BREAKING: aespa member Ningning will NOT perform at Japan’s 76th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen following intense backlash and a viral petition. The controversy erupted after Ningning shared a photo online of a decorative light resembling a mushroom cloud, leading to accusations of insensitivity regarding the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The backlash escalated rapidly, with the petition to ban aespa approaching 90,000 signatures as of today. Despite SM Entertainment‘s insistence that the post was not intended to offend, the outcry continued to grow, putting pressure on the K-pop group.
Earlier today, December 29, 2025, SM Entertainment confirmed that Ningning would not take part in the performance due to health reasons, stating she has been diagnosed with influenza and is under doctor’s orders to rest. As a result, the group will appear with just Karina, Giselle, and Winter.
In their official response, SM addressed the ongoing criticism: “We have received many comments and concerns regarding content that aespa member Ningning posted on social media. While the post was not made with any specific purpose or intent, it nonetheless caused concern among some viewers.”
The decision to proceed with a partial performance has sparked outrage among fans and netizens. Many are calling for the group to completely boycott the festival instead of performing without Ningning. Comments flooded social media, with users expressing disbelief at why the group is still attending the event.
“They should’ve just not gone,” one user wrote, while another remarked, “What do they even gain by going there?” The sentiment echoes a growing frustration, with many questioning whether the group should appear at all given the current circumstances.
This controversy comes at a time when aespa faces scrutiny over multiple incidents that could jeopardize their brand deals. Fans are increasingly critical, questioning SM Entertainment’s decisions regarding the group’s public appearances.
As the situation develops, the immediate future for aespa remains uncertain. How will the group’s management respond to the backlash? What impact will this have on their brand and future performances? Fans and industry watchers alike are waiting for further developments in this unfolding story.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation progresses.
