Chinese fans' bid to repay A2O LITE member Aijing's parents' debt draws backlash

Some Chinese fans of Aijing, the 13-year-old Chinese member of A2O LITE, the girl group launched by A2O Entertainment key producer Lee Soo-man, have proposed collectively paying off her parents' debts after she became embroiled in a controversy over her parents' unpaid wages shortly after the group's debut — a move that has drawn sharp criticism online.

Taiwan's NowNews reported Tuesday (local time) that some Chinese fans had floated the idea of creating a group chat to pool money toward repaying Aijing's parents' debts. Posts on Chinese SNS platform Weibo urged fans to "pay off Aijing's parents' debt together."

"If there are people willing to help, let's organize together," one fan wrote. "If possible, let Aijing's mother join the chat too. If there's a problem, let's solve it first. Right now, I just want her to enjoy dancing and the joy of her debut."

According to Taiwan's ETtoday, another fan suggested that major fan accounts lead a fundraising effort, offering to lend 1,000 yuan ($150) personally. "It's not a donation — it's a loan," the fan said, adding that Aijing could repay it once she starts earning income.

When the news spread to South Korean online communities, users reacted with skepticism. "What exactly is a fan supposed to be?" some asked, while others questioned whether simply repaying the debt resolved anything. Critics also pointed out that workers who had not been paid still had unresolved claims and livelihoods at stake, and questioned whether fans should volunteer to absorb the debt before those issues were addressed.

The controversy has continued within China as well. In a commentary, Chinese outlet Cover News noted that while children are not legally obligated to repay their parents' debts, the public would find it difficult to accept the argument that Aijing bears no responsibility, given the entanglement of the family's financial troubles with investments in her career.

Earlier, Chinese outlets including Dahe Daily reported that a Beijing education company run by Aijing's parents had been withholding employee wages since 2024, based on accounts from former workers.

The company reportedly reached a partial repayment agreement through labor arbitration but stopped making payments after three months. Chinese corporate information platforms show that court-ordered debts against the company and Aijing's parents total about 3.45 million yuan.

On Oct. 14, Aijing's parents posted an apology on Weibo. "Whatever the circumstances, failing to pay what was owed on time is a mistake I must confront and take responsibility for," they wrote. "I will not evade responsibility until every issue is resolved."

A2O LITE made its debut at a showcase held at Kintex in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province on Oct. 12, and released its debut single "NEON" the following day. The group's agency has not issued an official statement on the controversy.