BLACKPINK's Jennie Kim is once again at the center of fan controversy after recent videos from the group's DEADLINE World Tour prompted accusations that she is underperforming on stage. The backlash, which has spread rapidly across social media, has reignited speculation over the future of the group and its demanding global schedule.
The DEADLINE tour, launched July 5, 2025, at Goyang Stadium in Seoul, marked BLACKPINK's return to full-group activity following a year dominated by solo projects. However, some of the group's recent performances in Asia have drawn criticism from concertgoers who claimed the shows lacked cohesion and energy. At a concert in Taiwan on October 18, one attendee described audience dismay at what they called a "messy" set and singled out Jennie for "low energy."
Clips from the event, shared widely on TikTok and X, show Jennie pausing mid-choreography or appearing less animated compared to her past performances. One commenter wrote that "what angers me is she isn't just screwing up her parts but is intentionally screwing up others' parts as well." Other users noted that Jennie seemed more energetic during high-profile shows in Los Angeles and at Coachella, implying uneven effort across markets.
Still, reactions remain sharply divided. Many fans, known as BLINKs, have defended the singer, citing her history of chronic pain and exhaustion. In the Netflix documentary BLACKPINK: Light Up the Sky, Jennie acknowledged suffering from "muscular strain" and fatigue tied to the group's grueling schedule. Supporters argue those health issues may explain her subdued demeanor, calling the criticism unfair.
Some fans have directed frustration toward YG Entertainment, accusing the label of pushing the group to maintain a relentless touring cycle without sufficient rest or new music. On social media, several pointed out that BLACKPINK's members have barely paused since their Born Pink world tour concluded in 2023.
Jennie's prominence within BLACKPINK-bolstered by lucrative brand partnerships and solo projects-has amplified the controversy's ripple effects. Industry watchers say that repeated accusations about her performance consistency could influence how global audiences view K-pop's focus on precision and professionalism in live shows.
The uproar has also coincided with renewed speculation about the group's long-term prospects. Unverified reports of a December 2025 comeback sent YG Entertainment's stock tumbling amid fears of internal discord. Observers suggest that solo ambitions among members and mounting pressure on Jennie have fueled talk that BLACKPINK may scale back collective activities.
