The petition, on Change.org, points out that the singer posted a picture of an “atomic bomb model light” on a social media site with the message, “I bought a cute light! What do you think?”

Even though the post was in May 2022, the petition says it is inappropriate for Aespa to be invited to perform at the annual “Kohaku Uta Gassen”, or the “Red and White Singing Contest”, aired by national broadcaster NHK on New Year’s Eve, as this year marks the 80th anniversary of the bombings and the end of World War II.

The debate has taken an added twist after South Korean media reported that the picture was posted by Ningning, the Chinese member of the group.

Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary. Most countries, including the US, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the self-governed island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons.