Aespa member Ningning, a Chinese national, will not participate in Japan’s ‘Kohaku Uta Gassen’.
According to Xportsnews, Aespa’s agency, SM Entertainment, announced on its official Japanese website on December 29 that Ningning received an influenza diagnosis following hospital treatment for ongoing health issues, and doctors advised her to rest.
The agency added that “This year’s Kohaku Uta Gassen will feature the three members Karina, Giselle, and Winter.”
‘Kohaku Uta Gassen’ is a prominent year-end music program in Japan, which NHK broadcasts annually on December 31.
Previously, Ningning drew controversy in 2022 over a social media photo of lighting that some claimed resembled an atomic bomb mushroom cloud. Amid heightened China-Japan tensions following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about “intervening in a Taiwan contingency,” activists launched a petition calling for Ningning’s appearance to be canceled.
SM clarified at the time, stating, “Ningning’s post had no specific purpose or intent, but it raised several concerns,” and pledged, “we will be more cautious in the future.”
Image: Xportsnews
