BLACKPINK are riding high on the heels of their latest comeback – their debut studio album, “The Album”. The 8-track project marked their first ever full-length album and featured big names like Selena Gomez and Cardi B. In addition, their music video for the title track, ‘Lovesick Girls’, raked in close to 50 million views in a few hours upon release.
BLACKPINK Comes Under Fire
But, in an unpleasant turn of events, it’s that video that caused issues for the South Korean mega stars. BLACKPINK are no strangers to scrutiny of mass proportions. And, coupled with that are the societal pressures of being a female idol group in K-Pop.
And, a scene from ‘Lovesick Girls’ only exacerbated the double standards placed on the group. In the music video, a set featured Jennie – rapper and vocalist – decked up in a knee-length nurse outfit. She’s seen sitting on a chair, taking notes. And, that was enough to set off viewers. They went on to accuse Jennie and YG Entertainment of being “overly sexual” and “sexualising the nurse outfit”.
Many fans, world over, united on Twitter, and stood strong, and protected their idol. They spoke of the double standards being levied at Jennie, considering how she was dressed appropriately for the video.
Further, they accused netizens of misogyny in light of the off-handed and disrespectful comments being thrown BLACKPINK and Jennie’s way.
YG Entertainment Responds
But, alas, Blinks’ efforts were in vain as YG Entertainment issued a statement about the video. They wrote, “We have decided to delete all the scenes where the nurse uniform appears in Black Pink’s ‘Lovesick Girls’ music video. And, we will replace the video in the shortest time.”
Further, they issued a direct apology to the nurses who took exception to the portrayal of Jennie’s costume in the music video. They said, “We deeply apologize to the nurses who felt uncomfortable.”
Now, Blinks world over took to Twitter earlier today to express their dismay at the series of events. ‘Lovesick Girls’ was released on the 2nd of October on YouTube.
By: Ahalya Narayanan