aespa’s Ningning Will Not Perform In Japan Amid Scathing Petition, Netizens Demand Members Boycott

aespa’s scheduled appearance at Japan’s 76th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen became a major talking point after a viral petition mounted backlash towards the girl group. 

The controversy began when Ningning shared a photo on social media of a decorative light she had purchased, which resembled a mushroom cloud. While the post was captioned casually, Japanese netizens criticized the item as insensitive, arguing that it trivialized the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 

aespa’s Ningning Triggers Mixed Reactions With Controversial Object In Her Room

NHK later reached out to SM Entertainment for clarification. The agency explained that Ningning’s post carried no political or historical intent and was not meant to cause offense. Despite this, the backlash continued to circulate online.

Petition To Ban aespa Nears 90,000 Signatures, SM Entertainment’s Response Falls Flat

On December 29, SM Entertainment announced that Ningning would not participate in the event due to health reasons, stating she had been diagnosed with influenza and was advised by doctors to rest. aespa will now appear at the broadcast with Karina, Giselle, and Winter only.

「第76回NHK紅白歌合戦」出演に関するお知らせ」https://t.co/du8pCeEzGL

— aespa JAPAN OFFICIAL (@aespaJPofficial) December 29, 2025

In the same announcement SM also acknowledged the criticism Ningning has been facing.

“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.

In addition, NINGNING has been experiencing ongoing health issues. After undergoing a medical examination at the hospital, she was diagnosed with influenza. Based on her doctor’s advice, she has been instructed to take sufficient rest and focus on her recovery. As a result, after consulting with NHK, it has been decided that aespa will appear at this year’s Red and White Song Battle with three members: KARINA, GISELLE, and WINTER.”

— SM Entertainment

However, the decision has sparked scathing criticism from Korean netizens. Rather than supporting a partial appearance, many are questioning why the group is attending at all. Many are demanding the members “boycott” the festival and abstain from performing at all.

• “They should’ve just not gone.”
• “What do they even gain by going there? Celebrating the war’s end again?”
• “Why are they still sending the kids just for Kohaku?”
• “Just don’t go. Kohaku isn’t that important.”
• “Japanese people are acting ridiculous, and I seriously don’t understand SM either. Shouldn’t they have made everyone sit it out? Is it really worth going while excluding just one member?”
• “Why are they doing this? If that’s the case, none of them should go.”