BLACKPINK's Jisoo Apologizes to Fans Amid 10th Anniversary Controversy, Wins Over Korean Netizens

The 10th anniversary of K-pop girl group BLACKPINK, a milestone typically met with celebration, has instead been overshadowed by fan discontent over official event planning. Reports even emerged of an individual allegedly attempting to trespass at the YG Entertainment building with a golf club. Today (August 8), Kim Ji-soo (김지수), known professionally as Jisoo, personally posted an apology to BLINKs, admitting that this anniversary "feels like a day full of apologies."

The controversy began when YG Entertainment announced on August 6 that a fan event, "MEET & GREET," would be held on BLACKPINK's 10th anniversary, August 8. However, the announcement came just two days before the event, and with only 40 spots available, many fans felt the scale was far too limited for such a significant 10-year milestone.

Adding to fan frustration, YG's initial announcement only stated that "due to scheduling conflicts, some members will attend," without confirming whether Jisoo, Jennie Kim (김제니), Roseanne Park (박채영), and Lalisa Manobal (라리사 마노반) would all be present. Some fans had hoped for a full reunion of all four members for the 10th anniversary, but the uncertainty surrounding attendance fueled further discontent.

YG Entertainment later issued an urgent correction, confirming that all four members would indeed participate after verification. However, even with the full group confirmed, fans remained deeply disappointed by the late announcement, the small scale of the event, and what they perceived as insufficient preparation and communication for the 10th anniversary.

As fan dissatisfaction continued to escalate, reports emerged on the evening of August 6 of an incident outside YG's new headquarters. A video widely circulated online showed a woman holding a golf club, allegedly attempting to force her way into the new YG office building in Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, repeatedly striking the main entrance glass with the club.

The video shows several women initially lingering near the main entrance of the YG building. One woman suddenly rushed towards the entrance with a golf club, striking the glass door multiple times. After her third swing, finding the door still closed, she reportedly charged directly into the building with the club before being intercepted by YG security personnel. Photos allegedly showing the woman being escorted away by police also circulated online, though her identity and actual motive remain unconfirmed.

Addressing the fan disappointment over the 10th-anniversary event, Jisoo posted a lengthy apology to BLINKs on a fan platform on August 8. She stated that throughout BLACKPINK's 10 years, both as a group and as individuals, they have experienced many things, but she always wanted to show her best side and be someone who brings happiness to fans during difficult times. Seeing many BLINKs saddened by this situation weighed heavily on her.

Jisoo then emphasized, "I want to tell everyone that I have never forgotten that the people who make BLACKPINK shine so brightly are BLINKs." She again apologized for the disappointment caused by this 10th-anniversary event, saying, "Thank you for celebrating our 10th anniversary, and again, I am sorry for causing such disappointment." She concluded by appealing to fans, hoping that even if they are currently sad, they can still reserve a place in their hearts to feel the sincerity she wishes to convey.

Jisoo's apology quickly sparked heated discussion among Korean netizens, with many praising her attitude. Comments included, "No excuses and very frank, that's what's good about it," "My favorability has increased," and "I can feel her sincerity." Others commended her for being "very sincere, not making unnecessary excuses, and properly comforting fans." Some netizens also noted that Jisoo has always been a member of BLACKPINK who excels at communicating with fans, and seeing her personally address the situation brought comfort to those who were initially disappointed.

Meanwhile, some netizens acknowledged that fan disappointment over event arrangements was understandable but suggested that some overly aggressive comments targeting members might not be from genuine BLACKPINK fans. Others stated that even as non-BLINKs, they felt "at least it's good that she's willing to say this" upon seeing Jisoo's personal apology. Many also praised her for not avoiding the issue or making excuses, but instead directly expressing "sorry" and "thank you" to fans, deeming her handling of the situation highly appropriate.

Today (August 8), BLACKPINK is scheduled to hold their 10th-anniversary "MEET & GREET" event at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, where all four members—Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa—will meet with 40 selected fans. What should have been a celebratory 10th anniversary has now become a focal point of fan and public attention due to the event arrangements and the on-site commotion.