BLACKPINK’s 10th Anniversary: Why Jisoo Apologized to Fans

BLACKPINK celebrated its 10th anniversary on August 8. Over the past decade, the group has set the highest records in K-pop girl group history and transformed the global music landscape. However, fans expressed disappointment over the scale of the events held to mark this milestone.

Debuting on August 8, 2016, with songs “Whistle” and “Boom Bae,” BLACKPINK rose from K-pop to become leaders in global pop music over the course of 10 years. In 2022, their second studio album “BORN PINK” reached both the Billboard 200 and the UK Official Albums Chart Top 100 simultaneously. This made them the first Asian female artists to achieve this feat and the first such group in 21 years since Destiny’s Child.

They also set record-breaking achievements on music charts. With 11 group songs entering the Billboard Hot 100, they held the record for the most K-pop female artists to do so. “JUMP” topped both the Billboard Global 200 and Global (Excl. U.S.) charts, adding to BLACKPINK’s status as the first and only K-pop girl group to achieve this milestone multiple times. More recently, they became the first K-pop girl group to receive a Diamond certification from the French Syndicat National de l’Édition Phonographique (SNEP) for a single.

Their certifications from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) also rank among the highest in K-pop. They earned a Silver certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for their mega hit “Last Dance,” maintaining their record as K-pop girl groups with the most BPI single certifications at 11 in total. In terms of album sales, “THE ALBUM” became the first K-pop girl group album to reach million-sales status, while “BORN PINK” became the first double million-seller and, as of March 2026, a triple million-seller. Their most recent mini-album, “DEADLINE,” sold 1.77 million copies within a week of release, setting a new record for the highest initial sales among girl groups.

On the day of their 10th anniversary, August 8, BLACKPINK held a fan event titled “Meet and Greet” at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. All four members—Jennie, Rosé, Jisoo, and Lisa—attended despite being under different labels and agencies, as they coordinated their schedules to be present. Yet, criticism arose because only 40 people were selected through prior draws, and many felt the scale of the commemorative event was too small given the symbolic importance of the 10th anniversary. The National Museum of Korea Foundation also released seven items in the “Heritage Collection,” a collaboration with the museum’s cultural product brand “Muse,” to coincide with the anniversary.

To mark BLACKPINK’s 10th year, their fandom “BLINK” expressed gratitude for their long-term support while also expressing disappointment over limited communication and fewer opportunities for fans to participate. Member Jisoo took the initiative to apologize through the fan community. She said, “This anniversary feels like a day filled with guilt,” adding, “I always wanted to show only my best side and bring happiness during tough times over these 10 years, but I’m deeply saddened to see so many BLINKs upset.”

Jisoo continued, “I never forget that it is BLINK who has made BLACKPINK shine this much. I’m truly sorry again for causing you such disappointment, and I’m always grateful and in love with you,” offering a sincere apology.

Jennie shared a group photo on her social media, expressing gratitude by saying, “The more time passes, the deeper I realize how powerful it has been to have people who have always waited for me, believed in me, and supported me right where I am.” Rosé said, “Since I debuted at 19 and am now 29, you’ve watched us grow despite our imperfections and cheered for us, which allowed me to realize many of the dreams a singer can have. Let’s continue to grow as BLINK and BLACKPINK—healthy, happy, and supporting each other.”