The controversy surrounding BLACKPINK’s 10th anniversary event shows no sign of dying down. This time, online discussions have erupted after fans discovered that the rice cake set handed out as a return gift at the event is reportedly sold for 6,900 won.
BLACKPINK members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa held a “Meet & Greet” event at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on August 8 to celebrate their 10th debut anniversary. However, fans expressed disappointment after the event was announced just two days before their anniversary, attendance was limited to only 40 people, and numerous attendees reportedly felt that the event itself was far too short.
The gifts given to fans after the event have now become another talking point. After photos of the gift package, which consisted of a bouquet and a set of rice cakes, were shared online, posts claiming that the rice cakes are commercially available for 6,900 won began circulating, sparking another wave of criticism.
Fans shared photos of the product and its sales page, with some commenting, “It feels extremely low-effort for a 10th anniversary gift,” “The issue isn’t really the price, but the lack of symbolic meaning,” “There were only 40 attendees. Couldn’t they have prepared something a little more special?” and “It’s disappointing for fans who have been with them for 10 years.”
Others defended the gesture, arguing, “A gift is ultimately about the thought behind it,” “Just because it costs 6,900 won doesn’t mean it has no meaning,” and “Since the members themselves did not necessarily prepare the gifts personally, the criticism shouldn’t be directed at them.” The debate therefore continues among fans.
BLACKPINK had already faced criticism over the event’s preparation. Only paid membership holders were eligible to enter the lottery, the announcement was made on short notice, and fans reportedly felt that the overall amount of time spent on both the live broadcast and the Meet & Greet fell short of expectations, further fueling dissatisfaction.
As the controversy grew, Jisoo personally addressed the issue during a live broadcast. She said that the members had wanted to meet more fans and understood how important the 10th anniversary was, adding that there appeared to have been problems in the communication process.
She also apologized to BLINKs who may have been hurt or disappointed.
Jisoo further emphasized that the members had not forgotten that BLINK was the reason BLACKPINK had been able to shine for the past 10 years, becoming visibly emotional as she spoke about the group’s longtime fans.
Sources: MK스포츠 기자