'10th Anniversary Controversy' BLACKPINK: Were They Individuals Greater Than the Team? [Yoon Sang-geun's Context]

It is deeply disappointing. Their actions even raise doubts about whether they perhaps do not consider their 10th debut anniversary all that important. BLACKPINK (Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa), the girl group, has recently followed a timeline that makes one scratch one's head in many ways, even apart from the perspective of the fandom.

BLACKPINK, whose debut was announced on August 8, 2016, by YG Entertainment chief Yang Hyun-suk himself, was truly a group that finally emerged into the world from YG's long-protected "jewel box." They went on to become complete artists equipped with outstanding talent and unrivaled visuals, establishing an overwhelming presence in the competition among third-generation K-pop girl groups.

BLACKPINK already possesses symbolic significance not only because of its musical achievements but also because of the shining presence of each of its four members. They have achieved numerous worldwide records, ranked first overall in social media influence, and set the most records as the first K-pop girl group in global chart history. All four members have even been selected as global ambassadors for luxury brands. There are more than enough reasons why BLACKPINK's 10th debut anniversary should never be allowed to pass without proper recognition.

However, despite the anniversary approaching, no notable announcement was made, and amid this silence, only one event suddenly appeared. Normally, when preparing for an important anniversary, teaser content is presented at least a month in advance, while ancillary events tied to sponsorships are added to build excitement. This time, however, there was virtually no movement.

The upcoming event marking BIGBANG's 20th debut anniversary is an appropriate comparison. Yet ahead of BLACKPINK's 10th debut anniversary, not only was there no commemorative single release, but no meaningful plans at all were made public. As a result, the controversy grew, and hastily improvised moves finally began to appear. They are even inviting only 40 Weverse membership holders with just two days remaining before the event. For an anniversary event welcoming a global artist returning from a world tour attended by 1.8 million people worldwide, the number of invitees was pathetically small.

Were the members' thoughts different from those of the fandom, BLINK? Word initially spread that Lisa would not attend, then news of her sudden participation emerged, and in the end the event proceeded as though it had been hastily arranged without any meaningful advance notice.

Various interpretations have also emerged regarding the phrase, "Only some members who are available according to their schedules will attend." Considering the symbolism of BLACKPINK's 10th debut anniversary, it is reasonable to infer that at least some members lacked the determination to set aside other commitments and attend. It also seems unfair to place all the blame on YG simply because preparations for the event were inadequate; the members do not appear to be entirely without responsibility.

Moreover, a petition has been filed requesting consideration of an investigation, inspection, and special audit by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's Audit Division regarding the approval of the fan meeting held at the National Museum of Korea, the use of its facilities, visitor restrictions, and the overall handling of the website announcement. The petitioner raised questions about whether the event was an external rental, a joint event of the National Museum of Korea, or a cultural and promotional project; the approval for facility use; restrictions on access to some exhibition spaces; changes to the schedules of existing programs; and the process of posting the announcement on the website.

In this situation, one naturally finds oneself recalling possible connections to several negative issues surrounding YG and BLACKPINK. They say, "BLACKPINK until the day we die," but could this whole mess have ultimately resulted from something going wrong during the contract renewal negotiations with YG? Could it be that they had each prepared to stand alone early on, then reluctantly(?) joined hands with YG while agreeing to continue group activities? Of course, only the four members themselves can know their true feelings and personal circumstances.

It now seems difficult to package the dramatic realization of the "complete four-member group" as nothing but a beautiful heartwarming story. Jisoo alone representing the group and saying, "We are sorry for disappointing you," as well as expressing gratitude to fans with 6,900-won rice cakes, both feel woefully insufficient to fully embody the meaning of BLACKPINK's 10th anniversary.

Even more concerning is that this controversy could become a negative precedent for other star idols who will celebrate their 10th debuts in the future. No, it seems that has already happened.

Is it truly right for the individual activities and interests of the four members to take priority over "Team BLACKPINK," which everyone acknowledged and loved? And I would like to ask whether that choice is really greater than "Team BLACKPINK."

Reporter Yoon Sang-geun [email protected]