Japan's premier music event, the "Kohaku Uta Gassen," recently unveiled its lineup for the 76th annual show. However, this year saw controversy erupt around Ningning (Ning Yizhuo), the Chinese member of K-pop girl group aespa, leading to a massive online petition in Japan calling for aespa's removal from the show.
Now, just today (December 29), on the eve of the broadcast, Kohaku officials suddenly announced that aespa would perform with only three members due to Ningning's health issues. This decision has sparked intense discussion across Japanese social media.
According to an official statement posted on aespa's Japanese website:
Regarding aespa's appearance on the "76th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen," we would like to provide an explanation.
We have received numerous concerns and feedback regarding aespa member NINGNING's previous SNS post. The post itself had no specific purpose or stance, but it did lead to various interpretations and concerns. We will exercise greater caution in the future to prevent similar situations from recurring.
Furthermore, NINGNING is currently receiving medical treatment for poor health. After a doctor's diagnosis, it has been confirmed that she has influenza and requires sufficient rest and recuperation. In light of this, our company has coordinated with NHK, and this year's Kohaku Uta Gassen performance will feature KARINA, GISELLE, and WINTER as representatives.
We sincerely apologize for this sudden announcement and any inconvenience caused. We kindly ask for the understanding and consideration of all fans. Thank you.
For those unaware of Ningning's social media comments, the controversy dates back to 2022. Ningning shared a photo of an "atomic bomb mushroom cloud-shaped lamp" on social media, with the caption, "I bought a cute lamp, what do you think?" The lamp, designed to resemble the mushroom clouds after the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, was widely criticized at the time for "lacking historical sensitivity," igniting a heated debate between Chinese and Japanese netizens.
However, even with Ningning confirmed to be sitting out the performance, many netizens are still pointing out that if she has the flu, the other members might also be at risk of infection. Some are questioning if it wouldn't be better for the entire group to withdraw, echoing the original petition's demand for aespa's full removal.
Other netizens feel the official response dodged the core issue of Ningning's original social media post, framing it merely as "different interpretations." They believe it shows no remorse or acknowledgment of the emotional impact on Japan, calling the evasiveness "too much."
While one member's comments don't necessarily represent the entire group, the ongoing "flame war" in Japan, coupled with persistent Sino-Japanese tensions, suggests that the official announcement might only fuel public anger. Even with Ningning's confirmed absence, some netizens are still looking for ways to express their disapproval.
The aespa performance at Kohaku Uta Gassen, now a trio, is likely to spark another wave of discussion on Japanese social media.
via： aespa日本官網