aespa's Ningning will not appear on Japan's year-end music special NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

On December 29, SM Entertainment announced on aespa's official Japan website that only Karina, Giselle, and Winter will participate in the broadcast, with Ningning sitting out for health reasons.

The agency explained that Ningning was recently diagnosed with influenza and was advised by medical professionals to take sufficient rest.

Ningning had previously faced controversy in Japan over a lighting photo she posted on social media in 2022, which some claimed resembled a mushroom cloud following an atomic bomb explosion. Petitions opposing her appearance on Kohaku later emerged amid heightened regional tensions.

Addressing the issue, SM stated that the past post "did not include any specific purpose or intent," while acknowledging it caused concern and pledging to be more careful going forward.

Kohaku Uta Gassen airs every December 31 on NHK and features artists who made significant impact over the year.