The Melon Music Awards (MMA) 2025, held on December 20 at the iconic Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, was a night of glitz and glamour, but few stars shone as brightly as aespa’s Winter.

Arriving at the red carpet, Winter instantly became the talk of the town, showcasing a look that perfectly balanced chic sophistication with her signature youthful charm.

Dressed in a black floral mini dress adorned with delicate ribbon accents, she exuded an elegant yet fresh aura that amazed photographers and fans alike.

The sleeveless design of her outfit, paired with sleek high heels, highlighted her graceful silhouette and reinforced her status as a top-tier visual in the K-pop industry.

Dispelling the “Couple Tattoo” Rumors

Beyond the fashion, Winter’s appearance held a secondary layer of significance for the online community.

Recently, she had been at the center of unsubstantiated dating rumors involving BTS member Jungkook.

Speculation had intensified after netizens pointed to what they claimed was a small arm tattoo as potential evidence of a “couple tattoo” with the global superstar.

However, by confidently choosing a sleeveless look for one of the year’s biggest award shows, Winter provided a clear, silent rebuttal to these claims.

Observers noted that there was absolutely no trace of a tattoo on her arms, effectively shutting down the rumors and proving that the alleged “evidence” was likely nothing more than a temporary mark or a misunderstanding of previous footage.

A Heartfelt Recognition: Stage of the Year

The night was not only about visuals; it was also a major professional triumph for aespa. The group took home the prestigious Stage of the Year award, a testament to their innovative performances and immense popularity over the past year.

During the acceptance speech, Winter shared a poignant reflection on her journey as an idol. She recalled the early days of aespa’s debut, which occurred during a time when live audiences were restricted.

“In the early days of our debut, we performed without audiences, which made the stage feel scary at times,” she admitted.

Her vulnerability resonated with the crowd as she expressed how performing in front of fans now brings her “joy and happiness.”

Commitment to Positive Energy

Winter’s speech concluded with a promise to the fans (MY) that aespa would continue to strive for excellence.

She thanked the audience for allowing her to enjoy her time on the stage and vowed that the group would work harder to become artists who provide happiness and “positive energy” to their listeners.

This sentiment of growth and gratitude was a fitting end to a night where Winter faced the public eye with confidence, both as a celebrated performer and an individual navigating the complexities of fame.

Her ability to remain focused on her craft and her fans, despite the noise of the internet, was widely praised by supporters.

Looking Forward to a New Era

As aespa wraps up an incredibly successful 2025, Winter’s appearance at the MMA serves as a bridge to the group’s future activities.

With the “couple tattoo” rumors now largely dismissed by her public appearance, the focus has returned to her musical contributions and upcoming projects.

Supporters are eagerly anticipating aespa’s next steps, as the group continues to push the boundaries of the “metaverse” concept while grounding themselves in powerful live performances.

For Winter, the 2025 MMA was a definitive statement of her resilience, her talent, and her status as a definitive icon of her generation.

In a momentous achievement for the global K-pop scene, ATEEZ has reached yet another digital milestone.

On December 19, 2025, the music video for their iconic 2020 track “Answer” officially surpassed 100 million views on YouTube.

This accomplishment marks a significant chapter in the group’s history, as “Answer” is widely considered one of their most beloved and representative songs.

Reaching this nine-figure view count nearly six years after its initial release speaks volumes about the longevity of ATEEZ’s discography and the steadfast dedication of their global fandom, ATINY.

A Masterpiece of the “Treasure” Era

“Answer,” originally released on January 6, 2020, served as the title track for the group’s fourth mini-album, TREASURE EPILOGUE: Action To Answer.

The song was the grand finale of their debut “Treasure” series, which successfully introduced the group’s unique “pirate” concept and complex narrative lore.

At the time, “Answer” was praised for its dramatic production, blending orchestral elements with heavy EDM beats, and its cinematic music video that featured the members confronting their alter-egos.

The track remains a staple of their live concerts and a favorite for K-pop enthusiasts due to its powerful message of persistence and victory.

Joining the Ranks of ATEEZ’s Biggest Hits

With “Answer” crossing the 100 million mark, it joins a select group of ATEEZ music videos that have achieved this level of viral success.

It is the group’s latest video to hit the milestone, following in the footsteps of their first 100-million-view hit, “WONDERLAND,” as well as more recent blockbusters like “BOUNCY (K-HOT CHILLI PEPPERS)” and “Crazy Form.”

What makes this particular achievement stand out is the “organic” nature of the views. Unlike “BOUNCY,” which reached the milestone in just 87 days, “Answer” has seen a steady, consistent climb over the years, proving that the song continues to attract new listeners long after its promotional cycle has ended.

A Year of Unprecedented Growth in 2025

This milestone arrives amidst a record-breaking year for ATEEZ. Throughout 2025, the group has been on a massive world tour, titled “Towards the Light: Will to Power,” performing in sold-out stadiums across Europe, North America, and Asia.

They have also released their “Golden Hour” series, which dominated global charts. The fact that an older track like “Answer” can still capture public attention in such a competitive year highlights ATEEZ’s ability to create “timeless” K-pop hits.

Industry experts often point to ATEEZ as a prime example of a group that built its success from the ground up, relying on high-performance quality and immersive storytelling rather than immediate domestic fame.

The Power of the ATINY Fandom

The celebration of “Answer” reaching 100 million views was spearheaded by ATINY, who organized streaming parties and social media campaigns to reach the goal before the end of the year.

Upon reaching the milestone, the official ATEEZ social media accounts posted commemorative messages, thanking fans for their “constant love.”

This achievement is more than just a number; it represents the deep emotional connection fans have with the “essence of ATEEZ” found in songs like “Answer.”

As the group prepares for their next era in 2026, the success of this classic anthem serves as a reminder of their roots and the enduring legacy of their musical journey.

The cinematic music video for Answer showcases the group’s signature performance style and narrative depth that led to this milestone.