SM Entertainment has officially confirmed that Ningning will not take part in aespa’s appearance on NHK’s year-end broadcast, Kōhaku Uta Gassen, meaning the group’s stage will go forward with Karina, Giselle, and Winter only. The announcement—shared through aespa’s Japan official website—frames the decision as a health-related absence, while also acknowledging public criticism tied to a past social media post.
What SM said (and what it means)
In the notice dated December 29, 2025, SM explains two key points:
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Health update: Ningning has been feeling unwell for a while, visited a hospital, and was confirmed to have influenza. Doctors advised that she needs adequate rest and recovery time.
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Stage plan: SM says they consulted with NHK and, as a result, aespa will appear at Kōhaku with three members—Karina, Giselle, and Winter. The company also apologized for the late notice and asked for understanding.
This kind of phrasing is typical when a broadcaster schedule is already locked in: it confirms the show will continue as planned, while signaling that the absence is a coordinated decision rather than a last-minute on-site change.
Why Kōhaku is such a big deal
For international fans, it’s hard to overstate what NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen represents in Japan. The program is one of the country’s most watched year-end TV events—an “invitation-only” type of stage that carries prestige, mainstream visibility, and major cultural weight.
For the 76th edition, Japanese coverage notes that the show is broadcast live from NHK Hall in Shibuya, Tokyo, beginning at 7:20 p.m. on December 31, and running through the late evening (with breaks).
So when a member is absent from this schedule, it naturally becomes bigger than a standard music show cancellation: it reshapes choreo, lines, camera blocking, and the group’s overall presentation on a stage with huge mainstream exposure.
The statement also addresses the controversy around a past SNS post
Alongside the health update, SM’s Japan notice explicitly mentions that Ningning received “many comments/criticisms” about content she posted on social media, stating that it had no specific intention, but that the company takes the concerns seriously and will be more careful going forward.
Multiple reports describe the criticism as connected to an older post that some viewers interpreted as resembling an atomic-bomb mushroom cloud imagery (exact descriptions vary by outlet), and note that the issue resurfaced in recent weeks.
What matters most here is that SM chose to acknowledge the backlash in the same notice as the medical update—something agencies don’t always do. That decision has fueled conversation online, with some fans focusing solely on her recovery and others debating timing and optics.
How aespa’s stage may change without Ningning
SM has not announced the performance details (song choice, arrangement, or choreo adjustments) in this notice. But in practical terms, a three-member Kōhaku stage usually involves:
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Redistributing vocal lines (especially high notes and ad-libs Ningning typically handles)
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Choreography re-blocking to avoid empty formations and keep camera work clean
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More stable “live performance” strategy—simplified movement during key vocal moments to maintain pitch and stamina
Because Kōhaku is tightly produced, these changes are normally planned quickly but carefully—especially if rehearsals have already started.
The human part: influenza, rest, and year-end schedules
Influenza is not just a “small cold,” and year-end idol schedules are notoriously intense—rehearsals, live broadcasts, travel, and heavy styling can compound fatigue. SM’s note emphasizes medical advice and rest, which is important: if an idol is diagnosed with flu, reducing exposure and prioritizing recovery protects both the artist and everyone working around them (staff, dancers, production teams).
What fans should watch next
With the Kōhaku stage proceeding as three, attention now turns to:
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Post-show updates on Ningning’s condition (whether she resumes schedules quickly or takes additional time)
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Any future schedule adjustments announced through official channels
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How aespa’s performance is re-arranged, especially vocally
For now, the official position is clear: Ningning is out for health reasons, and aespa will still appear—as Karina, Giselle, and Winter—on Japan’s biggest year-end broadcast.
