As global girl group BLACKPINK celebrates its 10th anniversary, fans are expressing disappointment over the lack of opportunities to communicate with the group they have supported for so long.
YG Entertainment, which supports BLACKPINK's group activities, announced two days ago on the 6th that BLACKPINK would hold a gathering with 40 fans to celebrate their 10th anniversary on the afternoon of the 8th somewhere in Seoul.
The announcement included the phrase "We ask for active participation from BLINKs who want to share precious memories with BLACKPINK" along with the event overview. Participation was limited to 40 people, and the application period lasted for only nine hours, from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM on the 6th. Eligibility was restricted to members of the paid BLACKPINK Weverse Membership as of the 31st of last month, and digital membership subscribers were unable to apply.
Furthermore, the notice included the caveat that "Only some members of BLACKPINK (those whose schedules permit) are scheduled to participate."
Surrounding the rushed preparation period and the limited number of participants, reactions within the fandom pointed out that it lacks sincerity for such a meaningful 10th anniversary. Speculative posts pointing to ROSÉ as the absent member also spread in some circles.
In response, ROSÉ's agency, THE BLACK LABEL, released a separate statement. THE BLACK LABEL stated, "Unfounded claims and unconfirmed speculations regarding the artist's personal schedule and participation in the debut anniversary event are spreading." They added, "The artist has prioritized and secured all schedules well in advance to share this meaningful moment with fans," and requested, "Please refrain from reckless criticism based on one-sided speculation without verified facts."
Later, it was reported through some media outlets that LISA was the actual absent member for the 10th-anniversary fan meeting. Recently, LISA drew attention when local media reported on her staying in Thailand and spending an ordinary daily life with her family. With some members absent and a small-scale event limited to 40 participants, fans are expressing disappointment, saying that the meaning and purpose of BLACKPINK's 10th anniversary have been overshadowed.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
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