The word K-pop has, of late, become almost synonymous with the letters B, T and S. But there’s another K-pop group that’s been breaking records as their music captures the attention of a global audience. The four women of Blackpink, who debuted as a group in 2016. Comprise a multilingual performance powerhouse connecting with fans across borders. Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa may have just begun touring globally. But a strong fanbase stretching far beyond South Korea is already powering their rapid ascent.
Blackpink’s song “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du” is currently the most-watched music video by a K-pop group on Youtube, boasting 730 million views. (Individual artist Psy’s 2012 single “Gangnam Style” continues to be the most-viewed music video. By a Korean music act, with more than 3 billion views.) The group’s social media followings are also breaking records. Lisa, the group’s main dancer and youngest member, is the most-followed female K-pop artist. And on Instagram, she has grown with more than 16 million followers.
Blackpink fans have taken it upon themselves to demand justice for their maknae Lisa. Ever since reports surfaced of her absence from some major events. At the Paris Fashion Week and now even a missing playlist. Blackpink fans are enraged! And this time, it is because of Lisa’s own agency. Following the reports that surfaced yesterday, October 5. Wherein Lisa’s absence from major events was attributed to her agency restricting her appearances. Due to Covid-19, fans have taken it upon themselves to demand change.
Lisa is currently in Paris for the Paris Fashion Week and while we were all set to see the rapper stun on the red carpet, seems like that won’t be possible for a while. Yesterday, Blackpink fans took to social media to express their outrage after Bulgari’s CEO posted a lengthy caption explaining her absence from their events due to her agency.
Since then, ‘Justice For Lisa’ has been trending worldwide with Blackpink fans demanding change in her work restrictions. What is notable is that the backlash is also due to other YG artists being free to fulfil their work commitments, while Lisa is restricted.
When we take a look at some of the opinions fans have been voicing out regarding Lisa’s situation on the comments section of their songs and Twitter, we see that Liza is the only artist of Blackpink as of now that has been facing injustice quite a lot. But this always isn’t the case. All of the members equally face the fair share of their injustice in this industry. And this time it’s Liza’s turn, it’s sad but true. Apart from her absence from events, fans also noticed her missing playlist from YG’s account. This has led to even further outrage over her mistreatment.
Neither YG Entertainment nor Lisa have commented on the issue that has been trending since yesterday, October 5 and it is highly unlikely that they will do so. How the agency plans on resolving the outrage we will soon be able to see. On a more positive note, Lisa landed safely in Paris a few days ago and reunited with her mum after two whole years. The ordeal must have been quite emotional for both of them. While stunning maknae is in Paris, fans are hoping to catch a glimpse of her in several pending events that she may attend.
How the situation pans we will still be able to see, but for now, Blinks and Lilies have taken it upon themselves to express their displeasure with Lisa’s agency