BLACKPINK faces fan backlash over tenth-anniversary event and agency tension

The K-pop group BLACKPINK held a 'MEET & GREET' event at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul on August 8 to commemorate their tenth anniversary. While the four members—Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa—interacted with fans selected via lottery, the event has faced significant criticism from the group's fandom regarding poor organization and a lack of content.

Reports indicate tension between the group and their agency, YG Entertainment, particularly concerning contract renewals, which account for approximately 85% of the agency's revenue. Fans expressed frustration over claims that the agency attempted to manipulate public perception by initially announcing that only some members would attend, before later correcting the statement to include all four.

Further controversy surrounds the planning of the anniversary. Although the agency suggested the festivities were long-planned, records show the request to the museum was only made on July 29, receiving approval just five days before the public announcement. Observers noted a stark contrast in production scale between this tenth-anniversary event and the group's more lavish eighth-anniversary celebrations.