K-pop group BLACKPINK will be holding their “Born Pink” concert in the Philippines on March 25 and 26 at the Philippine Arena.
But ahead of the concert, an issue has erupted regarding a birthday cake project that is being handled by BLACKPINK PH, said to be the “first and largest Philippine Fanbase of BLACKPINK.”
BLACKPINK’s Lisa will be celebrating her birthday on March 27 and fans have been preparing to present her with a cake during the “Born Pink” concert in Manila.
Fans have accused BLACKPINK PH of not consulting Lisa fanbases on the cake design and sending it to the concert promoter without agreement.
Groups are gathering donations for their fan projects.
Team Lisa PH tweeted, “Don’t leave us hanging, reply & explain @BLACKPINK_PH & @LoveLISA_PH! which cake design did you sent to LNPH? we’ve been discussing for hours & suddenly you just sent it w/o our consent and final decision from everyone?”
BLACKPINK Fanbases Union, which described themselves as the “mother fanbase of the Collaborative Union of @BLACKPINK Fanbases Worldwide,” issued a statement against the BLACKPINK PH fanbase.
BLACKPINK PH addressed the issues with a statement issued on Feb. 28.
Here is BLACKPINK Fanbases Union’s statement:
“BLACKPINK PH MISCONDUCT
“The conduct of BLACKPINK PH in relation to the Manila concerts and Lisa's birthday falls below the standards that BLACKPINK fanbases expect of each other.
“A concert date falling adjacent to any member's birthday is an incredible opportunity. It's a chance to come together as a community and celebrate each member's special day.
“Born Pink in Manila should be that for Lisa, but this date has become increasingly marred in controversies involving the conduct of BLACKPINK PH, who has repeatedly failed to coordinate effectively with other major relevant fanbases including BLACKPINK fanbases and Lisa's fanbases.
“BLACKPINK Union fanbases have years of experience in coordinating with YG Entertainment, tour promoters, and solo fanbases. If BLACKPINK PH was unsure or required a second opinion, they had access to these experienced admins, but chose not to request help or a second opinion.
“As a result, BLACKPINK fanbases were dismayed to watch this disrespectful conduct towards Lisa and associated fanbases take place with no chance to correct it before it happened.
“BLACKPINK PH is affiliated with brands and raises money from Blinks. We expect full transparency with not just Blinks, but also the collaborators that they work with, including other fanbases. These mistakes should not be made, and communication with other fanbases should not be an afterthought.
“As a result, we ask for the following actions from BLACKPINK PH:
“1. Hand over development and production of Lisa's birthday cake to LISANATIONS and Team Lisa PH.
“2. Immediately agree to add LISANATIONS, Team Lisa PH and BLACKPINK Fanbase Union to all official communications regarding Lisa's birthday, to ensure oversight.
3. Agree to engage with BLACKPINK fanbases in the future to plan for greater transparency and fairness.
“4. Consider placement of a proper management or change of ownership with the union supervision.
As a result, topics such “LISA DESERVES BETTER,” and “NAKAKAHIYA KAYO” trended on Twitter.
After the issue erupted, BLACKPINK PH released a statement to say that they will no longer handle the birthday cake project for Lisa.
Here is their statement: