Blackpink recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, a decade of global music domination, but the highly anticipated festivities were unfortunately overshadowed by fan disappointment and sincere apologies regarding the event’s planning.
Blackpink marked 10 years since its debut Saturday, reuniting to meet fans and go live online — but the celebration also came with repeated apologies over how the anniversary was handled.
Rushed Rollout and Limited Access Frustrate Fans
YG Entertainment sparked frustration when it announced the event just two days prior, on Thursday. The announcement, vague on details, promised an in-person gathering “somewhere in Seoul” for only 40 paying Weverse members, adding a caveat that only those “available by schedule” would attend. The application window was open for a mere nine hours, leaving many fans feeling the event was hastily arranged.
Despite the initial ambiguity, all four members — Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa — ultimately attended the “Meet & Greet” fan event. Held at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, only 40 lottery-selected fans could attend. This limited access for such a significant 10th anniversary deeply disappointed the broader global fandom.
Jisoo Addresses Blinks’ Disappointment with Heartfelt Apologies
Jisoo, acknowledging the weight of this disappointment, directly addressed fans in a heartfelt post to the group’s Weverse community. “This anniversary feels like a day full of regret,” she wrote. “Knowing how many Blinks are upset weighs heavily on me. I haven’t forgotten that it’s Blink who made Blackpink shine like this. I’m sorry again for the disappointment I’ve caused, and I’m always grateful and love you.”
Before the fan event, all four members had also appeared together on a Weverse livestream.
During the livestream, Jisoo further addressed the criticism surrounding the event’s organization. “I originally wanted to see so many of you, and I knew this was an important day — our 10th anniversary,” she stated. She candidly admitted, “I think there was a problem in communication. I wanted this to be a happy occasion, but I’m sorry to the Blinks who feel let down. I hope you know that I love you.” Later, footage circulated online showed a visibly emotional Jisoo, wiping away tears as she accepted handwritten letters from fans while getting into a car, a moment that resonated deeply with many.
The other members also shared their gratitude and love for Blinks. Jennie posted a photo of all four members together on social media, simply thanking fans for their unwavering support. Rosé reflected on their decade-long journey, expressing appreciation for fans who have stayed with them “from my debut at 19 to today, at 29.” Lisa echoed this sentiment, writing, “Thank you truly, and I love you, for always being with us through these 10 long years.”
Celebrating a Decade: Blackpink’s Heritage Collection and Global Impact
To celebrate 10th anniversary, Blackpink also unveiled the “Blackpink Heritage Collection,” a seven-item merchandise line developed with MU:DS, the National Museum of Korea’s official goods brand.
This collaboration marks an expansion of Blackpink’s unique partnership with the National Museum of Korea, which began in February around the release of their “Deadline” EP. That initial venture was hailed as the first large-scale museum collaboration by a K-pop act, showcasing Blackpink’s innovative approach beyond music.
Blackpink officially debuted on August 8, 2016, with the hit tracks “Whistle” and “Boombayah.” Over the past decade, the group has cemented its status as a global phenomenon, topping both the US Billboard charts and the UK Official Charts and significantly expanding its footprint across the international music market. In 2023, the members renewed their exclusive group contract with YG Entertainment, skillfully balancing group activities with their burgeoning individual projects through their respective labels. Last year saw the release of their third mini-album, “Deadline,” followed by a successful world tour in support of it, proving their continued power and influence.
