Source: Sports Kyunghyang
Blackpink is under controversy in Korea over their "ability" to be a 'Coachella headliner.'
On the 15th, Blackpink heated up the stage as the headliner at Coachella, the largest music festival in the U.S. Blackpink started their stage with opening song 'Pink Venom', then 'Kill This Love', 'How You Like That', and 'Pretty Savage.' They sang a series of hit songs from debut song 'Boombayah' to latest 2nd album title 'Shut Down' released last year to showcase their 7-yr history.
However, former ISM editor-in-chief and popular music critic Kim Do-heon posted on Facebook on the 16th and wrote a scathing criticism of Blackpink's Coachella stage. He stated, "If we're to take the meaning of 'Coachella headliner' seriously, then such a superficial and light approach stage would not come out. It shouldn't have been a stage to show Blackpink is 'pretty and famous.' How many narratives can be dug out from the fact that they were the first K-pop group, and Asian female group to receive title of 'headliner' at an American festival?"
Kim Do-heon's post has become a hot topic in Korea and is causing controversy.
Meanwhile, how did foreign media see Blackpink's stage?
British media 'Guardian' have only ever given Billie Eilish and Beyoncé a perfect score of 5/5 as female headliner for Coachella. Blackpink, Lady Gaga, and Ariana Grande received 4/5 score. They even left a harsh review for singer-songwriter Frank Ocean with a 3 point score.
The 'Guardian' wrote, "This K-pop group proved that language and cultural barriers are breaking in the music market with an excited crowd showcasing a bold, confident, and energizing stage."
In particular, they praised Blackpink's stage composition writing, "Blackpink definitely has the stamina to perform as headliner and garnered great approval from non-blink audiences. They made me shout once. However, I gave a 4-point score due to regrets over the member's solo song stage composition."
Billboard wrote, "In a historic and monumental performance, Jennie, Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa did what they do best as Blackpink."
It appears foreign media, who watched Blackpink's stage, acknowledged their skills and talents.
Rosé who first stepped into Coachella as a sub-stage performer 4 years ago stated, "I was invited to perform at Coachella four years go and now I'm standing as a headliner at the world's most loved music festival. I think my dream has come true. I do," revealing her overwhelming feelings.
Meanwhile, Blackpink will be the first K-pop artist to perform as 'headliner' at the Hyde Park British Summertime Festival, U.K's top music festival, in July.
