On December 29, aespa’s official Japanese website and social media channels released a statement explaining that Ningning had been diagnosed with influenza and was advised by doctors to rest and avoid strenuous activities. As a result, aespa will take the Kohaku stage on December 31 as a three-member group—Karina, Giselle, and Winter.
aespa, who debuted in 2020, is composed of Korean members Karina and Winter, Chinese member Ningning, and Japanese member Giselle. Known for their high-concept worldview and polished performances, the group’s invitation to NHK Kohaku was widely seen as a major milestone in their Japanese activities and a symbolic highlight closing out their 2025 schedule.
According to the official notice, Ningning has already visited a hospital and is focusing on recovery. SM Entertainment stated that they formally requested a lineup adjustment from NHK, which was approved. The agency also apologized to fans for announcing the news so close to the broadcast date and asked for understanding.
However, the timing of the announcement has fueled online debate. Ningning previously became the center of controversy in Japan after sharing a photo of a lamp on a paid fan platform. Some Japanese netizens interpreted the lamp’s shape as resembling a mushroom cloud, associating it with atomic bomb imagery. Despite Ningning adding only a brief, neutral caption, criticism escalated, with some calling for her exclusion from Kohaku due to historical sensitivities.
In its latest statement, aespa’s management reiterated that the post carried no political or historical intent and that the misunderstanding stemmed purely from interpretation. NHK later updated its official Kohaku lineup, confirming that Ningning would be absent from the performance.
This is not the first time Ningning’s health has raised concern. Earlier this month, she missed the red carpet at the MAMA Awards in Japan due to physical discomfort, though she later joined the group on stage, earning praise for her professionalism.
While many fans expressed disappointment at not seeing aespa perform as a full lineup, most have prioritized Ningning’s recovery, sending messages of support and well-wishes. As aespa prepares for their highly anticipated Kohaku debut as a trio, attention remains focused on whether Ningning’s absence is purely health-related—or if broader sensitivities surrounding regional issues played a role behind the scenes.
Sources: Yahoo News
You must be logged in to post a comment.