BLACKPINK has once again captured the spotlight, but not without a mix of celebration and controversy. After two electrifying nights at Wembley Stadium, where they dazzled thousands of fans, the K-pop queens are now facing unexpected backlash from critics and netizens alike.
The London concerts were a star-studded affair, with iconic British girl groups like Shuga Babes, Bananaama, Girls Aloud, and even the legendary Spice Girls showing their support. The Spice Girls shared a delightful clip on TikTok of Blackpink covering their hit “Wannabe,” which quickly racked up over a million views, solidifying the event as a cultural highlight. However, amidst the applause, a review from The Times by assistant arts editor Blanca Scoffield stirred up controversy. The review, which awarded Blackpink three out of five stars, was met with backlash from fans who felt it misrepresented the group’s performance.
In her critique, Scoffield claimed that only Lisa brought energy to the stage, while Jennie was criticized for her lack of enthusiasm in the first half. Rosé received praise for her vocals, but Jisoo was unfairly labeled as “forgettable,” despite her captivating solo performance of “Earthquake.” Fans quickly pointed out that Scoffield’s unfamiliarity with K-pop and her glaring factual errors, including a mix-up between Lisa and Jennie’s collaborations, undermined her credibility. Many argued that her remarks about Jisoo crossed the line into disrespect, as they felt it belittled her contributions to the group.
As if the drama surrounding the concerts wasn’t enough, Rosé found herself in the crosshairs of online criticism, but this time it was about her beloved dog, Hank. Featured on the cover of Vogue’s special edition celebrating celebrity pets, the photoshoot showcased Rosé’s bond with Hank, melting hearts across social media. Yet, some netizens took issue, arguing that other celebrity pets deserved the spotlight more, igniting a debate over whose pets are more popular. Many fans were baffled by the backlash, seeing the shoot as a simple celebration of love rather than a competition.
Meanwhile, following their historic Wembley performances, the members of Blackpink have been spotted in various locations, sparking curiosity about their next moves. Rosé’s sister recently shared Instagram stories hinting that Rosé might still be in London. Jisoo and Lisa have returned to Korea, with Lisa enjoying dinner with friends and visiting the Louis Vuitton Cafe, fueling speculation about a potential new project with the luxury brand.
On August 20th, Lisa surprised fans by appearing in Jeju Island, though it’s unclear if she’s there for a vacation or a new filming project. Interestingly, Lisa’s manager is currently in Los Angeles, adding to the intrigue about her possible plans in the U.S. Meanwhile, Jennie was seen at a coffee shop in LA, sparking rumors about her trip being linked to BTS’s Taehyung, who is also in the city.
With Rosé and Jisoo expected to arrive in LA soon, and the possibility of at least one Blackpink member performing at the upcoming MTV VMAs in September, fans are left buzzing with anticipation. What exciting developments lie ahead for these global superstars?