aespa’s Winter is sitting out the group’s Dallas concert tonight after being diagnosed with shingles, her agency SM Entertainment confirmed. The singer had been pushing through health issues since before the Miami show on September 26, but her condition did not improve enough for her to take the stage at the American Airlines Center on September 29. Tonight’s show, along with the Hi-Bye and Send-Off events, proceeded with Karina, Giselle, and Ningning as a three-member performance.
What Happened Before The Dallas Show
Winter first showed signs of feeling unwell before aespa’s Miami concert on September 26. Despite the discomfort, she chose to perform with her groupmates because she wanted to be on stage with them. She completed the Miami show, but her condition did not get better afterward.
SM Entertainment shared the full timeline in an official statement posted on aespa’s fan platform. The agency explained that Winter visited a hospital after the Miami show for a detailed examination, where doctors diagnosed her with shingles.
Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash and can flare up when the body is under stress or when the immune system is weakened. For a performer who is constantly traveling and performing, the condition can make it very hard to sing, dance, or even stand under stage lights for hours.
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SM Entertainment’s Official Statement
SM Entertainment released a full announcement explaining the situation. The agency stated that even after her diagnosis, Winter remained strongly committed to performing in Dallas and focused on recovery until the very last moment.
“Even after her diagnosis, Winter remained strongly committed to participating in the upcoming show and focused on her recovery up until the last possible moment, while continuing to monitor her condition to determine whether she would be able to perform.”
The statement went on to explain the final decision:
“However, following the medical team’s recommendation that her health and sufficient recovery must take priority, the company and Winter carefully discussed the situation and ultimately decided that she will unfortunately sit out the Dallas show and take the necessary time to rest.”
The agency also shared that Winter felt deeply disappointed about missing the chance to meet Dallas fans. She also expressed sorry feelings for sharing such sudden news with everyone who had been waiting to see her perform.
“Winter had been looking forward to meeting fans in Dallas and is deeply disappointed that she will not be able to join the show. She also feels very sorry to share this sudden news with all the fans who have been waiting to see her.”
Dallas Concert And Hi-Bye Events Went Ahead Without Winter
The Dallas stop at the American Airlines Center was part of aespa’s 2026–27 aespa LIVE TOUR – SYNK : COMPLæXITY. The show started at 8:00 PM local time on September 29.
Winter did not take part in the main concert, and she also missed the Hi-Bye and Send-Off fan events that happen after the show. These events are a big deal for fans because they get a rare chance to meet the members up close. SM Entertainment confirmed that all of these activities went ahead with the remaining three members.
The setlist for the tour includes songs like “Lemonade”, “Whiplash”, “Black Mamba”, “Supernova”, “Next Level”, and “Armageddon”, along with solo stages from each member. Winter’s solo song “Saddle Up” was part of the regular setlist, and it was likely cut from the Dallas performance since she was not there.
A Look At Winter’s Health History
This is not the first time Winter has faced a serious health issue. In April 2024, she underwent surgery for a collapsed lung, also known as pneumothorax. The surgery was described as a preventive measure, and she took a break from activities to recover at that time.
She has also dealt with other health setbacks during promotions. In July 2026, she missed a Japanese TV appearance due to poor condition, and the group performed as three members on that occasion as well.
Her ongoing health struggles have been a concern for fans, especially since she has been part of a demanding world tour schedule that spans multiple continents.
The SYNK : COMPLæXITY Tour Is Still Running
The SYNK : COMPLæXITY world tour kicked off with two shows in Seoul on August 7 and 8 at Gocheok Sky Dome. The tour covers 25 cities across Asia, North America, South America, and Europe, running through February 2027.
Before Dallas, aespa performed in Hamilton on September 15, Elmont on September 18, Washington, D.C. on September 22, Atlanta on September 24, and Miami on September 26. After Dallas, the next stops include Los Angeles in October and other cities across North America.
No updates have been shared about whether Winter will rejoin the tour for the upcoming shows. SM Entertainment said it will do its best to support her recovery so she can return in good health and meet fans again.
Fans have been sending messages of support on social media, with many saying her health should always come first. One fan comment on a K-pop forum simply said, “I hope she gets better. Shingles suck,” while others shared similar wishes for a quick recovery.
Full Tour Dates For aespa SYNK : COMPLæXITY
Here is a list of remaining dates on the tour:
- Oct. 2 – Los Angeles, CA
- Oct. 5 – Oakland, CA
- Oct. 8 – Vancouver, BC
- Oct. 11 – Chicago, IL
- Oct. 14 – Toronto, ON
- Oct. 17 – Newark, NJ
- Oct. 20 – Boston, MA
- Jan. 2027 – London, UK
- Jan. 2027 – Berlin, Germany
- Feb. 2, 2027 – Paris, France (tour finale)
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