Blackpink’s 10th Anniversary Marked by Fan Backlash and Apologies Amid Limited Event

Blackpink celebrated the 10th anniversary of their debut on August 8, 2026, with a reunion event and an online livestream, but the milestone was overshadowed by fan disappointment and multiple apologies from the group. YG Entertainment announced the anniversary event only two days prior, on August 6, revealing plans for an in-person gathering in Seoul limited to 40 paying Weverse members.

The announcement lacked clarity, failing to specify which members would attend and stating only that participation depended on individual schedules. The application window for fans to enter the lottery to attend was open for just nine hours, leading many to perceive the event as hastily arranged. Despite initial uncertainty, all four members—Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa—ultimately appeared together at the “Meet & Greet” held at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

The extremely limited attendance of 40 fans drew criticism from the broader fandom, who felt the scale was insufficient for such a significant anniversary. Jisoo addressed the fans’ disappointment directly in a post on the group’s fan community platform, expressing regret and acknowledging the hurt feelings among BLINKs, the group’s fandom. She emphasized her gratitude and love for the fans, recognizing their role in Blackpink’s success.

Prior to the fan event, the members appeared together on a Weverse livestream, where Jisoo spoke candidly about the criticism. She admitted there had been communication issues and expressed sorrow that the event did not meet fans’ expectations. She reiterated her affection for the fans and her desire for the occasion to be joyful.

Video footage circulated online showed Jisoo receiving handwritten letters from fans as she entered a car, visibly emotional and wiping away tears. Jennie posted a photo of all four members together on social media, thanking fans for their ongoing support. Rosé reflected on the group’s journey, expressing gratitude for fans who have supported them from her debut at age 19 to the present at 29. Lisa also thanked fans for their loyalty over the decade.

In addition to the event, Blackpink launched the “Blackpink Heritage Collection,” a seven-item merchandise line developed in collaboration with MU:DS, the official merchandise brand of the National Museum of Korea. This partnership builds on a previous collaboration initiated in February 2026, coinciding with the release of their “Deadline” EP, which was noted as the first large-scale museum collaboration by a K-pop act.

Blackpink debuted on August 8, 2016, with the tracks “Whistle” and “Boombayah.” Over the past decade, the group has achieved global success, topping the US Billboard charts and the UK Official Charts, and expanding their influence worldwide. In 2023, the members signed an exclusive group contract with YG Entertainment while continuing individual projects through their own labels. Last year, they released their third mini album, “Deadline,” and completed a world tour supporting it.