BLACKPINK’s 10th anniversary was supposed to be a milestone filled with celebration, nostalgia and gratitude. Instead, the occasion became clouded by disappointment among some fans, with criticism surrounding the group’s anniversary activities continuing online even after the event ended. Now Lisa has personally addressed the backlash, becoming the latest BLACKPINK member to speak directly to BLINKs and acknowledge the hurt surrounding what should have been a special moment.

On August 14 KST, Lisa used a fan communication platform to share her thoughts about the controversy. Rather than attempting to defend the group or explain away the criticism, she expressed regret over how the anniversary unfolded and acknowledged that fans had every reason to feel upset. Lisa said there had been extensive discussion online and admitted that the situation made her sad. She also apologized to fans, saying that the anniversary should have been a meaningful occasion for both BLACKPINK and BLINKs.

Her message arrived after weeks of growing anticipation surrounding BLACKPINK’s 10th anniversary. The group officially debuted on August 8, 2016, meaning the 2026 milestone marked a full decade since Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa first began their journey together. Given the importance of the anniversary, many fans had expected a substantial celebration with activities reflecting the group’s enormous history and global influence. Instead, dissatisfaction began building before the anniversary itself.

One major point of discussion was the announcement of a small Meet & Greet event just two days before the anniversary. Only 40 selected fans were expected to attend in person, while questions circulated online about whether all four members would participate. Ultimately, Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa were all present. The occasion included an in-person Meet & Greet as well as a livestream lasting approximately 11 minutes.

However, the event did little to end the criticism. Details about the gifts given to attendees circulated online, prompting some fans to complain that the preparations did not reflect the significance of BLACKPINK reaching its tenth anniversary. For a group of BLACKPINK’s stature, sections of the fandom had expected something considerably larger, making the relatively modest celebration a source of frustration.

The situation became even more emotional when a video appearing to show Jisoo crying as she left the event began circulating through online communities. The footage quickly became part of the wider discussion, with fans attempting to interpret what had happened and why Jisoo appeared emotional. The incident added another layer of tension to an anniversary that was already being overshadowed by disappointment and speculation.

Lisa made it clear that her message was not intended as an attempt to justify what had happened. Instead, she focused on her relationship with BLINKs and the bond that has developed over the group’s decade-long career. She emphasized her affection for the fandom and expressed gratitude toward those who have remained alongside BLACKPINK throughout the years.

Her apology followed similar statements from Jisoo and Rosé. Jisoo had previously discussed the controversy at length, explaining that the members themselves had struggled with determining what they could say. She also pushed back against excessive interpretation of her emotional reaction, reminding fans that she is a person capable of being overwhelmed by emotion. For Jisoo, the tears represented the accumulation of feelings connected to spending ten years with BLACKPINK and their fans rather than necessarily carrying the specific meaning some people had assigned to them.

Rosé also addressed the situation and apologized to fans. She explained that she had been looking forward to the anniversary herself and felt disappointed by how the occasion ultimately unfolded. According to her message, she needed time to organize her thoughts because she understood the feelings of fans and wanted to communicate with them carefully. She also acknowledged that the delay may have contributed to some BLINKs feeling even more isolated during the controversy.

Jennie approached the anniversary from a more personal and affectionate angle. Rather than issuing the same kind of public explanation, she shared photographs featuring the four members together along with a handwritten message expressing gratitude to BLINKs. She reflected on the past decade and the way growing alongside fans had influenced her own understanding of herself.

Lisa’s message now completes a remarkable sequence in which the BLACKPINK members have each addressed fans following an anniversary that generated far more controversy than celebration. Although their individual messages differed in tone, a common theme emerged: the members understand that the 10-year relationship between BLACKPINK and BLINKs carries enormous emotional significance, and they did not want disappointment surrounding the anniversary to erase that connection.

The controversy ultimately illustrates just how high expectations have become around BLACKPINK. After a decade at the center of global K-pop, even a relatively small anniversary event can trigger enormous discussion when fans believe the occasion does not adequately reflect the group’s achievements. What began as a celebration of ten years together therefore became an unexpectedly emotional moment for both the members and their fandom.

Now, with Lisa finally breaking her silence, all four members have personally communicated with fans about the difficult anniversary aftermath. Her apology does not erase the disappointment, but it does reveal something more personal beneath the online controversy: behind the glittering 10-year BLACKPINK milestone was a celebration that left both sides hurting, and Lisa’s words accidentally expose just how deeply that disappointment affected the people who were supposed to be celebrating together.