aespa Branded 2nd Worst Performers Following Controversial Appearance At “Kohaku Uta Gassen”

aespa have been ranked as the “second most disappointing performers” among female stars at the 76th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, according to a survey reported by Japanese women’s magazine Josei Jishin.

The annual year-end music program, which aired on December 31, drew major attention this year as NHK celebrated its 100th anniversary. While the show achieved strong ratings and featured an especially high-profile lineup, not every performance left a positive impression on viewers.

#aespa performing Whiplash at NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen pic.twitter.com/SDzMMbsB55

— aespa pics (@aespapic) December 31, 2025

aespa made their first-ever appearance on Kōhaku this year. The group is widely popular in Japan and globally, making their inclusion one of the more anticipated moments of the night. However, their appearance came with lingering controversy that affected how some viewers perceived their stage.

When their participation was announced, controversy quickly arose over a post made in 2022 by Chinese member Ningning (23) on a fan app, which featured a tabletop lamp resembling a mushroom cloud.

In Japan the “mushroom cloud lamp,” which evoked images of nuclear explosions, immediately sparked widespread backlash. The controversy grew to the point where petitions calling for the group to withdraw from Kōhaku were launched. In the end, Ningning canceled her appearance due to influenza, and the remaining three members performed instead.

— Josei Jishin

Based on Japanese netizen comments shared by Josei Jishin, many expressed surprise that the group appeared despite the criticism, while others felt aespa should have stepped back given the circumstances.

It seems many viewers were left with a negative impression as a result of the incident.

‘In a way, it’s impressive that they still went on despite all that criticism.’ (Woman, 50s)

‘Since it’s Kōhaku, I can accept a certain level of controversy, but after seeing everything on social media, I think it might have been better for them to withdraw this time.’ (Man, 60s)

‘They appeared without properly addressing the atomic bomb issue and ended up singing a song that didn’t make much sense to me.’ (Woman, 60s)

— Josei Jishin