A milestone that should have been all celebration turned into a full-blown controversy. Here’s what happened with BLACKPINK’s 10th anniversary, and why Jisoo felt the need to personally apologize to BLINKs.
What Sparked the Backlash?
BLACKPINK officially debuted on August 8, 2016, making August 8, 2026 their 10-year anniversary. But instead of a big celebration, fans were left frustrated when YG Entertainment announced a fan event just two days before the milestone date. The notice specified that only 40 fans — selected by random lottery from active Weverse Membership holders — would be allowed to attend, with the time and location shared privately only with winners. Worse, the wording suggested only “select members” would participate, raising fears the full group wouldn’t even appear together.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Group | BLACKPINK |
| Members | Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, Lisa |
| Debut Date | August 8, 2016 |
| Anniversary | 10 years (August 8, 2026) |
| Fan Event Attendance | 40 randomly selected fans |
| Event Location | National Museum of Korea, Seoul |
| Agency | YG Entertainment |
Why Did Jisoo Apologize?
Amid mounting criticism, Jisoo took the lead in addressing the controversy directly. In a heartfelt message posted on Weverse, she wrote that the anniversary felt like “a day filled with deep regret,” acknowledging that many BLINKs were upset over the handling of the celebration. She thanked fans for their decade of support and apologized again for the disappointment, adding that she hoped fans would leave “a little room” for her sincerity.
Jennie also issued her own apology around the same time, similarly describing the day as one “filled with regret” and reflecting on the group’s decade-long journey.
How Did Fans React?
During a surprise live broadcast, Jisoo again apologized for the communication issues surrounding the event. While many fans praised her for taking direct responsibility, the reaction to the other three members was mixed — some viewers felt Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa appeared disengaged during the livestream, sparking further discussion online about how the group handled the milestone as a whole.
The Bigger Picture
The controversy comes at a notable moment for the group: all four members’ exclusive contracts with YG Entertainment expired in 2023, and none have renewed individually. Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa have each since launched or joined separate ventures — Odd Atelier, The Black Label, and Lloud, respectively — while Jisoo founded her own agency, Blissoo. Despite the individual paths, all four members ultimately did attend the anniversary meet-and-greet together. The group remains one of the most successful acts in K-pop history, and this milestone anniversary underscores just how high fan expectations remain a decade later.
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