The director of the record-breaking animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters , Maggie Kang, is at the center of a social media storm after her recent online comment was interpreted as throwing subtle “shade” at BLACKPINK — particularly member Jennie.
The incident has sparked widespread backlash from BLACKPINK’s fanbase, with many accusing the director of being unprofessional and attempting to use the group’s fame for personal attention.
Background: The Film, The Fame, and Fortnite
K-Pop Demon Hunters, a globally successful animated film released on Netflix, has made headlines not only for its groundbreaking storyline and visuals but also for its strong connections to the real-world K-Pop industry.
The film centers on a fictional girl group called HUNTR/X, who live double lives as both K-pop stars and demon slayers.
The project, led by Maggie Kang, has received praise for representing Korean culture and pop music in a new, creative medium.
Most recently, K-Pop Demon Hunters collaborated with Fortnite, launching exclusive in-game skins for the film’s three lead characters. This crossover instantly excited fans of both the movie and the game.
As expected, many Fortnite players began pairing the new HUNTR/X skins with existing K-pop-inspired emotes, including dance moves based on BLACKPINK’s Jennie’s “Mantra”, Rosé’s “APT.”, and aespa’s “Whiplash.”
BLACKPINK (Credit: Pinterest)
The Tweet That Sparked the Controversy
One fan-created clip that went viral featured the in-game character Rumi — a member of the fictional HUNTR/X — dancing to these BLACKPINK and aespa emotes.
The video was shared widely across social platforms, including X (formerly Twitter).
However, what caught everyone’s attention was Maggie Kang’s reply to the clip. She responded simply with:
“Mmmmmm”
Though brief, the post ignited immediate speculation. Fans interpreted it as sarcastic or dismissive, potentially aimed at BLACKPINK, and particularly Jennie, whose emote was prominently featured in the clip.
Some even believed it implied discomfort or disapproval with seeing the HUNTR/X character performing BLACKPINK’s choreographies — especially since the emotes were not part of the official film content.
Fan Reaction: “She’s Still Mad…”
One user tweeted:
“She’s still mad that Jennie never acknowledged her existence no matter how desperate she is to get her attention.”
Another fan chimed in with:
“Maggie and her hundred attempts to get Jennie’s attention. She dgaf about your Cocomelon, dear.”
Others were more direct in calling out the tweet as unprofessional, stating:
“You’re too damn old to be behaving like this.”
And:
“Stop leeching off BLACKPINK’s name, especially Jennie’s.” Some users even highlighted how this behavior reflects deeper issues, with one viral post saying: “Jennie makes these bitter women impossible to hide their misogyny.”
Kang’s Attempt to Clarify
As the backlash intensified, Maggie Kang attempted to defuse the situation by posting a screenshot explaining the various meanings of the word “mmmmm,” implying that it wasn’t intended as a dig or negative comment.
Despite her clarification, the response did little to cool the flames.
Fans continued to express frustration, pointing out that if her comment was truly harmless, she would have clarified it sooner — or better yet, avoided posting something so ambiguous in a sensitive fan environment.
Notably, Kang did not delete the original tweet, further fueling suspicions that she was enjoying the attention or controversy.
Not the First Time
These past incidents have built up a level of distrust within the fandom, making them more reactive to any perceived slight.
Industry Perspectives: A Matter of Respect and Boundaries
Though Kang’s defenders argue her tweet could have been innocuous or misinterpreted, critics maintain that someone in her position — a public figure and creative lead on a culturally significant film — should communicate more responsibly on public platforms.
In the K-pop world, where fandoms are deeply invested in their idols, even a vague or ambiguous comment can spark widespread reaction.
This incident touches on broader themes of fan culture, idol respect, and the fine line between engagement and exploitation of celebrity figures.
Conclusion: Unresolved Tensions
As of now, Maggie Kang has not issued a formal apology or deleted the controversial tweet, and the situation remains a hot topic among K-pop fans.
While it’s possible that her comment was indeed misunderstood, the long history of tension between creators, fans, and public figures in K-pop makes these kinds of controversies particularly volatile.
Whether intentional or not, this incident serves as a reminder that in the age of digital fandoms, every word — even just “mmmmm” — can carry weight.
And when it comes to BLACKPINK, one of the most influential girl groups in the world, even a single syllable can make headlines.
The K-pop community is abuzz with new dating rumors surrounding two of its most influential idols — BLACKPINK’s Jisoo and BTS’ RM (Kim Namjoon).
According to recent reports and fan observations, both artists were seen in London around the same time in late September to early October 2025, and the internet has been piecing together clues that could suggest they were there together — possibly even romantically involved.
Although neither Jisoo nor RM has confirmed any romantic involvement, the coinciding timelines, similar photo locations, and online speculation have led fans to draw connections.
The Source of the Rumor
The rumor was first widely shared after a report by Music Mundial claimed that Jisoo and RM were both in London, visiting some of the same landmarks and sharing content that appeared similar in style and timing.
What Fans Noticed?
- RM, who is known for his love of art and museums, shared photos from a London art exhibit, possibly the Southbank Centre or Tate Modern, and was seen enjoying serene cityscapes and cafés.
- Around the same time, Jisoo also posted images from London on her Instagram, which included similar locations — quaint cobblestone streets, riverside views, and an art-themed café.
This led fans to wonder if the two idols were traveling together or had overlapping itineraries that were more than just coincidence.
No Confirmation, Only Speculation
As of now, no official confirmation has come from either artist or their agencies — YG Entertainment (for Jisoo) or BigHit Music (for RM). Both companies have remained silent on the matter, which isn’t unusual.
Historically, K-pop agencies only comment on dating rumors when they spiral out of control or require damage control due to fan backlash.
The internet’s sleuthing culture is notorious for creating elaborate theories based on subtle hints like matching clothing, timestamps, or background elements in posts. In this case, fans have highlighted:
- Matching photo styles and aesthetic choices
- Posting within similar time windows
- Being in London while neither was known to have group-related schedules
However, none of these elements provide concrete evidence of a romantic relationship. They are circumstantial at best and are just as likely to be coincidences or parallel solo trips.
Jisoo’s Dating History in the Public Eye
This is not the first time Jisoo has been linked to high-profile figures. In 2021, she was rumored to be dating football star Son Heung-min after fans spotted similarities in bracelets and return flights from Europe. YG Entertainment eventually denied those claims.
She was also speculated to have a close relationship with actor Jung Hae-in, her co-star in Snowdrop.
Although their chemistry on screen was undeniable, both parties maintained that they were only colleagues and friends.
Jisoo has rarely commented on her dating life publicly, preferring to keep her personal affairs private. This has left room for ongoing fan curiosity and media speculation.
RM and Privacy: A Low-Key Idol
RM, BTS’s leader, is famously private. Unlike some idols who engage in romantic fanservice or dating hints, RM has mostly kept his private life off the record.
He’s been romantically linked in the past through vague fan theories, but no confirmed relationships have ever been made public.
He often shares his thoughts on art, literature, nature, and introspection — fueling his image as a philosophical figure more concerned with personal growth than public spectacle.
Given his nature, it’s unlikely that he would openly pursue a public relationship unless both parties were extremely secure in their decision to go public — something rare in K-pop.
Fan Reactions: Mixed Emotions
As is often the case with high-profile dating rumors in K-pop, reactions are mixed:
Some fans are supportive, expressing joy at the idea of two intelligent, artistic idols possibly being together.
Others are skeptical, dismissing the theory as another baseless rumor fueled by social media.
And a portion of fans — often labeled “solo stans” or “delusional fans” — have expressed disapproval, arguing that dating could “hurt the group image” or that idols should remain “loyal” to fans.
This illustrates the ongoing tension in K-pop between idol image control and personal freedom.
Industry Perspective: Dating in K-Pop Is Still Taboo
In 2025, the K-pop industry has evolved, but dating still remains a controversial subject.
Despite idols maturing and the global audience becoming more open-minded, many Korean fans — and some international ones — expect their idols to remain “single” and devoted solely to their career and fans.
When big-name idols like Jisoo or RM are involved, the scrutiny is even more intense. These two represent global brand power, and their every move is analyzed under a microscope.
Until either party confirms or denies the rumors, the theory will likely remain in the rumor mill, passed around by fans, media outlets, and gossip accounts alike.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the dating rumors between BLACKPINK’s Jisoo and BTS’ RM serve as yet another case study in how K-pop’s biggest stars are constantly under the public’s gaze.
While the idea of two artistic icons exploring London together is certainly charming, there is currently no solid evidence to confirm a romantic relationship.
Until official statements are released, fans are reminded to enjoy the music, respect the artists’ privacy, and refrain from spreading unverified claims that can add unnecessary pressure to already-public lives.
