The K-pop group aespa is facing backlash following a controversial social media post by member Ningning, which has led to her withdrawal from the upcoming 76th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in Japan. The situation escalated when Ningning shared a photo of a decorative light resembling a mushroom cloud, drawing criticism from Japanese netizens who deemed it insensitive to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Ningning’s post, which was intended as a casual share, sparked outrage online, prompting a petition demanding the group be banned from performing. The petition quickly gained traction, nearing 90,000 signatures. In response, SM Entertainment, the group’s management agency, clarified that the post was not intended to convey any political or historical message. Despite this, the criticism continued to grow.
On December 29, 2025, SM Entertainment announced that Ningning would not participate in the NHK event due to health issues, specifically a diagnosis of influenza. The agency stated that doctors had advised her to rest. Consequently, aespa will perform with three members—Karina, Giselle, and Winter—at the traditional New Year’s Eve broadcast.
In their announcement, SM Entertainment acknowledged the concerns surrounding Ningning’s post, 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. We will take greater care moving forward.”
Despite the management’s efforts to address the situation, many fans and netizens expressed their discontent. A significant portion of the Korean fanbase criticized the decision for aespa to still attend the event without Ningning. Comments included calls for the group to boycott the festival entirely, questioning the value of participating in a performance that excluded one member.
Some fans voiced their frustration, stating, “They should’ve just not gone,” and “Why are they still sending the kids just for Kohaku?” This sentiment reflects a broader concern regarding the implications of the controversy on aespa’s reputation and potential brand partnerships.
As aespa navigates this challenging moment, the group’s future engagements may be impacted by the ongoing backlash. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding cultural sensitivities in the age of social media, particularly for international artists. As the K-pop landscape continues to grow, so too does the scrutiny placed on its stars, highlighting the need for careful consideration of their public statements and actions.