"Why the Lyrics 'Explosion' at 8:15?"...Sudden Conspiracy Theories Emerge Over Aespa's Appearance

Japanese Netizens Criticize, Saying "It Reminds Us of Liberation Day"
8:15, the Time of the Hiroshima Atomic Bombing

After conspiracy theories began to spread locally regarding the girl group aespa's appearance on Japan's NHK year-end special program "Kohaku Uta Gassen," NHK issued an official statement to address the issue. On January 9, Japan's Sankei Shimbun reported that controversy had arisen among some netizens over aespa's performance being broadcast around 8:15 p.m. during the 76th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, which aired on December 31 last year, with claims that it evoked the atomic bombing.

At the end of last year, aespa appeared on Japan's NHK year-end special program "Kohaku Uta Gassen," and baseless conspiracy theories have been spreading locally. aespa Instagram

Some Japanese netizens posted on online communities and social networking services (SNS), questioning whether "the time of the Hiroshima atomic bombing, 8:15 a.m., was deliberately evoked," and even argued that "NHK tried to insult Japan through a Korean girl group." One user on X (formerly Twitter) claimed that "both the time of the Hiroshima atomic bombing and the explosion coincided with aespa's performance being broadcast," citing replay footage as evidence. These netizens also took issue with the lyrics of aespa's stage song "Whiplash," specifically phrases like "big flash" and "blow." Another user commented that "8:15 reminds them of Korea's Liberation Day."

As conspiracy theories regarding aespa's performance spread indiscriminately, NHK responded immediately. The NHK Public Relations Department told Sankei Shimbun, "The claims circulating on SNS are completely baseless misinformation," and emphasized, "The broadcast time, production, and song selection were all based on the flow of the program, with no intention whatsoever." They added, "We will respond appropriately to the dissemination and spread of fake news."

Some Japanese netizens claimed on online communities and social networking services (SNS) that "the time of the Hiroshima atomic bombing being 8:15 a.m. was deliberately evoked" and even argued that "NHK tried to insult Japan through a Korean girl group." X (formerly Twitter)

The controversy began as soon as news of aespa's appearance on Kohaku Uta Gassen was announced. On Japanese SNS, a past photo of lighting posted by member NingNing on a fan communication platform was criticized for resembling an "atomic bomb mushroom cloud," which sparked a petition against their appearance. However, two days before the broadcast, their agency SM Entertainment officially announced, "NingNing contracted influenza and, following her doctor's advice, will not be able to perform." As a result, only Karina, Giselle, and Winter appeared on stage during the actual broadcast. NHK also reiterated, "As the agency stated, NingNing's absence was due to the flu," repeatedly denying any connection to the conspiracy theories. Local media outlets also pointed out that "the claim that a specific time was deliberately chosen in a massive year-end live broadcast program is unrealistic," criticizing the excessive interpretations.