The official aespa account (

@aespa_official
) posted a group photo from Day 1 of SMTOWN LIVE 2025-26 in FUKUOKA on January 31, 2026.Post caption (in English translation/context):
"#aespa in SMTOWN LIVE 2025-26 @ FUKUOKA DAY 1
#aespa #æspa #에스파 #SMTOWN #SM_30thAnniversary #SMTOWN2025_26_FUKUOKA"The attached photo shows all four members—Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning—posing together on stage or backstage after their performance. They're wearing coordinated black-and-red stage outfits with bold, edgy styling (leather/textured elements, metallic accents, and dramatic makeup/hair). The members are holding microphones, standing close together in a confident group pose against a dark concert backdrop, likely capturing the high-energy vibe of the SMTOWN event celebrating SM Entertainment's 30th anniversary.The post received strong engagement quickly: around 39.4K likes, 9.8K reposts, 418K+ views, and hundreds of replies/quotes (as of early February 2026 data).Fan reactions in the replies are mixed but passionate:
  • Many MYs praised the members' visuals, especially Ningning's beauty being called "unreal" and "face card" level.
  • A noticeable portion of fans expressed frustration or disappointment, repeatedly asking "Where is Ningning's special stage/collaboration stage?" and calling for better treatment for her (some comments like "Treat NINGNING better" or questioning why only she didn't get a featured collab performance).
Context:
This was aespa's appearance during the two-day SMTOWN LIVE event held at the Mizuho PayPay Dome in Fukuoka, Japan (January 31 & February 1, 2026). It came a few months after their 6th mini album Rich Man dropped on September 5, 2025, which included the title track "Rich Man" and other songs like "Heavenly Blue" that were likely performed or promoted during the concert series.The event drew huge attention as part of SM's anniversary celebrations, featuring multiple SM artists and special stages.