SM Entertainment Draws Criticism for Censoring aespa Ningning’s Shoes — Here’s Why

SM Entertainment draws flak for censoring aespa member Ningning's shoes during "Re:MASTERPIECE" video.

Why? Keep on reading to know the reason.

SM Entertainment Censors aespa Ningning's Shoes in 'RE:MASTERPIECE'

On December 23, 2021, SM Entertainment shared the first episode for the YouTube Originals series "Re:MASTERPIECE." The video follows the creation of aespa's remake of S.E.S's "Dreams Come True."

Though the episode was released nearly three months ago, viewers recently noticed that during the choreography practice of "Dreams Come True," SM Entertainment had censored aespa member Ningning's shoes.

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During the practice, Ningning is wearing sneakers from Nike. Nike was boycotted in China in March 2021 after the brand spoke up against the forced labor in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). They have stated that they are not a brand that will grow from forced labor and are not sourcing cotton from the region.

Following their statement, Nike and similar brands received backlash in China. Several celebrities cut ties with the brand, and most Chinese nationals refuse to purchase from the brand.

SM Entertainment Draws Criticism for Censoring aespa Ningning's Shoes

Many believe SM Entertainment censored Ningning's shoes to protect her from potential backlash from Chinese viewers. People added that if it were a stage outfit, SM Entertainment could have released a statement. Since these are shoes Ningning owns herself, they opted to censor it instead.

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People wondered why SM Entertainment would do such a thing. They accused the company of being "obsessed with Chinese money." It is known that Chinese fans, specifically Chinese idol bars (fanbases), help the sales of artists tremendously due to bulk buying.

However, many believe SM Entertainment shows how much they favor the Chinese market by constantly taking the side of their Chinese artists.

Some comments criticizing SM Entertainment read, "They are completely ignoring the sentiments of Koreans. They only look at Chinese members."

"Why does SM keep adding Chinese members to their groups? They are crazy about Chinese money."

"Why are they so obsessed with China?"

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Others criticized Ningning instead. Many thought it was ridiculous that she chose to wear Nike shoes but did not bow with the other aespa members during New Year.

On the other hand, others considered this a sign that Ningning was not as nationalistic as other Chinese idols.

However, some defended both Ningning and SM Entertainment, saying that it was their job to protect their artists.

What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below!

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Written by Alexa Lewis. KpopStarz owns this article.