Recently, Jisoo of BLACKPINK has been attracting attention with various activities promoting her new music. She has long been famous for her striking visuals and frequently tops beauty polls. Thanks to her appearance and unique charm, Jisoo has amassed a huge fanbase, with her solo fandom also remaining highly active.
However, not all of her recent moves have been met with positive reactions. The idol has once again sparked controversy on social media over the requirements imposed on fans applying to attend a music show recording in South Korea.
According to the attendance guidelines, fans must provide proof that they have purchased Jisoo’s single album Click. Those who own a physical copy will have their albums checked in person, while those without a physical album must present their purchase history.
In addition, fans are required to prepare printed records showing their music downloads and streaming activity for Jisoo’s two songs, Click and Addicted, on Melon. They must have streamed Click at least 500 times and Addicted at least 300 times. Music purchase records are only accepted if the purchases were made through Melon, and they will be checked through the identity verification stage.
Beyond the music purchase and streaming requirements, applicants must have maintained their JISOO APP membership for at least 30 days by the time the attendance list is checked. Most notably, Jisoo’s team requires every attendee to own her official lightstick and ensure that it is fully functional so its LED lights can be tested at the recording venue.
Other types of lightsticks, including BLACKPINK’s official lightstick, are strictly prohibited. Even lending a lightstick to another person during the wristband and entry-number verification process can result in both the lender and the recipient being removed from the attendance list. Upon entry, staff will also check each attendee’s official Jisoo lightstick against the number printed on their wristband.
As soon as the information spread online, Jisoo’s rules sparked divided reactions among BLINKs. In particular, many fans found it difficult to understand why BLACKPINK’s lightstick was not allowed at her solo stage. The item has long been a symbol associated with the group and its fandom.
Some argued that although Jisoo is pursuing solo activities, she is still a member of BLACKPINK and should be able to receive support from fans using the group’s shared lightstick. They therefore felt that excluding it from the list of permitted items was unnecessary.
On the other hand, some fans defended the singer, arguing that since this is a solo promotional activity, Jisoo has every right to establish her own image and create a dedicated cheering environment. Requiring fans to use her official lightstick was also seen as a way to give her solo activities a distinct identity and allow fans to show their support specifically for her.
Meanwhile, some internet users compared the rule with the way other BLACKPINK members organize their solo activities, sparking further discussion about how each member builds her individual identity. Nevertheless, the issue that generated the most debate was the ban on BLACKPINK’s lightstick at the solo stage of one of the group’s own members.
After renewing their group contract with YG Entertainment in late 2023, all four BLACKPINK members chose separate agencies to manage their individual careers. While their solo activities have continued to expand, the group’s joint schedule has become less frequent than before. Although BLACKPINK completed their Deadline world tour and released a mini-album of the same name in February 2026, fans are still hoping to see more activities featuring all four members together.
Notably, controversy also erupted around BLACKPINK’s 10th debut anniversary in August 2026. Rather than large-scale activities to celebrate the milestone, YG Entertainment’s initial plans mainly focused on merchandise, digital badges, and a letter-writing event for fans.
A fan meeting at the National Museum of Korea was limited to just 40 attendees, with the announcement made only two days in advance. The main event lasted approximately 30 minutes, while a group livestream featuring all four members lasted only around 10 minutes.
These activities disappointed some BLINKs, who felt that the company’s preparations were not sufficient for such an important 10th anniversary. Some longtime fans even announced that they were leaving the fandom after waiting for joint group activities for so long. In response to the backlash, Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa each issued apologies, expressing regret that they had been unable to give fans a more fulfilling anniversary celebration.
Following the incident, disagreements continued to emerge within the BLACKPINK fandom over the activities of individual members. From debates about the level of investment in group promotions and the priority given to solo careers to the rules imposed during individual activities, issues surrounding the fandom of the four idols have repeatedly become topics of discussion.
Against this backdrop, the lightstick controversy at Jisoo’s solo stage has once again highlighted the differences between fans’ expectations for BLACKPINK as a group and their expectations for each individual member. These ongoing debates have raised further questions about the place of BLACKPINK in the next chapters of the four members’ careers.
Sources: kenh14