Concept photos of K-pop girl group BLACKPINK for its 'KILL THIS LOVE' album have been criticized for allegedly romanticizing abusive relationship.
On April 23, BLACKPINK's management agency YG Entertainment revealed the physical album of 'KILL THIS LOVE' which includes a photo book, random photo cards, a sticker set, and more.
The photo cards feature the four members of BLACKPINK vacantly looking at the camera with scratches and bruises on their faces.
ROSÉ has a bleeding scar by her lip, JENNIE has a bruise on her left cheek, LISA has one on her right cheek, and JISOO has scratches by her brow bone.
After the photos became available, fans are calling YG Entertainment out for using violence for their aesthetic.
Some comments include:
"BLACKPINK's concept has always been about girl power and empowerment. But this? Really?"
"I don't know whose idea it was, whether it was BLACKPINK's or YG's, but using abuse as an aesthetic for an album is sick."
"Talking about domestic abuse, working with this issue and having it in a storyline isn't the same as to pose with bruises and scratches for photo cards."
"Some fans say they (the members) have no say... That's alarming too since they literally have no control of their narrative."
"I just feel it's uncomfortable to see them like that on a photo card. That's something you collect!"
Meanwhile, BLACKPINK is currently visiting the United States as part of its world tour 'IN YOUR AREA'.
(Credit= YG Entertainment, Online Community)