On May 7, the keyword "NingNing goes to see a striptease performance" climbed to the top 1 of the trending topic ranking of the social network Weibo (China).
After the main event of Met Gala 2026 ended on May 6, the stars attended many parties. Among them, NingNing (aespa) and Lisa (Blackpink) were photographed by international media at a party at The Box nightclub, located in the Lower East Side, New York (USA).
The Box has long been famous in the fashion, art and nightlife of New York for its experimental, rebellious, theatrical performances and avant-garde art style (pioneering and distinctive art style, ahead of its time, breaking traditional norms and challenging creative boundaries).
International fashion magazines, including Vogue, once described this place as a "scandalous" location due to its performance style with sensual elements and frequently breaking boundaries.
Vogue magazine also confirmed that the party at The Box after Met Gala 2026 was organized by Kate Moss and Teyana Taylor, lasting until 7 am.
The guest cast appearing at this party includes Moss' daughter Lila Moss, Shaboozey, Edward Enninful, Evan Ross, Fai Khadra, Lisa (Blackpink), Busta Rhymes, Rich Woods...
In a post on May 5, Vogue described The Box as a "famous but also scandalous club", accompanied by images of many dancers performing in sexy lingerie.
As images of NingNing, Lisa and activities inside the party spread on platforms like X and Weibo, discussions about the nature of the venue and performance became increasingly heated.
Chinese public opinion reacted negatively. Many viewers believe that, as idols, Lisa and NingNing should maintain their image, appearing in such a place is inappropriate.
Even, there were questioning comments: "Is there no other place to throw a party to celebrate?".
Netizens mentioned the case of Truong Gia Nghe and Angelababy, Chinese actors who were once "banned from broadcasting", restricted from activities for going to see Lisa's 18+ performance at Crazy Horse Paris in 2023.
Although more than a year later Angelababy quietly returned, she could not escape the label of "related artist Crazy Horse", nor could she return to the peak of her career.
NingNing debuted as a Kpop idol in Korea, but she is a Chinese artist and her current career foundation is closely related to the Chinese market. Therefore, a part of the audience also requests the Chinese entertainment industry to handle NingNing in a "banned" direction.
Besides, fans also spoke out to defend Lisa and NingNing. They emphasized that this is just a normal fashion exchange, artists relax with friends, and should not over-interpret.
Currently, Lisa, NingNing and management companies have not spoken out about this controversy.
