A2O LITE member Aijing is facing scrutiny over allegations that her mother failed to pay her employees. Her mother has since acknowledged the allegations and apologized. The group is under A2O Entertainment, founded by Lee Soo Man, who established SM Entertainment.
Aijing’s mother posted a statement on Weibo on October 14. “I sincerely apologize for the concern I have caused over recent matters involving me,” she wrote.
She acknowledged that she had failed to pay the wages owed on time. “Failing to pay the money owed on time was a mistake, regardless of the circumstances, and I will face it and take responsibility. I sincerely apologize to everyone who has suffered losses as a result,” she added.
She added that she was contacting each affected employee individually to discuss repayment plans and promised to take full responsibility until all outstanding issues were resolved.
Aijing’s mother also asked the public not to blame her daughter for the controversy. “The parents must resolve this matter and take responsibility. My child has nothing to do with the business I previously operated or any related disputes,” she said.
According to reports, Aijing’s parents ran an education company in China called Beijing Sophis Education Technology Co., Ltd. The company reportedly ran into financial difficulties and failed to pay its employees. The company has since suspended operations.
Employees say the unpaid wages date back to 2024. Aijing’s parents reportedly agreed to repay the money in installments, but they began missing payments within three months of the agreement.
A2O LITE debuted on October 13th with its title track, “NEON.” Before the controversy, Aijing had attracted attention for her resemblance to singer BoA. Allegations against her parents surfaced just one day after the group’s debut.
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