aespa has unexpectedly become a cultural flashpoint amid rising China-Japan diplomatic tensions.
Following Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s comments on potential intervention in a Taiwan conflict, diplomatic relations between China and Japan have soured, and the impact has extended into the entertainment industry.
For example, the Chinese release of Japanese anime films has been delayed or canceled altogether, and previously successful films like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle have seen a sudden drop in Chinese box office performance, reportedly declining after just three days.
Further complicating matters, according to Hong Kong Sing Tao Daily and China News, Chinese music platform QQ Music abruptly canceled the Guangzhou fan event for Japanese boy group JO1 on November 17, citing “force majeure.” VIP member events scheduled for the same day were also called off. Industry insiders interpret this as an informal extension of China’s cultural pushback against Japan.
As tensions escalated, reactions spread in both countries. In China, Japanese idol events were canceled; in Japan, petitions emerged targeting aespa’s Chinese member Ningning.
Immediately after aespa’s participation in NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen was announced, a petition on global platform Change.org demanded her removal. The petition cited a 2012 social media post by Ningning featuring a light effect resembling a mushroom cloud, sparking controversy in Japan at the time. Combined with the current diplomatic strain, Ningning has become the focal point of renewed criticism.
The petition rapidly gained traction, surpassing 50,000 signatures within a day and approaching 80,000 as of November 20. Petitioners argued that Kōhaku Uta Gassen represents Japan and that Ningning’s appearance raised concerns over historical sensitivity.
Sing Tao Daily described aespa as the “largest cultural victim” of this dispute, suggesting that their performance on December 31 could serve as a barometer for China-Japan relations.
With tensions showing signs of long-term escalation, the incident raises questions about the potential impact on Korea-China-Japan cultural exchange. SM Entertainment, aespa’s agency, has yet to release an official statement regarding schedule changes or the controversy.
Sources: Daum