Why Netizens Are Demanding To Cancel Aespa’s Performance In Japan
A popular online petition demanded the removal of Aespa from this year's Kohaku Uta Gassen.
Aespa’s Ningning recently sparked outrage after showing off a mushroom-cloud-shaped lamp in her room. The design reportedly references the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the K-pop idol called the lamp adorable and asked fans what they thought of it. Many Japanese netizens saw the gesture as insensitive and accused her of treating one of the darkest moments in their history as decoration.
All You Need To Know About The Massive Petition To Ban Aespa’s Performance In Japan
And now, a popular online petition demanded the removal of Aespa from this year’s Kohaku Uta Gassen. They simply wanted to block Aespa’s appearance immediately. Within hours the petition became a massive trend in Japan and collected thousands of signatures. For many Japanese netizens, inviting the group to a huge event felt disrespectful. You can take a look at the post below!
aespaの紅白出場停止を求めます。
オンライン署名にご協力ください。https://t.co/P8zc8XBQaN pic.twitter.com/00wt0hcBCz— DEATHDOL NOTE (@DEATHDOL_NOTE) November 17, 2025
In response, Korean netizens were clear. As reported by Koreaboo, most comments shared the same thoughts. They said the event is nice but the group can skip as they are already booked and busy. K-netz also added that Aespa is selling out venues in Japan and it’s far more important than appearing on a show that has lost its popularity. Overall, they want the group to avoid performing.
Well, this is not the first time Ningning’s personal items have caused havoc online. Earlier this year, during a livestream, eagle-eyed fans spotted dozens of wine bottles lined up in her room. The photo spread like wildfire and many people expressed genuine concern about her health. Some also accused the K-pop idol of heavy drinking.
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Following which, during a fan-sign event, Ningning said that she has been collecting empty wine bottles for over two years because she likes how they look. Fans who attended the event said the K-pop idol laughed lightly while explaining.
What are your thoughts on the above controversy?
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First Published: November 18, 2025 10:31 AM
