aespa Ningning has recently come under fire from Japanese netizens after showing a decorative lamp on the fan platform Bubble. The lamp’s shape resembling a mushroom cloud, similar to the atomic bomb explosion immediately triggered outrage in Japan, where imagery connected to Hiroshima and Nagasaki remains deeply sensitive.
Within just two days, related posts on X (formerly Twitter) amassed more than 30 million views, with screenshots from Ningning’s Bubble messages circulating widely. Some Japanese users interpreted the lamp as a reference to the atomic bomb, while others defended it as simply an aesthetic lighting piece with no intended symbolism.
Despite the mixed opinions, criticism quickly spread across Japanese online communities. Hashtags combining “Ningning,” “Hiroshima,” and “insensitive idol” trended for hours, reflecting the scale of public debate. Many Japanese netizens argued that Ningning should have been more mindful of such imagery, particularly since aespa includes a Japanese member, Giselle.
- But there’s a Japanese member in the group didn’t she think this could become an issue..?
- Why does this group keep getting caught up in controversies?
- I can’t forget that mushroom cloud-shaped lamp and her awful attitude.
- She’s a globally famous idol, yet makes such an unthinkable move and the company didn’t stop her either.
- The worst part is that she doesn’t even seem to know what she did. I don’t want to listen to their music or see this group anymore.
Meanwhile, Korean fans pushed back, claiming Japan was being overly sensitive and that the issue had been exaggerated due to lingering historical and political tensions between the two nations. On Korean forums, some users commented on how controversies involving K-pop idols tend to escalate more rapidly in Japan, viewing the backlash as part of broader post-war cultural sensitivities.
- I don’t know, I just know that she’s super pretty.
- The YouTube comments are saying Giselle should talk about Tiananmen Square ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ We need some balance~
- I also hope that we can start boycotting idols who hate Korea.
- Is that so~ Ningning is so pretty.
- Wow she’s so pretty.
- I’m sorry, but what do you want me to do? Japan? Hiroshima? From Japan’s side, she deserves criticism; from Korea’s side, what do you expect?
- They’re so sensitive.
- They sure have a weak mentality.
The dispute underscores how cross-cultural symbolism can spark geopolitical debate in K-pop. While many fans see Ningning’s post as harmless, others highlight how historical wounds between Korea and Japan remain easily inflamed, especially when Chinese or Japanese national sensitivities enter the mix.
At the same time, fans in both countries are calling for moderation and for SM Entertainment to issue a short clarification to prevent further misunderstanding.
Sources: Nate Pann, Instiz
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