SEOUL: BLACKPINK’s 10th debut anniversary, a milestone marking a decade of global K-pop success, has taken an unexpected turn as excitement among fans turned into disappointment after the group announced a private celebration limited to only 40 attendees.
YG Entertainment announced the special event through the fan platform that the celebration will take place on Saturday, marking BLACKPINK’s official debut anniversary.
The exclusive event, planned to honor the group’s journey from a 2016 debut to worldwide fame, has sparked criticism over restricted access, strict eligibility rules and uncertainty about whether all four members will attend.
However, the announcement received mixed reactions after organizers revealed that only a small number of fans would be invited. The event’s exact location and timing were not shared publicly and will only be provided to selected attendees.
Many fans questioned why such an important milestone would be celebrated with such limited participation. They also criticized the decision to accept applications only through Weverse, where some members have had limited activity in recent years.
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Some fans said they did not renew their memberships because BLACKPINK had not frequently used the platform. They pointed out that the group had not held a Weverse Live broadcast since 2024 and had rarely shared updates there over the past year.
Fans also compared the policy with the group’s world tour ticket sales, noting that membership registration remained open during ticket promotions and arguing that similar access should have been available for the anniversary event.
BLACKPINK debuted in 2016 and became one of the world’s most successful K-pop groups with songs such as “Whistle,” “Boombayah,” “Playing with Fire,” “As If It’s Your Last” and “Shut Down.” The members have also built successful solo careers and achieved international recognition.
As BLACKPINK prepares to mark its 10th year, supporters are now waiting to see whether the group or its agency announces additional activities that can include its global fanbase beyond the selected 40 attendees.
