BLACKPINK, the globally renowned K-pop girl group, is facing a significant scandal following the emergence of leaked videos allegedly showing members Jennie, Lisa, and Rosé using a racial slur during their pre-debut years. This controversy erupted over the weekend of March 29-30, 2025, when a former YG Entertainment employee, known as "YG Leaker," threatened to release sensitive information about various K-pop agencies, including YG Entertainment, SM Entertainment, and HYBE Labels, among others.
The "YG Leaker" claims to possess terabytes of data that could corroborate allegations of racism, sexism, and workplace mobbing within these companies. They assert that they are Gurumi, a notorious figure in the K-pop community known for leaking information, including a previous revelation about BLACKPINK’s Jennie and BTS’ V relationship. Amidst the chaos, the alleged videos of BLACKPINK surfaced, which appear to feature the trio singing the N-word in song covers.
On March 30, 2025, a tweet from the account Pop Flop claimed, "Jennie, Lisa, and Rosé from BLACKPINK said the N-word in videos leaked by a YG employee." This tweet quickly went viral, sparking intense discussion across social media platforms, particularly Twitter, where users expressed outrage and confusion over the leaked content.
Videos attributed to a YouTube channel named Kim Mi Hyun Productions also surfaced, purportedly showcasing pre-debut evaluations of BLACKPINK members performing covers of existing songs, with some clips allegedly containing the offensive term. These videos date back to before the group's debut in 2016, raising questions about the context in which the words were used.
While some fans defended the members, arguing that they were merely covering songs that included the word and were minors at the time, others were less forgiving. A user named girlnobal tweeted, "I really don't understand the dragg of saying the N-word here when they were MINORS who used the word when EVERYONE in the yt era used it as if nothing." This perspective reflects a broader sentiment that the cultural context of the time should be considered.
However, critics pointed out that Jennie and Rosé grew up in English-speaking environments and should have been more aware of the implications of their words. One user remarked, "mind you, Rosé and Jennie literally grew up in an English-speaking environment," suggesting that their background should have informed their understanding of the term's significance.
In light of these allegations, discussions around cultural appropriation in K-pop have resurfaced. Many argue that the genre often borrows from Black culture without proper acknowledgment. Some fans highlighted the irony that BLACKPINK members, who have collaborated with Black artists like Childish Gambino and Tyla, would find themselves at the center of such a controversy.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie recently released her debut solo album, "Ruby," which features collaborations with artists who have strong ties to African heritage, further complicating the group's position in this debate. Similarly, Lisa's solo album, "Alter Ego," includes tracks with prominent figures like Doja Cat and Megan Thee Stallion. This raises questions about the authenticity of their artistic expressions and the potential disconnect between their musical influences and their actions.
Some supporters of BLACKPINK suggested that the videos might be AI-generated, attempting to deflect the blame from the members. However, this claim was met with skepticism, particularly as the allegations gained traction online. As the discussion continued to unfold, the hashtag #BLACKPINK trended on social media, with fans and critics alike weighing in on the controversy.
The K-pop community remains divided, with some defending the group’s actions as a product of their youth and the era they were in, while others call for accountability and recognition of the historical context surrounding the use of the N-word. As the debate rages on, it remains unclear how YG Entertainment will respond to these allegations and whether further leaks will emerge.
As of now, YG Entertainment has not issued any statements regarding the leaked content or the allegations made by the former employee. The silence from the agency adds to the speculation and uncertainty surrounding the incident, leaving fans and the public eager for clarity.
The implications of this scandal extend beyond BLACKPINK, reflecting broader issues within the K-pop industry regarding race, cultural appropriation, and accountability. As more details emerge, the conversation surrounding these themes is likely to intensify, prompting both fans and industry insiders to reflect on the responsibilities that come with fame and influence.
In a world where social media amplifies voices and holds figures accountable, the BLACKPINK scandal serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in cultural representation and the need for sensitivity in artistic expression. The fallout from this incident could have lasting effects on the group’s reputation and the K-pop industry as a whole, as it grapples with the challenges of navigating cultural conversations in an increasingly interconnected world.
