19-9-2023 (SEOUL) Speculation about the future of K-pop sensation Blackpink has been rife since the expiration of their contracts was expected to be addressed last month.
Comprising members Jennie, Lisa, Jisoo, and Rose, Blackpink made their debut seven years ago in August 2016.
Amid swirling rumors, particularly regarding Lisa’s potential departure from their management company YG Entertainment, South Korean media initially indicated that details of their contract extensions would emerge in August this year. It was suggested that Lisa and YG Entertainment were grappling with scheduling conflicts in their discussions.
However, since then, there has been a deafening silence on the matter. This has given rise to debates about whether the group will persist as a quartet, especially following their final concert for the Born Pink tour held in Seoul on Sunday (Sept 17), during which both Lisa and Jennie were seen in tears.
Fans, who observed these emotional moments, grew increasingly concerned about the group’s future. Responding to a video of Lisa crying, one fan wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter): “I feel farewell [coming].” Another fan, upon seeing Jennie cry, took a swipe at YG Entertainment, stating: “If Blackpink is really about to disband, it’s pretty ironic (and f**ked up) that the group they (YG Entertainment) first marketed as the ‘prettier 2NE1’ is also going out mismanaged.”
Lisa was crying… this is a hint ????????
FINALE DAY WITH LALISA#LISAxBornPinkFinale pic.twitter.com/i0WALxJlcQ
— Mar???????????? (@godislaIisa) September 17, 2023
Lisa addressed the issue during the concert, saying, “Thank you for always enjoying and cheering us on. Thank you for gifting me such an amazing experience. Thank you for making my 20s shine.” She read this statement from her phone.
On September 14, South Korean news outlet Star News reported that there were rumors of Lisa turning down two contract renewal offers from YG Entertainment. The worth of one of these contracts was rumored to be 50 billion won (S$52 million), although it is unclear which of the two offers this referred to. The 26-year-old, who was born in Thailand, was also rumored to have received “several offers” from overseas, including her home country, that were worth “more than tens of billions of won.”
