BLACKPINK‘s Jennie has become the center of heated online debate following the group’s DEADLINE World Tour stop in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Videos from the concert sparked polarizing reactions, with critics questioning her stage energy while defenders cite safety concerns on a slippery stage.
Table of Contents
BLACKPINK’s Controversy at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | BLACKPINK DEADLINE World Tour |
| Location | National Stadium, Kaohsiung, Taiwan |
| Date | October 18-19, 2025 |
| Issue | Alleged low-energy performance |
| Criticism | Claimed “sloppy” dancing, forgotten choreography |
| Defense | Slippery stage conditions, injury prevention |
| Internet Status | Highly divided responses |
| Context | First all-stadium tour after 2-year hiatus |
What Critics Are Saying
Several viral clips from the Taiwan concert show Jennie performing with what critics describe as minimal energy. Specific complaints include:
Choreography Concerns: Allegations that she forgot portions of routines or simplified movements during group numbers.
Energy Levels: Critics noted walking instead of dancing energetically during certain tracks, contrasting with her members’ performances.
Audience Respect: Some netizens characterized the performance as disrespectful to fans who paid premium prices for stadium tickets.
The harshest criticism questioned her professionalism, with one viral comment stating: “It’s honestly embarrassing to call yourself an idol when you can’t deliver a single ounce of energy on stage.”
The Defense: Safety Over Spectacle
However, devoted fans quickly offered alternative explanations that critics overlooked:
Slippery Stage Conditions: Multiple fans pointed out the concert floor appeared slippery, making cautious movement a safety necessity rather than laziness.
Injury Prevention: Jennie has a documented history of ankle injuries. Defenders argued she was moving carefully to avoid reinjury that could cancel remaining tour dates.
Camera Angles: Supporters noted that short viral clips don’t represent the full two-hour performance, where Jennie showed strong energy in other segments.
One fan defended: “She almost slipped. If she injures her ankle again, y’all will tear her to shreds. Jealousy is not a good look.”
For more insights on K-pop performance standards, explore our entertainment section.
Understanding the Broader Context
This controversy arrives during BLACKPINK‘s first major tour since their two-year hiatus for solo projects. The DEADLINE World Tour represents several firsts:
- All-stadium venues – larger, more demanding than previous tours
- Extended setlist – includes solo tracks from each member
- Global scale – spanning Asia, North America, and Europe
- Post-hiatus reunion – first group activities after individual careers
The demanding schedule includes back-to-back performances across continents, potentially contributing to fatigue that critics may misinterpret as lack of effort.
DEADLINE World Tour Details
Completed Tour Stops:
- South Korea (Goyang Stadium)
- United States (Los Angeles, Chicago, New York)
- Canada (Toronto)
- Europe (Paris, Milan, Barcelona, London)
- Taiwan (Kaohsiung)
Upcoming Performances:
- October 24-26: Bangkok, Thailand
- November 1-2: Jakarta, Indonesia
- November 22-23: Bulacan, Philippines
- November 29-30: Singapore
- January 16-18, 2026: Tokyo, Japan
- January 24-25, 2026: Hong Kong
The extensive 25+ date schedule concludes January 2026, marking one of K-pop’s most ambitious stadium tours.
Stay updated on BLACKPINK tour news through our dedicated coverage.
The Performance Pressure Debate
This incident highlights ongoing tensions about K-pop idol expectations. Fans debate several key questions:
Physical Limitations: Should artists perform at maximum energy across months-long tours despite potential health risks?
Artistic Interpretation: Do idols have autonomy to adjust performances based on conditions, or must they deliver identical energy regardless?
Social Media Impact: How do short viral clips distort perceptions of full performances?
Fan Expectations: What responsibilities do artists have to audiences versus their own wellbeing?
These conversations reflect evolving standards in an industry known for demanding perfection.
What Makes the DEADLINE Tour Special
Despite controversies, the tour showcases BLACKPINK’s evolution with an impressive setlist:
Group Hits: “Kill This Love,” “How You Like That,” “DDU-DU DDU-DU,” “Shut Down”
New Release: “JUMP” – their first group single in nearly three years
Solo Showcases:
- Jennie: “Mantra,” “Way Up,” “Like Jennie”
- Jisoo: “Earthquake,” “Your Love”
- Lisa: “New Woman,” “Rockstar”
- Rosé: “3 AM,” “Toxic Till The End,” “APT”
This format allows each member to shine individually while celebrating group unity.
Moving Forward
As BLACKPINK continues through Asia with upcoming Bangkok, Jakarta, and Singapore shows, fans will closely watch performances. The debate surrounding Jennie’s Taiwan show underscores the intense scrutiny K-pop idols face, where every moment becomes subject to viral analysis.
Whether the performance reflected legitimate concerns or was misrepresented by selective clips remains debated. What’s certain is that BLACKPINK’s DEADLINE World Tour represents a significant moment in K-pop history, showcasing the group’s enduring global appeal.
FAQs
Q: Why is Jennie’s Taiwan performance controversial?
Videos from BLACKPINK’s October 18-19 concerts in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, showed Jennie performing with what critics called low energy, including simplified choreography and alleged forgotten moves. Critics questioned her professionalism, while defenders explained she was moving carefully due to slippery stage conditions and past ankle injuries. The debate reflects broader discussions about idol performance expectations, physical safety, and whether short viral clips accurately represent full concerts.
Q: When and where are BLACKPINK’s upcoming DEADLINE World Tour dates?
BLACKPINK continues their tour with Bangkok, Thailand (October 24-26), Jakarta, Indonesia (November 1-2), Bulacan, Philippines (November 22-23), and Singapore (November 29-30). The tour concludes in Asia with Tokyo, Japan (January 16-18, 2026) and Hong Kong (January 24-25, 2026). This all-stadium tour is BLACKPINK’s first major group activity since reuniting after a two-year hiatus focused on solo careers.
