UPDATE: aespa’s Ningning will not perform at Japan’s 76th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen due to health concerns amid a viral backlash. The decision comes as a petition demanding the group’s boycott of the event approaches 90,000 signatures.
The controversy erupted after Ningning posted a photo on social media of a decorative light resembling a mushroom cloud, which many Japanese netizens found offensive. They argued it trivialized the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, igniting outrage online. Despite SM Entertainment‘s clarification that the post was not intended to offend, criticism continued to spread rapidly.
On December 29, 2025, SM Entertainment announced that Ningning had been diagnosed with influenza and would not attend the event, stating she was advised by doctors to rest. The remaining members—Karina, Giselle, and Winter—will perform at the broadcast.
In their announcement, SM Entertainment acknowledged the backlash, stating, “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.”
However, many Korean netizens are expressing dissatisfaction with the group’s decision to perform without Ningning. Calls for a complete boycott of the festival are growing, with numerous comments questioning why they would participate at all. Comments such as “They should’ve just not gone” and “Just don’t go. Kohaku isn’t that important” reflect the sentiment of those who believe the group should abstain entirely.
This backlash comes at a time when aespa is already facing heightened scrutiny due to multiple controversies, raising concerns about potential impacts on their brand image and future deals.
As the situation evolves, fans and observers are watching closely to see how aespa and SM Entertainment navigate this sensitive landscape. The next steps for the group will be crucial as they respond to both health concerns and public opinion.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
