SM Entertainment has confirmed that aespa’s Chinese member Ningning will not take part in the 76th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen this year. The announcement was made on December 29 through the group’s official Japanese website.
According to the agency, Ningning was recently treated at a hospital after her health continued to worsen. Doctors diagnosed her with influenza and advised her to rest. Because of this, aespa will appear on the program with only three members: Karina, Giselle, and Winter.
The NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen is Japan’s most prestigious year-end music show and airs every December 31. It is widely seen as a major stage for artists in Japan. SM Entertainment said it discussed the situation with NHK and decided to proceed with the performance so the group could still keep its schedule. The agency apologized for the sudden update and asked fans for understanding while Ningning focuses on her recovery.
Previously, SM also addressed the controversy surrounding Ningning that resurfaced recently. A photo she posted on social media in 2022 showed a decorative light. Some Japanese netizens later claimed it resembled an atomic bomb mushroom cloud.
SM stated that the post had no political or historical meaning: “Ningning’s post did not have any specific purpose or intention, but it caused several concerns.” They vowed to be “extra careful in the future.”
The controversy also gained attention due to rising tensions between China and Japan. This followed remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about possible intervention in a Taiwan emergency. After this, an online petition calling for Ningning’s removal from the program reportedly gathered tens of thousands of signatures.
Despite this, NHK previously stated that aespa’s appearance was decided based on popularity and performance records, not political considerations. The organizers stated that there was no issue with their participation.
Many fans believe Ningning’s absence is appropriate given her health condition. Others questioned why aespa would perform without her and suggested the group should have withdrawn entirely.
As it stands, aespa will perform at the 76th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen as a three-member group, while Ningning rests and recovers.
Meanwhile, aespa members will go on a two-week vacation in January before resuming their world tour the following month.