aespa faces backlash from Chinese fans over a concert date in Japan; SM Entertainment postpones the show

All-girl Korean band aespa. CHINA NINGNING Bar, the largest fanbase dedicated to aespa's Chinese member Ningning, led the charge, demanding a change of date.

aespa, the rising K-pop sensation, made the headlines on May 11 with the announcement of the postponement of their highly anticipated concert scheduled for July 7, 2024, in Fukuoka, Japan. The decision came after facing significant backlash from fans,
particularly Chinese fans, due to the insensitivity of the chosen date. July 7 holds deep significance in China as a day of mourning, commemorating historical events from the Sino-Japanese war.

The controversy sparked outrage, with CHINA NINGNING Bar, the largest fanbase dedicated to aespa's Chinese member Ningning, leading the charge in demanding a change of date.

We demand @SMTOWNGLOBAL @aespa_official to change the date of the concert in Fukuoka Arena, Japan, which is to be held on July 7th, as it is a black day for the Chinese public due to the Sino-Japanese war. Respect your Chinese artist, Ningning, and fans. pic.twitter.com/myCvdkWLgf

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— CHINA NINGNING Bar (@NingNing_Bar) May 1, 2024

In response to mounting pressure, aespa's management, SM Entertainment, decided to postpone the July 7 show while proceeding
with the scheduled performance on July 6.

Check out the full statement:

“Thank you very much for always supporting aepsa.

We want to inform you about the 2024 aespa LIVE TOUR – SYNK: PARALLEL LINE – in JAPAN performance, scheduled for July 7th, 2024 at the Marine Messe Fukuoka Hall A in Fukuoka.

Regarding the performance on Sunday, July 7th, we have received much feedback on domestic and foreign social media platforms, as well as various communication channels. SM Entertainment, the aespa members, and our staff members have discussed holding the 2024 aespa LIVE TOUR – SYNK : PARALLEL LINE – in JAPAN in the best possible way and decided not to hold the concert on Sunday, July 7th.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused for everyone looking forward to the performance. Details such as whether or not an alternative performance will be held and how to refund tickets are currently being arranged, so we will inform you again as soon as a decision has been made.

Once again, we apologize for causing you such an inconvenience.

The performance on Saturday, July 6 will be held as scheduled. Thank you for your understanding.

We look forward to your continued support for aespa.”

– aespa JAPAN OFFICIAL