aespa's Winter Performs Through Hand Injury at 2025 MAMA Awards After Guitar Prop Mishap

Winter Sustains Injury During MAMA Awards Opening Performance

During the second night of the 2025 MAMA Awards, aespa member Winter suffered a hand injury just seconds into the group's performance, yet continued to perform with remarkable professionalism despite visible pain.

Guitar Prop Malfunction Causes Immediate Injury

The incident occurred as Winter began aespa's stage solo, standing on an elevated platform while holding a decorative guitar for the opening of their performance featuring hits "Dirty Work" and "Rich Man." As she executed a dramatic swipe across the guitar strings, several metallic spikes affixed to the prop broke loose and injured her hand.

Guitar strumming, neck line show off, guitar pick between her teeth, lips looking so plumpy, spitting the guitar pick, slamming the guitar in front of her while delivering face card... omg Winterpic.twitter.com/NO1du2vgHj

— Nos ❄️ (@Nostale_pengu) November 29, 2025

The timing of the accident proved particularly challenging, as it happened at the very beginning of the performance. Winter was forced to complete the entire choreography while managing the injury, with cameras capturing her repeatedly checking her hand throughout the set.

their useless bodyguard being that aggressive to a fan helping her but never to sasaengs 😩wtf these aespa staffs bro https://t.co/AxbogglUCI

— wy (@synkbone) November 30, 2025

Performance Continues Despite Visible Pain

Fan-captured footage and close-up photographs later revealed that Winter was bleeding from the injury. Observers noted she carefully protected her injured hand even after the performance concluded, including during the awards ceremony when aespa accepted honors for "Best Choreography" and "Best Female Group."

Fellow member Karina was also seen reacting with concern upon noticing Winter's injury, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

Part of Multiple Safety Incidents at MAMA 2025

Winter's injury was not an isolated incident during this year's ceremony. Other artists, including (G)I-DLE's Minnie and Stray Kids' Lee Know, were reportedly seen departing the venue in wheelchairs after sustaining injuries during rehearsals and backstage transitions.

These multiple incidents have raised questions about safety protocols and preparation conditions at the high-profile awards show. Despite the circumstances, Winter demonstrated exceptional professionalism by completing her performance and fulfilling all scheduled appearances throughout the evening.