Aijing (13), a member of A20 LITE, the rookie girl group unveiled by Lee Soo-man, founder of SM Entertainment, was embroiled in controversy shortly after her debut over suspicions that her parents had failed to pay wages. In response, Aijing's parents acknowledged their failure to make timely payments for wages and other amounts and apologized.
Aijing's mother posted on the Chinese social media platform Weibo on the 14th, saying, "I sincerely apologize for causing you concern over recent matters related to me."
She explained, "I previously ran an education-related business, but as the management situation deteriorated rapidly, the company fell into severe financial difficulties, which led to debt disputes."
She continued, bowing her head, "Regardless of any objective circumstances, failing to pay the amounts due on time is a mistake that I must face and take responsibility for."
She further stated, "I am currently contacting each relevant party one by one to discuss solutions and maintaining ongoing communication," adding, "I will not evade responsibility until all issues are resolved and will take responsibility to the very end."
Previously, on the 13th, local Chinese media reported that suspicions of unpaid employee wages had emerged at an education company based in Beijing operated by Aijing's parents.
According to a local corporate information platform, two court enforcement cases were filed against the company and Aijing's parents on August 31. The enforced amount is known to be approximately 3.45 million yuan (689 million won).
The controversy erupted just one day after A20 LITE debuted on the 12th. A20 LITE is a rookie girl group that Lee Soo-man unveiled about three years after leaving SM Entertainment.
Among the members, Aijing, who is 13 years old, has drawn attention for her appearance and dance lines resembling those of singer BoA, earning her the nickname "China's BoA."
in ENTERTAINMENT
