Ningning of aespa will not appear at Japan’s year-end music showcase Kohaku Uta Gassen after being diagnosed with influenza, her agency confirmed.
On December 29th, SM Entertainment announced via aespa’s official Japanese website that Ningning was diagnosed with influenza following a hospital visit and advised by medical staff to get ample rest and recovery time. As a result, only Karina, Giselle, and Winter will take the stage at this year’s broadcast.
“After discussions with NHK, we decided that Ningning would not participate,” SM said, adding an apology for the sudden news and asking for fans’ understanding.
The announcement has drawn attention amid renewed discussion around a past social media post. The image—shared by Ningning in 2022—showed a lighting photo that some online users later claimed resembled a mushroom cloud formed after an atomic explosion. While the post resurfaced recently amid heightened China–Japan tensions, SM reiterated its stance.
“There was no specific intention or purpose behind the post,” the company said. “However, we take seriously the concerns it raised and will be more mindful going forward.”
Airing live every December 31st on NHK, Kohaku Uta Gassen remains one of Japan’s most iconic year-end music programs, bringing together top artists for a nationally watched New Year’s Eve broadcast.
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