aespa NHK Kohaku Controversy 2026: Broadcaster Denies Hiroshima Timing Theories

What was supposed to be a career-defining moment has turned into a PR nightmare. aespa's performance at the 76th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen on December 31, 2025, is being scrutinized for a peculiar coincidence. Conspiracy theories suggesting the group's stage timing was a deliberate nod to historical tragedies have forced the broadcaster, NHK, to issue a formal denial.

Inside the aespa NHK Kohaku Controversy 2026

The controversy centers on the 8:15 timestamp. Netizens pointed out that the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima at 8:15 AM in 1945. Viral posts claimed aespa appeared on screen at exactly 8:15:43, the moment the explosion occurred. Alternatively, some argued the time alluded to August 15, Korea’s Liberation Day from Japanese rule.

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These theories gained traction due to existing friction involving member NingNing, who had been accused of mocking the bombing previously. Although NingNing sat out the performance due to health reasons, the backlash remained intense, with a recent survey ranking aespa as the 2nd worst performers of the event.

Official Statement from NHK

On January 12, 2026, NHK broke its silence. The broadcaster strongly denied any intentional link between the performance timing and historical events. "The speculation on social media is completely unfounded and false information," NHK stated, attempting to put an end to the viral conspiracy.