The encore performance by the group BLACKPINK in July has recently been selected as the 'worst performance' by a French daily newspaper, sparking various reactions.
The media outlet, while emphasizing its "highly subjective ranking," evaluated performances of renowned singers from May to July. As a result, BLACKPINK was chosen as the 'worst performance.'
The concert took place at Stade De France, the largest venue in France, and garnered significant attention as BLACKPINK became the first K-pop female artist to perform in a European stadium with a capacity of over 80,000. Especially considering the venue was more than double the size of their concert held last December, it was a testament to BLACKPINK's rising stature and the popularity of K-pop.
YG Entertainment, their agency, had heightened expectations by promising a "more refined performance" for this meaningful concert to reunite with French fans.
Attracting 55,000 attendees for a single show, BLACKPINK showcased numerous hit songs and individual stages. They maximized the entertainment value with diverse stage productions and band sounds suitable for a large stadium.
BLACKPINK, having heated up France's largest venue, demonstrated their immense global popularity. Their performance skills, honed through consecutive world tours, and the chemistry between members received positive feedback, marking another historical moment.
However, the atmosphere took a turn about a month later. The local media criticized BLACKPINK's encore performance as a "show that didn't live up to its popularity."
The media pointed out several issues, such as "textbook choreography," "lack of interaction between members," "messy video footage with unstable camera work," and "too many intermissions disrupting the rhythm." Most notably, they criticized a situation where Jennie left the stage for about 3 minutes to change outfits, while the remaining members interacted with fans, as "unbelievable."
Upon reviewing the actual concert footage, after completing their approximately 90-minute performance, BLACKPINK returned to the stage to further interact with fans. The members took photos of each other with mobile phones and approached the audience in a more relaxed atmosphere.
During the brief moment when Jennie was off-stage, the members moved closer to the audience to continue their interaction. Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa read placards prepared by fans, initiated sing-alongs, and noticed banners celebrating BLACKPINK's 7th anniversary. The trio continuously engaged with fans through gestures, dance moves, and other fan services. Shortly after, when Jennie returned after changing her outfit, they immediately continued the performance with "As If It's Your Last."
The criticism over a mere 3-minute interaction while Jennie changed outfits, and the members' genuine engagement with fans, raises questions about its severity.
Domestic fans have also voiced their support, questioning, "Is it such a big mistake to interact for just 3 minutes?" and "Isn't it okay to not perform for 3 minutes in a 2-hour concert?" They emphasize the need for breaks and moments of interaction.
Some, however, express concerns about the physical toll of the long world tour on the members, suggesting it might have affected the concert's quality and failed to meet local media's expectations.
Meanwhile, BLACKPINK is gearing up for their Seoul encore concert on the 16th and 17th at the Gocheok Sky Dome. After nearly a year since their last concert in October, they are determined to showcase their growth with an expanded scale and a revamped setlist.
Capturing the hearts of every audience member at every moment can be challenging, but BLACKPINK's historical achievements and records are undeniable. With the criticisms and concerns in the backdrop, all eyes are on BLACKPINK to prove their worth in the upcoming Seoul encore concert.
