Today : Apr 25, 2025
Arts & Culture
25 April 2025

BLACKPINK’s Spotify Hacked Amid Racism Controversy

The K-pop group faces backlash as their accounts display offensive content linked to recent scandals.

BLACKPINK’s Spotify account has reportedly been hacked, sparking outrage among fans and raising serious questions about the security measures of YG Entertainment. The K-pop group, which boasts nearly 16 million monthly listeners, experienced a significant breach on April 24, 2025, when their profiles began displaying inappropriate content and references to a recent controversy involving another girl group, KISS OF LIFE.

The hack comes at a tumultuous time for BLACKPINK, as they prepare for a full group comeback in 2025 and a potential world tour following their successful Born Pink era. The members, Jennie, Lisa, Jisoo, and Rosé, have been in the spotlight recently, especially after Jennie and Lisa's performances at Coachella, which have driven an uptick in listeners on their Spotify accounts.

However, the excitement surrounding their upcoming projects quickly turned to chaos when fans reported glitches on the group’s Spotify pages. Instead of the usual images and descriptions, the profiles began showing images of KISS OF LIFE, a group currently embroiled in a cultural appropriation controversy. The images used were linked to KISS OF LIFE's recent public backlash after a birthday celebration for member Julie that was criticized for cultural insensitivity.

In addition to the visual changes, the profile description was altered to include offensive references to a resurfaced racism controversy surrounding BLACKPINK. The description read, "Ni**a queen except Jisoo slay," a line that directly referenced leaked pre-debut videos of Jennie, Lisa, and Rosé allegedly using racial slurs. These videos, leaked by an individual known as “YG Leaker,” have ignited a firestorm of criticism toward both the members involved and YG Entertainment's training practices.

Fans took to social media platforms, particularly X, to express their outrage and confusion. Tweets flooded in, with many users questioning the integrity of YG Entertainment’s security measures. One fan lamented, "There’s something wrong with YG. A few days ago, their files and clips of BP got leaked — now the Spotify of their artists got hacked. And that company hasn’t taken a single step against anything yet, not a single lawsuit to save their artist." Another user echoed this sentiment, saying, "Rosé’s Spotify profile appears to have been hacked or vandalized. We ask that you restore her profile immediately and secure her account."

The breach did not stop with BLACKPINK. The hacker also targeted the individual accounts of Jennie, Rosé, and Jisoo, as well as other YG Entertainment acts like TREASURE and BABYMONSTER. This widespread hacking incident has led fans to speculate that the issue is symptomatic of deeper problems within YG Entertainment, especially in light of the recent leaks targeting the agency.

As the situation unfolded, the lack of a response from YG Entertainment became increasingly concerning. Fans and critics alike noted that the agency has not issued any public statements regarding the hack or the recent controversies surrounding their artists. The absence of proactive measures to address the issues has led many to question the agency's capability to manage a group as prominent as BLACKPINK.

The resurfacing of the pre-debut videos, which show members of BLACKPINK using the N-word, has added fuel to the fire. These clips, reportedly dating back to their trainee days, have sparked outrage not only among fans but also within the broader K-pop community. Critics have pointed out that such incidents highlight the need for better education and training regarding cultural sensitivity within the industry.

One fan articulated the frustration felt by many, stating, "It feels like they don’t have the infrastructure to handle a group as massive as BLACKPINK. It’s honestly unacceptable." This sentiment reflects a growing concern that YG Entertainment is ill-equipped to manage the challenges that come with overseeing such a high-profile group.

As BLACKPINK navigates this turbulent period, the group remains a cultural touchstone in the K-pop world. Their influence is undeniable, but the recent controversies and security breaches have raised serious questions about their future and the responsibility of their management.

While fans await a response from YG Entertainment, the incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist in the digital age, especially for high-profile artists. The hope is that this situation will prompt necessary changes within the agency and lead to better protections for artists in the future.

In the meantime, BLACKPINK's fans, known as BLINKs, continue to rally around their idols, demanding accountability and action from YG Entertainment. As the group prepares for their comeback, the support of their loyal fanbase will be crucial in overcoming the challenges that lie ahead.