aespa’s Winter Confirms Her Unexpected Friendship With Kim Ji Won

When it comes to the most popular new-generation K-Pop idols, Winter from aespa undoubtedly qualifies to be at the top of the list. On the other hand, among K-Drama actors, Kim Ji Won has become a phenomenon herself, thanks to her exponentially increased popularity since Queen of Tears. Though the two seem to belong to two very different worlds, in real life, the two celebrities are actually close friends.

Winter | @imwinter/Instagram

Kim Ji Won | @geewonii/Instagram

The backstory of this unexpected and lesser-known friendship was revealed by Winter herself, during a video call with a fan. On September 12, when all aespa members attended a video call event with the album distribution site Ktown4u, Winter talked to a fan about her and Kim Ji Won’s adorable dynamic.

Fans first started speculating a possible friendship between the two after they were spotted sporting each other’s keychains during previous airport appearances. While Kim Ji Won was seen flaunting the keyring from Winter’s official merchandise, Winter was later spotted with Kim Ji Won’s honeybee keyring.

Kim Jiwon saying “shoutout” while flaunting her mungtaengi keyring doll (WINTER’S MD) 🥰

It’s even beside her bee my one doll pic.twitter.com/4kMCkPIcXt

— Jazz (@mjkmwntr) August 30, 2024

When the fan mentioned the keyrings, Winter confirmed that she had, in fact, exchanged them with Kim Ji Won.

Talking about the start of their friendship, Winter giddily recalled that they met at a hair salon where they both are regulars, and their common stylist introduced them to one another. Since Winter was a fan of Kim Ji Won and she a fan of aespa, the two enthusiastically greeted each other and became friends.

240912 케타포 영통 #윈터

지원언니랑 키링 주고 받은거냐구 물어봤는데
쫑알쫑알 다 알려주는 강아지🐶

제스처가 너무 기여워.. 자바먹자 pic.twitter.com/Q1q7bVSAuS

— 시루 (@siru_VuV) September 12, 2024

Winter also recalled complimenting Kim Ji Won on her looks, which the actress had received very shyly.

Now that their friendship has been confirmed, fans cannot wait for an official Kim Ji Won and Winter moment on camera!