NHK Defends aespa Ningning's 'Kohaku Uta Gassen' Appearance Amidst Controversy

NHK has officially addressed the controversy surrounding the planned appearance of Ningning, a member of the popular K-pop group aespa, at the upcoming 'Kohaku Uta Gassen' year-end music festival.

Hiroo Yamana, NHK's Executive Director General, stated during a Lower House Committee on General Affairs meeting on the 2nd that there was "no problem" with Ningning's participation. Responding to a question from Mitsuko Ishii, a member of the Japan Innovation Party, Yamana confirmed, "We have confirmed with the agency that there was no intention from the member to downplay or mock the atomic bomb damage."

He further elaborated, "The selection of artists for the program is an independent judgment made by NHK based on criteria such as their activities that year, public support, and suitability for the program's concept and direction."

Ningning previously faced backlash in 2022 when she posted a photo of lighting resembling a mushroom cloud from an atomic bomb on social media, captioning it "Bought cute lighting." This post led some Japanese netizens to argue that her past actions could be hurtful to the victims of the Hiroshima bombing, thus opposing her inclusion in 'Kohaku Uta Gassen.'

Meanwhile, recent political tensions between China and Japan have escalated, spilling over into the entertainment industry. Following controversial remarks by a Japanese minister regarding potential intervention in a Taiwan contingency, Japanese artists like Maki Otsuki and Ayumi Hamasaki have experienced concert cancellations or forced performances without an audience in China.

Korean netizens have largely supported NHK's decision, with comments like "NHK made a resolute decision" and "It seems like they're trying to find fault unreasonably." However, some expressed that "Given the past controversy, a more cautious approach should have been taken."