The highly anticipated BLACKPINK Deadline Tour kicked off on July 5, 2025, at Goyang Stadium in South Korea, but the opening night has left fans deeply divided. While many praised the group’s return to the stage, others criticized what they called “a literal cash grab” by YG Entertainment, sparking heated debates across social media platforms.
The Deadline World Tour is BLACKPINK’s third worldwide concert tour and first all-stadium tour, running from July 5, 2025, to January 25, 2026, marking a significant milestone for the global K-pop superstars.
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BLACKPINK Controversy Explained
The backlash centers around fans’ expectations versus reality. Some fans expressed frustration with YG Entertainment, calling the setlist repetitive and criticizing the label for what they perceived as a “cash grab,” while others noted the energy was low.
The controversy highlights the delicate balance between commercial success and artistic innovation that major K-pop acts face when planning world tours.
Fan Reactions: The Good and The Bad
On one hand, many fans and netizens were happy about the tour and the concert’s setlist. They praised the members’ coordination and performance despite the time they had spent apart due to their solo schedules. People also loved the mixture of the group’s old iconic tracks with new and versatile content.
However, the criticism was equally vocal, with disappointed fans taking to social media to express their concerns about the tour’s value proposition.
Tour Details at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Tour Name | BLACKPINK Deadline World Tour |
| Opening Date | July 5, 2025 |
| Opening Venue | Goyang Stadium, South Korea |
| Tour Type | First all-stadium tour |
| Closing Date | January 25, 2026 |
| Closing Venue | Kai Tak Stadium, Hong Kong |
| Tour Duration | 6+ months |
| Controversy | Mixed fan reactions to setlist and pricing |
What Made Fans Upset?
The primary complaints from disappointed fans include:
Repetitive Setlist: Critics argued that the setlist relied too heavily on well-known hits without enough fresh material or creative arrangements.
High Ticket Prices: With premium tickets costing hundreds of dollars, some fans felt the value didn’t match the experience delivered.
Low Energy Performance: Some attendees reported that the group’s energy seemed subdued compared to previous tours.
Limited New Content: Despite promises of new material, fans felt there wasn’t enough fresh content to justify the tour’s premium pricing.
The Positive Side: What Fans Loved
Despite the controversy, many BLINKs defended the tour:
Group Chemistry: The global supergroup kicked off their “Deadline Tour” in Goyang with solo debuts and fan favorites, showcasing the members’ individual growth while maintaining their group dynamic.
Production Quality: The stadium-scale production impressed many attendees with its visual spectacle and technical execution.
Nostalgic Moments: Long-time fans appreciated hearing classic BLACKPINK hits performed live again.
Member Interactions: The chemistry between Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa remained strong despite their individual projects.
Industry Context: The K-pop Concert Economy
To arrest declining revenue from albums, K-pop agencies are turning to concerts and merchandise sales to shore up their balance sheets. This shift explains why tours like BLACKPINK’s Deadline have become increasingly important for both artists and agencies.
The controversy reflects broader changes in the K-pop industry, where touring has become a primary revenue source as streaming revenues decline.
Social Media Reactions
Twitter and other platforms erupted with mixed reactions:
Defenders argued that any BLACKPINK performance is worth the price and that fans should appreciate the group’s return after focusing on solo careers.
Critics used hashtags like #DeadlineTourDisappointment to express their frustration with what they perceived as a money-focused approach.
Neutral observers noted that high expectations often lead to disappointment, regardless of actual performance quality.
What This Means for Future Tours
The divided reaction to the Deadline Tour opening may influence how YG Entertainment approaches future shows. The feedback could lead to:
- Setlist adjustments for upcoming dates
- More focus on new material and creative arrangements
- Better communication about what fans can expect
- Potential pricing reconsiderations for future tours
The Bigger Picture
BLACKPINK’s situation reflects the challenges facing all major K-pop acts as they balance commercial success with artistic integrity. The group’s individual successes have raised expectations for their collective work, making it harder to satisfy diverse fan preferences.
The controversy also highlights the passionate nature of K-pop fandom, where fans’ emotional investment in their favorite artists can lead to both overwhelming support and harsh criticism.
Looking Ahead
As the Deadline Tour continues across multiple continents, it will be interesting to see how BLACKPINK and YG Entertainment respond to the initial feedback. The remaining shows may incorporate changes based on fan reactions, potentially turning early criticism into later praise.
For more K-pop news and concert updates, check out our K-pop Entertainment section and stay updated with the latest developments in the Korean music industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are fans calling the BLACKPINK Deadline Tour a “cash grab”?
A: Some fans are criticizing the tour as a “cash grab” due to complaints about repetitive setlists, high ticket prices, and perceived low energy performances. Critics argue that YG Entertainment is prioritizing profits over providing fresh, high-quality content that justifies the premium pricing. However, many other fans defended the tour, praising the group’s coordination and the mix of classic hits with new material.
Q: When and where did the BLACKPINK Deadline Tour start, and how long will it run?
A: The BLACKPINK Deadline Tour kicked off on July 5, 2025, at Goyang Stadium in South Korea. This is their first all-stadium tour and will run until January 25, 2026, concluding at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong. The tour spans over 6 months and represents their third worldwide concert tour, marking a significant milestone in their career as they perform exclusively in large stadium venues.
