BLACKPINK 9th anniversary controversypeople' 'four' 'selfie' 'collage' 'group.

On August 8, BLACKPINK marked its 9th anniversary with emotional posts from Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, thanking BLINKs for almost a decade of love and support.

Now free from YG Entertainment’s individual management, the members only maintain a group contract, giving them freedom to pursue solo careers — and the past year has been their most musically productive yet. Each member dropped solo tracks that smashed streaming records, proving they can dominate charts both together and apart.

DEADLINE World Tour: New Song, Old Setlist?

July 2025 saw BLACKPINK’s big reunion with the DEADLINE World Tour, debuting the fresh track “JUMP” while performing to packed arenas across the U.S. and Europe.

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But not everyone is impressed. Fans have noticed the setlist bears a striking resemblance to their BORN PINK Tour from 2022, with only minimal changes. Critics call the comeback “rushed” and “too reliant on past hits,” blaming the K-pop factory system for prioritizing profit over artistry.

Stage Fashion Sparks Heated Debate

BLACKPINK’s tour has ignited a firestorm of discussion — not about the music, but the stage outfits.

Jennie and Lisa have been criticized for ultra-short shorts and bold dance moves. Rosé , usually seen as more conservative, surprised fans with revealing outfits. Jisoo turned heads with flirtatious stage interactions with male dancers.

Supporters defend the group’s artistic freedom and note this is a natural evolution as they break from traditional K-pop norms. Critics, however, accuse them of pandering to Western audiences, claiming the group has strayed from their once “luxurious and classy” brand image.

Fans Want New Music — Rumors of a Full Album Grow

Despite the controversy, BLACKPINK’s artistry is evolving. All four members now contribute to songwriting, concept planning, and creative direction, marking a clear shift from their earlier YG-produced image.

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Industry buzz suggests a full group album is in the works — potentially their biggest release since BORN PINK. BLINKs are eager for fresh material, hoping the next era will deliver both the glamour and the innovation that made BLACKPINK the most successful K-pop girl group in history.

Sources: k14