K-Pop Group Aespa Faces 66,000-Signature Petition Amid China-Japan Diplomatic Crisis
A mushroom cloud-shaped lamp posted three years ago has thrust K-pop sensation aespa into the center of worsening China-Japan relations, with Japanese citizens demanding the group's removal from the nation's most prestigious music program.
Petition Gains Momentum During Diplomatic Standoff
A Change.org petition calling for aespa to be barred from NHK's 76th Kohaku Uta Gassen has collected over 66,000 signatures as of November 19, targeting the group's Chinese member NingNing over a 2022 social media post. The controversy erupted just as Japan and China entered their most serious diplomatic confrontation in years.
The timing couldn't be worse for the SM Entertainment group, which was announced November 14 as a first-time performer on the prestigious year-end special airing December 31 at 7:20 PM from NHK Hall in Tokyo.
Taiwan Comments Trigger Diplomatic Freeze
The crisis began when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told parliament on November 7 that a Chinese attack on Taiwan would constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, potentially justifying military response under collective self-defense provisions. The statement marked the strongest position ever taken by a sitting Japanese prime minister on Taiwan intervention.
China's reaction was immediate and severe. Beijing issued travel warnings urging citizens to avoid Japan, claiming the "safety environment" had deteriorated. The fallout extended beyond government channels into entertainment and commerce, with Chinese state-owned travel agencies canceling pre-booked tours and nearly 491,000 Japan-bound flight tickets refunded.
Entertainment Industry Catches Fire
Japanese boy group JO1 saw their November 17 Guangzhou fan meeting abruptly canceled by Chinese music platform QQ Music, citing "force majeure." The 11-member group, managed by Korea-Japan joint venture Lapone Entertainment, had cultivated a strong Chinese fanbase since their 2020 debut through 'Produce 101 Japan.'
Meanwhile in Japan, aespa became the target of renewed scrutiny when a 2022 Instagram post by NingNing resurfaced showing a decorative lamp resembling a mushroom cloud. Her caption read: "I bought a cute lamp, what do you think?"
Historical Trauma Meets Modern Politics
Japanese critics argue the lamp's design evokes imagery of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, events that remain deeply traumatic in Japanese collective memory. The petition claims allowing aespa on Japan's most representative public stage would signal "disregard for historical trauma."
NHK responded directly to the controversy. A spokesperson told Japanese media on November 17: "We are aware of the matter pointed out, but after confirming with the agency (SM), we have determined that the member had no intention of trivializing or mocking the atomic bomb victims."
The broadcaster added that casting decisions were made by evaluating "this year's activity, public support, and suitability for the program's planning and production."
Korean Fans Push Back
Korean netizens largely dismissed the petition as politically motivated overreach. Many pointed out that aespa has achieved unprecedented success in Japan, including becoming the first overseas female group to perform at Tokyo Dome for two consecutive years, with additional shows scheduled for April 2025.
"Aespa is selling out Tokyo Dome and Kyocera Dome," one Korean commenter noted. "That's far more important than appearing on a show that's lost its relevance."
Others argued the Kohaku petition represents collateral damage from diplomatic tensions beyond the group's control, noting that aespa maintains a substantial Japanese fanbase despite the online backlash.
Symbolic Stakes
Hong Kong's Sing Tao Daily reported that aespa has emerged as "one of the biggest cultural casualties of the China-Japan diplomatic rift," suggesting their December 31 performance-or potential cancellation-could serve as a barometer for future bilateral relations.
The 76th Kohaku Uta Gassen will feature aespa performing alongside fellow K-pop acts ILLIT (in their second consecutive appearance) and &TEAM (making their debut). The traditional Red Team versus White Team format pits primarily female against male performers in what remains Japan's most-watched music program.
Whether aespa ultimately takes the stage may depend less on the petition itself than on whether diplomatic tensions ease in the coming weeks. For now, the group finds itself uncomfortably positioned between two nations whose relationship stands at its lowest point in decades.
