Blackpink is once again at the center of attention as they celebrate their ninth debut anniversary, but not without a mix of joy and controversy. As the iconic K-pop group prepares for their highly anticipated concert in Barcelona, fans are buzzing with excitement—and a bit of disappointment.
On August 8th, the members took to Instagram to mark their milestone, sharing heartfelt messages with their devoted fanbase, known as Blinks. However, some fans were left wanting more, as there were no group posters, live broadcasts, or new album announcements to accompany the celebration.
After their concert in Milan, the group arrived in Barcelona on the same day, checking into the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hotel, just a short drive from the Estadi Olympic, where they are set to perform on August 10th at 4 a.m. KST. The news of their arrival quickly spread, prompting fans to gather outside the hotel, eager for a glimpse of their idols.
Jennie was visibly taken aback by the overwhelming crowd that greeted her, showing grace under pressure as fans shouted and knocked on her car window. While many praised her composure, others condemned the actions of an individual who reportedly banged on her car, calling for more respect for her privacy. Rosé’s bodyguard also received accolades for effectively managing the crowd and ensuring the safety of the members.
Meanwhile, Lisa delighted fans by waving a Blackpink light stick from her hotel window, bringing smiles to the faces of Spanish Blinks who had been waiting patiently.
In a twist of fate, the popular fan account Blackpink Babau has made its return after a hiatus, promising to keep fans updated on all things Blackpink. Adding to the excitement, all four members received nominations for Best K-Pop Video at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards for their solo projects. Notably, Rosé’s impressive eight nominations—including Video of the Year and Song of the Year—have made her the fourth most nominated artist this year. Upon hearing the news, Rosé expressed her shock and disbelief, stating, “I am beyond shocked… I just don’t know what to say.”
However, the celebrations took a turn when influencer Halle Bailey faced backlash for allegedly mocking Jennie in a recent post. Despite her claims that it was meant to be light-hearted, fans found it disrespectful, especially given her past interactions with both Jennie and Lisa. Many expressed that true fans would never belittle their idols.
As Blackpink gears up for their performance in Barcelona, this anniversary week has become a whirlwind of emotions, anticipation, and heated discussions among fans. What will the next chapter hold for these K-pop queens?