Japan's NHK clarified why there were no Korean artists included in this year's 'Kouhaku Uta Gassen' lineup.

Even though artists such as TVXQ, Girls' Generation, and KARA had attended last year, this year no Korean artists received an invitation. Many people assumed that the Dokdo Island controversy had played a part in the lack of K-pop stars.

However, NHK clarified this sentiment stating, "The Dokdo controversy had nothing to do with it. 'Kohaku Uta Gassen' artists are chosen based on the artist activities and the support they receive from the general public. This year, the Korean artists' scores had fallen compared to last year. There was no political reason."

Some Japanese fans welcomed the lack of Korean artists at the biggest musical event of the year, but others protested the lack of representation, commenting, "There's no doubt that political problems were a factor".