BLACKPINK’s 10th anniversary celebrations have attracted both excitement and criticism after some fans raised concerns about the organisation and accessibility of events marking the group’s decade in K Pop.
The group celebrated its 10th debut anniversary on August 8, 2026. BLACKPINK members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa reunited for anniversary activities, including a fan event in Seoul and an online interaction with fans. The milestone was expected to be an important celebration for the group and its global fan community, known as BLINKs.
However, the celebrations were followed by criticism from sections of the fan community. One of the main concerns involved the limited access to an in person anniversary event in Seoul. Reports said that only 40 fans were selected to attend the special event, leading some longtime supporters to question the opportunity for wider fan participation.
The controversy gained further attention after fans discussed the way the anniversary activities were announced and organised. Some supporters expressed disappointment that a milestone marking ten years of BLACKPINK was not accessible to a larger number of fans.
Jisoo addressed the situation first and apologised to fans. Her response was followed by another message from Rosé, who also acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the celebrations.
Rosé expressed regret over the situation and said she had been thinking about the feelings of BLINKs. Her message conveyed that she understood why some fans were disappointed and that she wanted to communicate her feelings directly rather than leave the concerns unaddressed.
The singer also reflected on BLACKPINK’s decade-long relationship with its supporters. She emphasised the importance of the ten years the group has spent growing alongside BLINKs and said she had hoped the anniversary would be a happy occasion shared with fans.
Rosé’s apology came several days after the anniversary activities and after Jisoo had already responded to the criticism. The two members’ statements have placed renewed attention on the relationship between BLACKPINK and its international fan base.
The controversy has not completely overshadowed the significance of the anniversary itself. BLACKPINK has remained one of the most influential K Pop groups internationally, with a decade of successful music releases, tours and major global achievements.
The group debuted in 2016 under YG Entertainment and went on to establish a large international following. Over the years, BLACKPINK has expanded its reach beyond South Korea, becoming one of the most commercially successful K Pop girl groups worldwide.
The 10th anniversary therefore represented a major milestone for both the members and their fans. The group’s reunion generated considerable attention, with supporters celebrating the occasion across social media platforms.
At the same time, the criticism demonstrated the high expectations that exist within BLACKPINK’s global fan community. Because the group has millions of supporters around the world, decisions concerning fan events can attract significant attention, particularly when access is limited.
The Seoul anniversary event was intended to provide selected fans with an opportunity to meet the members in person. According to the event notice, applications were open to eligible BLACKPINK Weverse members, with participants selected through a random process. The number of participants was listed as 40.
For fans who could not attend, BLACKPINK also participated in online anniversary activities. The group’s reunion and online interaction allowed a much larger international audience to take part in the celebrations.
Nevertheless, the reaction from some BLINKs showed that expectations around the anniversary extended beyond online content. Some fans wanted a celebration that would allow a broader section of the fandom to participate.
The situation has also prompted discussions about communication between major entertainment companies, artists and their fan communities. For global groups such as BLACKPINK, anniversary events involve audiences from many countries, making event planning and communication particularly important.
Rosé’s response has now become another part of the anniversary story. Rather than focusing only on the criticism, her message acknowledged the emotions expressed by fans and reflected on the importance of the relationship between BLACKPINK and BLINKs.
The members have repeatedly spoken about their appreciation for their supporters throughout their career. The latest apologies have again highlighted how closely the group’s public activities are followed by its global fandom.
The controversy does not change the fact that BLACKPINK’s 10th anniversary remains a significant moment in the group’s career. Their decade in the music industry has included major international tours, chart success, collaborations and a strong global presence.
For BLINKs, the anniversary was an opportunity to celebrate the group’s journey and look ahead to its future. The criticism surrounding some of the anniversary arrangements, however, has added a more complicated dimension to the celebrations.
With Rosé and Jisoo having addressed the concerns, attention may now shift toward the group’s future activities and continued relationship with fans.
The latest developments underline the importance of fan engagement for BLACKPINK as the group enters its second decade. While some supporters were disappointed with aspects of the 10th anniversary celebrations, the apologies from the members indicate that the concerns have been heard.
For now, BLACKPINK’s 10th anniversary remains both a celebration of a decade of music and a reminder of the strong expectations surrounding one of the world’s most prominent K Pop groups.