UPDATE: aespa’s member Ningning will not perform at Japan’s prestigious 76th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen due to ongoing health issues, as backlash against the group intensifies. The decision, announced just hours ago on December 29, 2025, comes amid a viral petition demanding the group boycott the event, amassing nearly 90,000 signatures.
The controversy erupted after Ningning shared a seemingly innocuous photo of a decorative light resembling a mushroom cloud. Japanese netizens condemned the post as deeply insensitive, linking it to the historical tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. While Ningning’s original post was not intended to provoke, critics argue it trivializes significant historical events.
In an official announcement, SM Entertainment stated that Ningning has been diagnosed with influenza and is under medical advice to rest. The agency emphasized that the post was not made with political intent but acknowledged the backlash, promising to exercise more caution in the future. As a result, aespa will perform with members Karina, Giselle, and Winter only.
The reaction from fans has been swift and scathing. Many are questioning the decision to still attend the festival, with comments flooding social media urging the remaining members to withdraw entirely. “What do they even gain by going there?” one critic posted. Another added, “They should’ve just not gone.”
The fallout continues to escalate, with some fans expressing concern over aespa’s brand image and potential loss of endorsements due to the multiple controversies surrounding the group. This latest incident follows a series of public relations challenges for aespa, including backlash over perceived disrespect towards fans and cultural sensitivities.
As the situation develops, the conversation around aespa and their choices at the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen remains heated. Fans and netizens alike are closely monitoring how SM Entertainment will navigate the ongoing backlash and whether aespa will ultimately decide to participate in the event without their full lineup.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
