For K-pop fans, it is normal to see their favorite idols appearing on variety shows, either as a group or individuals, during the promotion periods of their comebacks.
However, this is not the case for BLACKPINK, and during an episode of the Korean variety show “Knowing Bros”, Jennie has discussed why BLACKPINK almost never appear on these shows during group comebacks.
In particular, it was revealed that Jennie is the one in charge of discussing the group’s complaints or requests with YG, and one of her complaints was about the lack of variety show appearances.
According to YG at the time, they limited the number of appearances in order to give the members time to rest, though this have changed by the time BLACKPINK promote “Lovesick Girls”.
Now that the members are focusing on their solo career, it seems that they are also becoming more active regarding show appearances. In particular, Jennie has appeared on “Apartment 404” and “My Name is Gabriel”, Jisoo has made various YouTube show appearances, Rosé has appeared on many video interviews and YouTube series, and Lisa has also made a mark via Lee Young-ji’s “No Prepare”.
On the other hand, if we were to choose the most disorganized fandom in Kpop, most would probably pick BLACKPINK‘s fandom. Despite the fact that 4 members are close like siblings, the group’s fandom is in a state of civil war all year round.
BLACKPINK is the opposite of many other groups, where Akgaes only make up a small minority of the fandom. The number of Akgaes of each BLACKPINK member sometimes overwhelms the OT4 fan group, creating tiresome controversies that never end.
On the Chinese forum Zhihu, netizens believe that the internal turmoil of BLACKPINK‘s fandom is partly due to the absence of a leader. If BLACKPINK had a leader who connects and represents the group’s image, the fandom could be much more moderate. The fact that all 4 members are in an equal position, are independent and do not have a “leader” to lead is easier to “spark” controversies, comparisons and races for achievements of the Akgae group.
So the question here is: why doesn’t BLACKPINK have a leader? During the group’s debut, YG explained that the members were around the same age and they had been practicing together for a long time. Therefore, it’s better if they play the same role. On a show in 2020, BLACKPINK also emphasized that each person has their own duties, so the vacant leader position has no effect.
However, Chinese netizens believe that BLACKPINK has no leader because no one has outstanding leadership qualities.
Jisoo
In terms of age, Jisoo is the most suitable candidate to be the leader. Korean nationality as well as long training period at YG are her advantages. In terms of personality, Jisoo also scores points for her maturity, communication charm and speaking skills when participating in entertainment shows. Overall, Jisoo has a high sense of responsibility and high emotional intelligence. BLACKPINK’s image will become better with a disciplined and dedicated person like Jisoo.
However, netizens believe that Jisoo cannot take on the role of BLACKPINK’s leader since her professional skills are not convincing enough. In terms of singing or dancing, Jisoo is not the most prominent member. The second reason is that Jisoo is not as decisive as Jennie when making a decision on behalf of the group, or when the group has a problem that needs to be discussed with the company. In BLACKPINK House, Jisoo once revealed that she has many concerns when she has to decide something.
Jennie
Before BLACKPINK debuted, there were rumors that Jennie would be the leader of YG’s female rookie project. Many fans also assume that Jennie is the “unofficial leader” of BLACKPINK. As a rapper, with an attractive performance style and YG vibe, Jennie is said to be the most suitable person to hold the role of BLACKPINK’s leader.
The fact that YG did not assign Jennie the role of group leader, on the other hand, is regarded to be perfectly acceptable. In contrast to Jisoo, Jennie’s personality makes it difficult for her to take on a big responsibility. Jennie is self-reliant and determined, yet she is also frank and has an erratic mindset.
She lacks the ability to maintain a peaceful environment and easily offends others due to her tendency to express her emotions publicly. It is also difficult for Jennie to be the group’s leader because a true leader is someone who can sacrifice herself for the group, yet she has a strong personality and prefers freedom in her personal life.
Jennie’s fans always believe that the female idol has more qualities to be a leader than anyone else in BLACKPINK. However, YG certainly understands Jennie better than anyone and has made this decision after careful consideration.
Lisa and Rosé
Both Lisa and Rosé are not suitable members to be the leader of BLACKPINK. Both girls do not have Korean nationality, and are the youngest in the group. Despite possessing talent and charm, in real life, both Lisa and Rosé are quite quiet persons. Lisa is also not as fluent in Korean as the other members, so it is difficult for her to take on the task of communicating and making speeches.
In short, a team leader is someone who must have a sense of responsibility, a certain sacrifice and a strong mentality. The leader of the YG group needs to possess outstanding leadership qualities, a unique personality and be the trump card of the group. Since no one in BLACKPINK has met all of these factors, YG has made the decision that the group has no leader.
Of course, the fact that BLACKPINK does not have a leader has no impact on the girls’ achievements and careers. Many people believe that BLACKPINK’s identity is formed by the feature of “four equivalent pieces.” The group divides each person’s roles flexibly, and no one is superior or inferior to the others. Although the fandom situation is a little tangled, it cannot be disputed that the expansion of the only fans and akgae has considerably helped BLACKPINK to gain more and more achievements.
Source: YouTube