BLACKPINK addressed disappointed fans directly during a live broadcast on August 8, acknowledging the controversy surrounding the group’s 10th debut anniversary celebrations. The members apologized after YG Entertainment’s last-minute announcement of an intimate meet-and-greet for just 40 fans drew widespread criticism from BLINKs expecting a larger event to mark the milestone.
Speaking candidly during the livestream, Jisoo explained that the members had hoped to celebrate their anniversary with far more fans but suggested internal communication issues prevented those plans from becoming reality.
“We ended up preparing this event on a somewhat smaller scale this time. We originally really wanted to see a lot of people, and we are also very well aware that it’s our 10th anniversary, and we knew it was an important day,” she said.
Jisoo then acknowledged the frustration many fans had expressed online following the announcement.
“But I think there was a bit of a miscommunication on our end, and it feels like we were kind of left on our own. We feel so terribly sorry about it. We wanted to spend today feeling incredibly joyful, happy, and having a great time, but I really want to say sorry and that I love you to BLINKs who might be feeling a bit upset.”
She concluded by asking fans to understand the group’s intentions, adding, “Please know how we truly feel. I hope you can understand our hearts.”
The apology came just two days after YG Entertainment unveiled the surprise 10th Anniversary Meet & Greet in Seoul. According to the official notice, only 40 Weverse members would be selected through a random draw to attend the private event, with the location kept confidential until shortly before it began. The original announcement also noted that participation would depend on each member’s individual schedule, prompting uncertainty over whether Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa would all attend.
That wording fueled immediate backlash across social media, where many fans questioned why one of the biggest anniversaries in K-pop history would be marked with such a limited gathering. Others expressed disappointment that the celebration had been announced only days in advance, leaving little opportunity for international fans to participate.
The anniversary marks exactly a decade since BLACKPINK debuted on August 8, 2016, with Square One and its breakout singles “Whistle” and “Boombayah.” Since then, the quartet has become one of K-pop’s most successful acts, dominating global charts, stadium tours and streaming platforms while each member established a thriving solo career.
The milestone also follows another commercially successful era. After releasing “Jump” in 2025, BLACKPINK returned with the Deadline EP in February 2026, setting a new first-week sales record for a K-pop girl group before concluding the Deadline World Tour earlier this year.
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