BLACKPINK is facing criticism from fans after announcing a special event for the group’s 10th debut anniversary, with many expressing disappointment over the event’s limited size and unclear details.
The celebration, scheduled for August 8 in Seoul, will only allow 40 fans to attend, causing debate among the group’s supporters worldwide.
The announcement was made on August 6 through the fan communication platform Weverse. However, the exact time and location of the event will only be shared with selected attendees.
The agency also explained that only some BLACKPINK members may attend depending on their individual schedules.
Many fans quickly reacted online, saying the event did not match the importance of celebrating a decade since BLACKPINK’s debut. Some questioned why a milestone anniversary would be limited to such a small number of people.
Comments from fans included concerns such as, “Is inviting only 40 people really appropriate for a 10th anniversary?” and “Even 400 people wouldn’t be enough, and they’re only inviting 40?”
Others described the event as disappointing and said they expected a bigger celebration for such a major moment in the group’s career.
The eligibility rules also became a major issue among fans. Only users who purchased a Weverse Membership by July 31 were allowed to apply for the event, KoreaTimes reported.
Some fans pointed out that BLACKPINK had limited activity on Weverse recently, with few updates and no live broadcasts from the group for an extended period.
BLACKPINK Fans Disappointed
Fans were also disappointed by the possibility that not all four members would attend. Many had hoped the anniversary would become a rare opportunity for BLACKPINK and their fandom, known as BLINKs, to celebrate together as a full group.
According to AllKPop, one fan reaction shared online said, “We’re not asking for a comeback or another world tour. A short live broadcast or a small event where we could celebrate the 10th anniversary together would have been enough.”
The frustration comes after years of limited group content outside music releases and tours.
Although BLACKPINK renewed its group contract with YG Entertainment in 2023 and continued global activities, fans have said opportunities for direct interaction with the members have been rare.
The group’s previous anniversary celebrations have also become a point of comparison. For BLACKPINK’s eighth anniversary in 2024, the members held a livestream and a red carpet event connected to the release of their concert film. However, fans noted that there were fewer dedicated anniversary activities afterward.
The recently announced BLACKPINK Heritage Collection, created with YG PLUS and the National Museum of Korea’s merchandise brand MUDS, will also launch on August 8.