noting a markedly fair complexion.

Speculation quickly spread across social media platforms, with some alleging that Winter and possibly other members of aespa had undergone whitening procedures.

Concerns were raised specifically about Winter's arms, which appeared notably lighter than her legs, leading to suspicions that body makeup had been applied to achieve a uniform complexion.

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Debunking the Claims

Upon closer examination of various photos and videos from the event, it becomes evident that the discrepancy in Winter's skin tone is likely attributable to lighting conditions rather than deliberate makeup application.

In images where Winter's full body is visible, her legs exhibit the same shade as the rest of her body, dispelling notions of makeup-induced disparity.

Moreover, analysis of different angles and lighting exposures during the performance reveals fluctuations in skin tone consistent with stage lighting effects, which often distort appearances, causing subjects to appear paler or more blue-tinted than usual.

It is essential to recognize the impact of stage lighting and camera flashes on the perception of skin tone, particularly in the realm of entertainment.

NETIZENS REACTIONS

Here's what KNetz are saying:

Winter is usually white, but these days she seems to be using even whiter makeup on her arms. 

This is completely unrealistic hahaha the greatness of the lighting ㄷㄷ 

 There's a reason why the makeup is so thick when the lighting is that bright. Everything seems to fly away 

It's like a difference in lighting, and idols also wear makeup on their bodies. I don't know who it was, but they said they paint their knees pink too. 

It's amazing that lighting can make things look that white. Natural light photos definitely don't have that white feel. 

Idols sometimes wear makeup on their bodies, but in the group shot taken at the end of the stage that Tsuni posted, everyone's upper bodies appear brighter, perhaps because of the lighting and angle. If you look at the other photos, they are just the same. 

 I think it's the power of lighting and body makeup. The skin tone is so different from this picture, it's hard to see white white people like that 

I think that Winter is just naturally white. The other members' faces don't really match their bodies 

 If you think about the shadows, they are similar, and even the pears are the same color. 

 I'm not saying that Winter does it, but idols wear makeup on their arms, legs, knees, elbows, ankles, etc. 

Idols and celebrities frequently appear differently under intense stage lighting or flashes, with skin tones appearing lighter or darker depending on exposure.This phenomenon is not unique to aespa but is a common occurrence in the entertainment industry.

Contextualizing the Issue

Amidst the fervor surrounding aespa's performance, it's crucial to contextualize the discussion within broader societal contexts.

International netizens' quick conclusions regarding skin tone disparities reflect underlying issues of racism and colorism, which persist not only in South Korea but globally.

While concerns about whitewashing in media representation are valid, it's equally important to acknowledge the diversity of natural skin tones among individuals, including naturally pale Koreans like TWICE's Dahyun.

Additionally, the impact of proper skincare and sun protection measures on maintaining or returning to one's original skin tone cannot be overlooked, particularly among celebrities who prioritize suncare regimens.

In light of the evidence presented, claims of makeup "whitewashing" on aespa's Winter appear unsubstantiated, with discrepancies in skin tone likely attributed to lighting effects rather than deliberate cosmetic alterations.

As discussions around representation and diversity in the media continue, it's essential to approach such matters with nuance and consideration for various factors influencing appearances.

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Written by Cassidy Jones.