A2O LITE's AIJING Faces Parents' $517K Debt Scandal as Fans Offer to Pay

Some Chinese fans of AIJING, a member of rookie girl group A2O LITE, have proposed raising money to help repay her parents' debts amid allegations that a company run by her parents failed to pay employees' wages. A2O LITE was produced by Lee Soo-man.

According to Taiwanese media reports on Oct. 23, a post had appeared on the Chinese social media platform Weibo calling on fans to help settle the debts of AIJING's parents.

"If there are people willing to help, let's try to organize something," one fan wrote. "If possible, I'd like to invite AIJING's mother to the group chat too."

The fan added, "If there's a problem, we can just solve it first. Right now, I hope AIJING can fully enjoy the fun of dancing and the joy of her debut."

Some fans suggested forming a group chat and pooling money to help settle the debts. The proposals were intended to allow AIJING to focus on her music career without being affected by the controversy surrounding her parents.

However, it has not been confirmed whether any fundraising efforts have been launched or any debts have been repaid.The proposals drew mixed reactions online. Some argued that AIJING, who is a minor, should not be held responsible for her parents' actions. Others questioned whether fans should help cover the debts when employees who allegedly had not been paid were still waiting for their wages.

The controversy stems from allegations that an education company operated by AIJING's parents in Beijing had failed to pay its employees on time since 2024.

According to local reports, Beijing Suofeisi Education Technology Co., Ltd., which was founded by her parents, became involved in wage disputes with former employees. The total amount involved in court enforcement proceedings against the company and her parents reportedly stands at approximately $517,000 (3.45 million Chinese yuan).

The allegations also raised questions about the family's spending on AIJING's entertainment career while employees were allegedly left without their wages.

As the controversy grew, AIJING's mother issued an apology on Weibo on Oct. 14.

"I previously ran an education-related business, but business conditions deteriorated rapidly, leaving the company in serious financial difficulty and leading to debt disputes," she wrote.

"Regardless of the circumstances, failing to make payments on time is a mistake I must acknowledge and take responsibility for. I deeply apologize to everyone affected."

She said she was working with those involved to resolve the debts and would take responsibility until the matter was settled.

However, she emphasized that her daughter had no involvement in the dispute. "This is a matter for the parents to resolve. My child has nothing to do with my previous business or the related disputes," she said.

Born in 2013, AIJING debuted as a member of A2O LITE on Oct. 13. The group went on to earn three consecutive music show wins from Oct. 20 to 22 with its debut single, "NEON."