BLACKPINK fans have expressed their frustration with the company, criticising its handling of the group’s creative direction and management of one of K-pop’s most iconic acts.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie announced her upcoming solo album on January 22. (Photo Credits: Instagram)
The excitement surrounding BLACKPINK star Jennie’s upcoming album announcement has been overshadowed by a storm of criticism directed at YG Entertainment. Fans and internet users have voiced their frustrations with the company, accusing it of stifling the group’s creative potential and mishandling its management of one of K-pop’s most iconic acts. On January 22, Jennie finally revealed plans for her long-anticipated studio album. This marks a significant milestone as it’s her first full-length solo project since BLACKPINK’s debut.
The announcement sent waves of excitement through the fandom, especially as Jennie hinted at exciting collaborations with renowned artists.
Despite the excitement, the celebration quickly gave way to backlash against YG Entertainment, with many fans pointing fingers at the agency for holding the group back over the years.
The flood of criticism stems from a perceived imbalance in the group’s musical output. Despite debuting in 2016, BLACKPINK has released only 32 songs as a group under YG Entertainment, a modest figure compared to the impressive output of solo material from its members in recent months.
Fans were quick to point out that Jennie’s upcoming album, Ruby (set for release on March 7, 2025), will feature 15 tracks alone. Similarly, Lisa’s Alter Ego, set to drop on February 28, 2025, boasts 12 songs, while Rose’s Rosie, which debuted on December 6, 2024, also delivered 12 tracks, reports Koreaboo.
Altogether, the members’ solo projects have already amounted to 39 songs in just three months, far outpacing the group’s collective discography. This stark contrast hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans, who took to social media to express their disappointment in YG’s management.
An X user, wrote, “Literally they never cared about music and art, wdym in one year we went from 2 generic a** songs to every member who goes out with an album of 12 songs with a real style and art visual and everything. YG back in time really robbed us.”
Literally they never cared about music and art, wdym in one year we went from 2 generic ass songs to every member who goes out with album of 12 songs with a real style and art visual and everything. Yg back in time really robbed us— EM 💘🪽 (@mmmontxx) January 22, 2025
Other fans echoed similar sentiments, criticising the company for not allowing the members to fully show their artistry during their years as a group. “YG open your eyes, one album consists of 12 tracks,” one fan remarked. Another joined in saying, “YG, you missed tremendous art from these girls.”
YG open your eyes, one album consists of 12 tracks.— ⋆꒰ა ʜʏᴇɪɴ ໒꒱⋆ (@spiritedhyein) January 22, 2025
YG, you missed tremendous art from these girls— Tom (@itdojacathub) January 22, 2025
BLACKPINK, often celebrated as one of the most influential K-pop acts globally, has repeatedly faced criticism for what fans see as underwhelming creative output. Now that the members have ventured into their solo careers under new labels, fans believe they’re finally getting the freedom to express their individuality and artistic vision.
As of 2025, each member has started their solo journey. Jennie established her independent label, Odd Atelier, Lisa co-founded Lloud while partnering with RCA Records, Rose collaborated with The Black Label and Atlantic Records and Jisoo launched her own label, Blissoo. Despite these individual pursuits, the members continue to participate in group activities under YG Entertainment, maintaining BLACKPINK’s legacy while carving out their unique paths.
While Jennie’s Ruby promises to be a milestone for her career, the growing gap between BLACKPINK’s group discography and their solo endeavours has left fans questioning what could have been if YG Entertainment had managed the group differently.
