Kim Min-jeong, better known by her stage name Winter, was born on January 1, 2001, in Busan, South Korea. From a young age, she showed interest in singing and dancing, often praised by her peers for her bright personality and stage potential.
Growing up in a supportive family environment, Winter nurtured her dreams of becoming a performer and pursued them with determination.
Winter officially became a trainee under SM Entertainment, one of the most powerful companies in the K-pop industry. Known for its rigorous training system, SM shaped her skills in singing, dancing, and performance. After years of preparation, she debuted with aespa on November 17, 2020, alongside Karina, Giselle, and Ningning.
The debut track “Black Mamba” introduced Winter’s dazzling visuals and strong stage presence to the world. Her vocals stood out immediately, earning positive feedback from fans and critics alike. Within a short time, Winter became known as one of the vocal pillars of the group, showcasing clarity, strength, and emotion in her delivery.
With aespa’s innovative concept of avatars and virtual storytelling, Winter became central to the group’s unique identity.
The concept allowed aespa to differentiate itself among fourth-generation girl groups, and Winter’s versatility ensured that she was instantly recognizable in both live performances and visuals within aespa’s expanding universe.
Career Highlights and Recognitions
Since her debut, Winter has become one of the standout members of aespa. The group experienced rapid success, producing hit singles such as “Next Level,” “Savage,” “Girls,” and “Drama.”
Winter’s clear voice and refined stage delivery brought attention to aespa’s music, and her emotion-filled high notes in live performances elevated her reputation as one of the most recognizable young vocalists in K-pop.
Her presence on stage blended stunning visuals with commanding performances, contributing to aespa’s rising fame. Fans admire Winter’s ability to balance charming off-stage humor with strong on-stage charisma, adding to her versatility as an idol.
In addition to group projects, Winter has participated in special stages, collaborations, and joint performances. Her vocal skills also earned her spots in year-end award shows where aespa performed at high-profile events across Korea, Japan, and international music festivals.
Beyond music, Winter gained attention in the fashion and endorsement spheres. She has appeared in promotional campaigns through aespa’s partnerships with luxury brands like Givenchy, Chopard, and Warner Bros. Films.
While Karina has been in the central position in fashion branding, Winter remains one of the most influential aespa members, securing her place on magazine covers, fashion shoots, and commercial promotions. With her distinct charm, she represents a different kind of styling, elegant, relatable, and effortlessly chic.
Her growing popularity across Asia, particularly in Japan, reflects her strong global recognition. Winter’s nickname “Stage Queen,” given by a fan, attests to her undeniable presence during live performances, and this has positioned her as one of the pillars of aespa’s ever-expanding success.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Winter’s net worth is estimated to be around 3 to 4 million USD, placing her among the wealthiest rising-generation idols. Though early in her career, her financial growth reflects aespa’s rapid global expansion and her personal recognition as both a singer and entertainer.
Winter’s core income comes from aespa’s music ventures. Album sales remain a key contributor, with the group selling millions of copies worldwide.
Their hit tracks, including “Next Level” and “Savage,” brought significant streaming royalties, charting on global platforms like Spotify and Billboard. As one of aespa’s vocalists and prominent faces, Winter benefits directly from the success of these projects.
Tours and music festivals substantially add to Winter’s financial foundation. Aespa’s concerts, which span Korea, Japan, and global locations, continue to sell out stadiums and arenas.
Ticket sales and group merchandise contribute strongly to her income. Personalized fan merchandise, such as photocards featuring Winter, often sells out quickly, highlighting her popularity as one of the most in-demand members.
Winter (Aespa) (Credit: CNN)
Endorsements and fashion campaigns have been major contributors to her growing net worth. While Karina is the fashion ambassador for Givenchy, Winter has actively participated in other brand campaigns with aespa, including partnerships with Chopard, Apple, Nike, and Warner Bros.
Such deals contribute multi-million-dollar contracts distributed among the members, giving Winter consistent income and international visibility.
Fashion magazine features also offer a financial stream. Her appearances in global magazines like Vogue Korea and Elle highlight her star image. These modeling features, alongside her rising brand value, contribute to her wealth both in terms of exposure and financial earnings.
Though Winter has yet to branch into solo projects extensively, her financial profile is expected to rise steeply once she pursues individual endorsements or music ventures. Industry experts view her as having potential for both solo albums and independent brand collaborations, which could provide significant boosts to her net worth.
Winter’s association with SM Entertainment also assures structured financial growth, as revenue from group albums, endorsements, and performances is systematically shared among members. SM is heavily invested in promoting aespa internationally, which ensures consistent global outreach and income expansion for her.
While details of Winter’s private investments remain limited, many industry reports predict idols at her level gradually diversifying into real estate or personal businesses once their careers stabilize.
Given her current financial success, it is plausible that Winter will begin pursuing long-term investments that add sustainable wealth to her current fortune.
Overall, her net worth reflects a well-rounded portfolio of music, tours, endorsements, and merchandising with a high potential for growth in the next few years.
Influence and Future Prospects
Winter’s influence goes beyond her wealth and includes her growing reputation as a performer loved internationally. Fans consistently praise her personality, describing her as approachable, humble, and humorous off stage, while fierce and professional on stage.
This duality makes her extremely relatable while establishing her as one of Aespa’s performance anchors.
Her ability to deliver high-quality live vocals distinguishes her in an era when performance credibility plays a vital role in fan trust and global respect. Winter has become a positive example for future K-pop talents, balancing hard work, artistry, and charisma.
With aespa’s ongoing global expansion into Western markets, Winter’s global fanbase will only continue to grow. Opportunities for international collaborations, tours, and solo projects present new revenue streams, ensuring a steady financial climb.
Fashion and beauty industries are also paying increasing attention to her. With her refined visuals and stylish adaptability, Winter is expected to secure her own ambassador roles with luxury brands, following in the footsteps of her peers. Such deals could significantly add to her net worth while positioning her as an independent fashion icon.
Looking ahead, Winter is expected to remain a pivotal figure in aespa’s future success. Her role as a stable vocalist ensures her consistent importance in group activities, while her widening popularity guarantees that any individual endeavors she undertakes will succeed.
Winter represents the model of a new-generation artist: musically talented, professionally polished, and globally relatable. As her fortune rises alongside aespa’s rapid growth, she stands poised not only as a K-pop idol but also as a long-lasting figure in global entertainment.
Kit Sebastian Connor was born on March 8, 2004, in the South London Borough of Croydon. Raised in Purley, his parents, Richard and Caroline, work in advertising, supporting Kit while he developed his passion for acting from a young age.
He attended Hayes Primary School in Kenley and Whitgift School in South Croydon, where he completed his A Levels in drama, English literature, and history.
Connor’s interest in the performing arts began with school plays and local theatre productions, nurturing his talent until securing his first professional acting role at the age of eight in 2013.
He appeared in the British sitcom ‘Chickens’ and gradually built a solid résumé, featuring in acclaimed series like ‘Casualty,’ ‘Mr. Holmes, ‘Rocket’s Island,’ and ‘The Frankenstein Chronicles’. Early involvement in both screen and stage helped Connor refine his acting skills and establish industry connections.
Breakthrough Roles and Recognition
Kit Connor landed a lead role as Tom in Warner Bros. Pictures’ Get Santa (2014) when he was just eight, which significantly boosted his visibility in the film industry. From there, his credits expanded to include ‘The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society’ (2018), ‘The Mercy’ (2018), and ‘Slaughterhouse Rulez’ (2018).
A pivotal moment arrived when Connor portrayed “Older Reggie” (young Elton John) in the musical biopic ‘Rocketman’ (2019), drawing praise for his nuanced performance and helping him catch the attention of international audiences.
He has also taken to the stage, including roles in ‘Welcome Home, Captain Fox!’ at the Donmar Warehouse and ‘Fanny & Alexander’ at The Old Vic. These opportunities showcase Kit’s ability to engage audiences across multiple media and genres.
Heartstopper and Global Fame
Kit Connor’s career-defining moment came with Netflix’s ‘Heartstopper,’ where he plays Nick Nelson, a high school student navigating romance and identity.
The pivotal show, adapted from Alice Oseman’s graphic novel, resonated with audiences worldwide due to its authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships and coming-of-age themes.
Connor’s portrayal of Nick was met with acclaim, earning him the Children’s and Family Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Performance and the RTS Award for Leading Actor Male.
With the overwhelming success of ‘Heartstopper,’ Connor achieved global recognition, becoming a role model for young viewers. The series trended among the top ten in numerous countries and was soon renewed for additional seasons, further contributing to Connor’s status as one of Britain’s most promising young actors.
Kit Connor (Credit: BBC)
Net Worth
Kit Connor’s net worth is estimated to be between $2 million and $3 million, as reported by several entertainment sources in 2025. His earnings are primarily derived from his acting roles in high-profile projects, notably Netflix’s ‘Heartstopper,’ where lead actors enjoy significant salaries due to the series’ popularity and streaming royalties.
His earlier work in films (such as ‘Rocketman’ and ‘Get Santa’) and key TV roles (including ‘His Dark Materials’) also contribute to his financial standing.
Connor’s voice acting for DreamWorks’ ‘The Wild Robot’ and his anticipated lead roles in upcoming films, like ‘Warfare’ and ‘A Cuban Girl’s Guide To Tea And Tomorrow,’ further enhance his income and financial prospects. Endorsements, talent management deals, and appearances supplement his revenue.
As his career continues to ascend, Connor’s net worth is expected to grow steadily, especially as he conquers both television and film with leading roles and critical acclaim. Despite his young age, his financial achievements reflect not just popularity but also the value he brings to productions as a skilled and sought-after actor.
Social Impact and Future Endeavors
Kit Connor’s performances had made a meaningful impact, especially among young audiences facing issues of identity and representation. His role in ‘Heartstopper’ has sparked important conversations about inclusivity in the media and has inspired many fans worldwide.
Connor is active on social media, interacting with a supportive fan base who celebrate his contributions to film and television.
Looking ahead, Connor’s calendar is filled with promising projects, including leading roles in films and Broadway adaptations, positioning him as a fixture in the next wave of influential actors. His representation by Independent Talent Group and WME ensures access to top roles within the industry, setting the stage for continued growth and recognition.
Connor’s journey exemplifies the possibilities open to determined young actors. With dedication, skill, and memorable roles, Kit Connor has forged a path from childhood promise to international acclaim. His financial success mirrors the creative triumphs he continues to achieve on screen and stage.
