SEOUL, Aug 15 — Blackpink's Lisa has issued a public apology to fans following widespread criticism over the group's 10th anniversary celebration, which many BLINKs described as poorly organised and unexpectedly modest for one of K‑pop's biggest global acts.
In a message posted yesterday on a fan communication platform, Lisa acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the August 8 event at the National Museum of Korea, saying she felt “sad” about how the milestone unfolded and was “truly sorry” to fans. “It was supposed to be a special moment and a time of celebration for all of us,” she wrote, adding that she wanted to honour the group's connection with fans rather than justify what happened.
The event — announced only two days in advance — invited just 40 fans and featured a short livestream of about 10 minutes, with the main program lasting roughly half an hour. Uncertainty over whether all four members would attend added to the frustration, though the full lineup ultimately appeared.
The backlash prompted apologies from Jisoo and Rosé earlier in the week. Jisoo said she felt “especially sorry” on the anniversary, while Rosé admitted she struggled to find the right words because she deeply understood fans' disappointment. With Lisa's statement, three members have now publicly addressed the issue.
Separately, Lisa has been the subject of dating rumours involving Thai actor Blue Pongtiwat, though neither party has commented.
A milestone met with disappointment
Blackpink officially debuted on August 8, 2016, under YG Entertainment. The group consists of four members: Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa. Over the past decade, they have become one of the most successful K-pop acts in history, breaking numerous records on streaming platforms, selling out stadiums worldwide, and amassing a massive global fanbase known as BLINKs. Their 10th anniversary was expected to be a landmark occasion, drawing parallels to other K-pop groups that have celebrated such milestones with elaborate fan meetings, concerts, or special releases.
However, the actual event left many fans underwhelmed. The announcement came just two days prior, leaving little time for fans to plan or travel. Only 40 fans were invited to the National Museum of Korea, a venue that, while historically significant, was not designed for large-scale fan events. The livestream lasted only about 10 minutes, and the main program was reported to be roughly 30 minutes in duration. For a group with millions of followers worldwide, this felt insufficient to many.
The uncertainty surrounding member attendance also stirred anxiety. In the days leading up to the event, there was speculation that not all four members would be present, despite the anniversary being a group milestone. When the full lineup did appear, the relief was palpable, but the underlying disappointment about the scale and organisation remained.
Members’ apologies and the weight of fan expectations
Jisoo was the first to address the backlash. On a fan communication platform, she expressed that she felt “especially sorry” on the anniversary, acknowledging that fans had waited years for this moment. She wrote that she wanted to make the day memorable but understood that it fell short of expectations. Her heartfelt message resonated with many BLINKs, who appreciated her sincerity while still criticising the event's execution.
Rosé followed with a longer statement, in which she admitted to struggling to find the right words because she deeply understood the fans' disappointment. She reflected on the journey they had shared with BLINKs and expressed hope that future celebrations would be better planned. Rosé's apology was seen as particularly emotional, as she often shares a close bond with fans through her solo projects and social media interactions.
Lisa's apology, delivered on Thursday, completed a trio of responses from the group members. Notably, Jennie has not yet publicly commented. This silence has not gone unnoticed by fans, though some speculate that she may address the issue in her own time or through other channels. The three apologies suggest that the members themselves were not fully satisfied with how the event was handled, even if they had limited control over the planning.
Blackpink’s rise to global superstardom
To understand why the 10th anniversary event caused such a stir, it is essential to contextualise Blackpink's career. From their debut with the single album “Square One,” which featured “Whistle” and “Boombayah,” the group quickly became known for their powerful performances, distinct style, and catch heavy songs. Their 2018 release “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du” became a massive hit, and the accompanying music video broke records for the fastest K-pop group to reach 100 million views at the time.
In 2019, Blackpink became the first K-pop girl group to perform at Coachella, cementing their international appeal. They have since headlined tours across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, consistently selling out arenas and stadiums. Their collaboration with Lady Gaga, “Sour Candy,” and their album “The Album” (2020) further expanded their reach. In 2022, they released “Born Pink,” which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, making them the first K-pop girl group to achieve this feat. The accompanying world tour drew millions of fans and was one of the highest-grossing tours by a female act.
Each member has also pursued solo activities. Jennie released “Solo” in 2018, Lisa released “Lalisa” and “Money” in 2021, Rosé released “On the Ground” and “Gone” in 2021, and Jisoo made her solo debut with “Flower” in 2023. These projects have diversified their portfolios and kept fans engaged between group activities. However, contract renewals with YG Entertainment in 2023 were a source of intense speculation, with many fans fearing the group might disband or change labels. Ultimately, all four members renewed their contracts, but the uncertainty highlighted how precious each anniversary is to the fandom.
Fan culture and the meaning of milestone events
Milestone anniversaries hold immense significance in K-pop culture. Groups often mark their 10th anniversary with a full-length album, a fan meeting, a documentary, or a special concert. For example, BTS celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2023 with the “BTS FESTa” event, which included a huge gathering in Seoul, a new song, and a series of pop-up activities. Similarly, EXO and Super Junior have held extensive fan events for their anniversaries, with multiple members appearing and fans from around the world participating.
Given these precedents, Blackpink’s 10th anniversary event seemed exceptionally low-key. The National Museum of Korea, while culturally significant, was not a typical venue for a K-pop celebration. The limited number of invited fans (40) meant that virtually no international fans could attend, and even domestic fans who did not win the invitation lottery were left out. The livestream, though accessible online, was short and lacked the elaborate staging, performances, or games that fans usually expect.
Some fans theorised that scheduling conflicts, member commitments, or perhaps the group's focus on upcoming solo projects contributed to the modest celebration. Others pointed out that Blackpink has been less active as a group in recent years, with members focusing on their individual careers. This anniversary could have been a moment to reassure fans that the group remains a priority, but the execution seemed to suggest otherwise.
Despite the backlash, there are also fans who defended the event, noting that the members appeared genuinely happy to be together and that the intimacy of the gathering allowed for sincere interactions. Supporters argued that the members themselves might not have had control over the planning, and that YG Entertainment should bear the brunt of the criticism. Yet, the apologies from Lisa, Jisoo, and Rosé suggest that they feel responsible for the outcome, regardless of who made the final decisions.
Lisa’s solo career and the dating rumours
Adding another layer to the story is Lisa's recent solo trajectory. She has been the most commercially successful solo member, with hits like “Lalisa” and “Money” charting globally and her music videos breaking YouTube records. She also launched her own management company, LLOUD, in early 2024, signalling her desire for more artistic control. This move was interpreted as a step toward independence from YG Entertainment, even though she is still a group member.
The dating rumours with Thai actor Blue Pongtiwat have been a topic of discussion among fans for several weeks. Photos and sightings have sparked speculation, but neither Lisa nor the actor has confirmed or denied the relationship. Some fans believe the rumour circulated around the same time as the anniversary event, potentially diverting attention from the celebration. However, Lisa's apology made no mention of the rumours, focusing instead on the fan backlash.
The interaction between personal and professional life is a common challenge for K-pop idols, whose private lives are often scrutinised. Lisa’s decision to address the anniversary issue directly may also reflect her growing confidence as an artist who is willing to engage with fan feedback, both positive and negative.
What lies ahead for Blackpink
The 10th anniversary was a test of Blackpink's relationship with their fandom, and by many accounts, the group came up short. However, the members' apologies indicate a willingness to listen and improve. Whether this translates into better planning for future events remains to be seen. The group is expected to release a new album or tour in the coming years, and the expectations for those projects are now even higher.
As the members continue to grow as individual artists, their collective identity as Blackpink remains a powerful brand. The anniversary experience may serve as a lesson for YG Entertainment and the members about the importance of communicating with fans and managing expectations. In an era where K-pop fans are highly engaged and vocal, any perceived lack of appreciation can lead to significant backlash.
For now, BLINKs are left with mixed emotions. On one hand, they have received heartfelt apologies from three of the four members, which humanises the idols and reinforces the emotional bond that lies at the core of K-pop fandom. On the other hand, the actual anniversary event was a missed opportunity to celebrate a decade of music and memories in a way that matched the group's extraordinary impact. The hope is that the next milestone, whether it be the 11th anniversary or the release of a new album, will reflect the scale of love and support that Blackpink has received from fans around the world.
Source: MSN News