Blackpink has found itself in a hotly contested watershed moment during their ongoing Deadline World Tour, igniting a storm of criticism from their devoted fans. The global K-pop sensation, comprising Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rosé, has been accused by some fans of showing "low effort," "poor synchronization," and a noticeable lack of energy on stage during recent performances.
The backlash reached its peak after the October 18 concert at the Kaohsiung National Stadium in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, the first of two scheduled performances in the region. Following a month-long break after their August 16 concert at London's Wembley Stadium, expectations were sky-high. However, many fans expressed their disappointment online, citing off-key vocals, a lack of chemistry among the members, provocative moves, and lackluster choreography.
The criticism has swiftly spread across social media, with some frustrated fans even calling for the quartet to "retire or disband" rather than continue what they see as "half-hearted" performances. Adding fuel to the fire, several memes and sarcastic posts have circulated following the all-girl band's three-day concert series in Bangkok, Thailand, held from October 24 to 26 at Rajamangala National Stadium.
While Blackpink has faced criticism for low-energy performances in the past, some fans pointed out that the lead performers often appear less invested during their Asia shows, suggesting a possible preference for Western audiences. The Deadline World Tour marks a highly anticipated reunion for the group, which first debuted in 2016. Roughly seven months after officially renewing their contracts with YG Entertainment in late 2024, the girls kicked off the Deadline tour in Goyang, South Korea. This marked Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rose's first performance together in over two and a half years.
The tour continues across the globe, with performances in North America, Europe, and Asia and set to end in January 2026. As the girls traverse the world once again, the spotlight remains on them, both for their unparalleled talent and the ever-evolving dynamics of their fan base.
