Blackpink’s “Misogynistic” & “Offensive” Coverage In A British Newspaper Withdraws Attention

In a remarkable turn of events, BLACKPINK, the globally acclaimed K-Pop sensation, recently received prestigious honorary titles as Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) from England’s King Charles III. This recognition, bestowed upon them for their outstanding global impact, marked a historic moment, as BLACKPINK became the first K-Pop idols and non-British musicians to be honored with such titles.

The South Korean-UK state banquet at Buckingham Palace on November 21 was a grand affair attended by 170 distinguished guests, including the King of England, members of the royal family, and South Korea’s President and First Lady. King Charles III, in his speech, not only acknowledged the global success of prominent figures in Korean entertainment like BTS and Parasite director Bong Joon Ho but also highlighted the immense popularity of Squid Game.

In a momentous acknowledgment, each BLACKPINK member received a special shout-out from King Charles III for their pivotal role in promoting environmental sustainability. As Ambassadors for the U.K.’s Presidency of COP 26, the group played a significant part in bringing the message of environmental responsibility to a global audience. Later, they continued their advocacy as ambassadors for the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.

Following the royal recognition, each BLACKPINK member took to their personal Instagram accounts to express their heartfelt gratitude for the honorary titles. This personal touch added sincerity to the moment and showcased the genuine appreciation the group felt for being acknowledged on such a grand scale. However, amidst the celebrations and expressions of gratitude, a controversial headline from the British tabloid newspaper, Daily Mail, drew attention for all the wrong reasons.

The article, which prominently featured BLACKPINK, started by suggesting that readers had “probably never heard of BLACKPINK” before King Charles III honored them. It then went on to mention “starvation diets, daily weigh-ins,” and “huge pressure to have plastic surgery,” leaving a “dark spectre” behind the global girl group.

The headline quickly ignited a wave of criticism, with netizens expressing their displeasure over what they perceived as a misleading and offensive representation of BLACKPINK. Many felt that the article wrongly implied that issues like “starvation diets” and “daily weigh-ins” were specifically related to BLACKPINK, whereas they were actually referencing stories from other K-Pop idols’ trainee days and recollections from a former K-Pop trainee that were included within the article.

The outrage against Daily Mail’s coverage intensified as netizens labeled the headline as “misogynistic,” “slanderous,” and “xenophobic.” The choice of words and the framing of the article were widely criticized for overshadowing BLACKPINK’s historic achievement with what many considered unnecessary and harmful insinuations.

In response to the controversy, social media platforms became a battleground for BLACKPINK supporters. Hashtags condemning Daily Mail’s coverage trended globally as fans rallied behind the group. Calls for accountability and retractions echoed across various online communities, demanding that the newspaper rectify what was perceived as a blatant misrepresentation of BLACKPINK and issue a public apology.

The Incident sparked conversations about the difficulties encountered by global icons such as BLACKPINK in addressing unjust and sensationalized media portrayals. Despite the group’s accomplishments and positive impact, their narrative was briefly overshadowed by a storyline seemingly focused on perpetuating damaging stereotypes and misunderstandings.

The Daily Mail’s article controversy brought attention to the broader concern of media responsibility. BLACKPINK’s recognition at a state banquet was a historic moment celebrated globally. Expectations for accurate, respectful, and unbiased reporting became crucial. This incident ignited discussions about the necessity for media outlets to follow ethical journalism practices, especially when covering significant achievements. It emphasized the importance of portraying individuals and groups with integrity and fairness in the media landscape.

BLACKPINK, resilient amid undeserved controversy, persists in their mission as environmental ambassadors. Renowned for unwavering dedication and positive influence, they rise above negativity, exemplifying commitment to a global impact.

After the media storm, BLACKPINK’s fans stood unwavering, highlighting the group’s accomplishments and advocating for equitable representation. The incident sparked vital dialogues on media ethics, responsibility, and society’s shared duty to foster a culture of respect. It became a rallying point for discussions on the collective responsibility to uphold fair and considerate representation in the media. The resilience of BLACKPINK’s supporters underscored the importance of acknowledging the group’s contributions and fueled a broader conversation about the ethical dimensions of media portrayal, emphasizing the need for a cultural shift towards greater understanding and respect.