K-pop girl group TWICE has officially been selected to perform at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025, scheduled to take place later this month.
The announcement created a buzz among fans worldwide, as TWICE is one of the most popular girl groups in K-pop with a strong global fanbase.
Their participation in such a high-profile Western fashion event is seen as another step in the international expansion of K-pop music and culture.
Fans took to social media to celebrate the news, sharing their excitement and posting fan edits, gifs, and messages of support for the group.
Many expressed pride that TWICE represents K-pop on a global stage, alongside other iconic performances in the past.
Contrasting Reactions: TWICE vs. BLACKPINK’s Lisa
While fans celebrated TWICE’s upcoming performance, netizens quickly highlighted a noticeable double standard in the reactions compared to last year.
BLACKPINK’s Lisa, who performed at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2024, faced significant criticism despite being a trailblazer for K-pop’s presence at Western events.
In contrast, TWICE is largely being praised for performing at the same kind of event, which sparked discussions about fairness and fan bias.
“All the events Lisa attended last year now feature other K-pop artists, but no one attributes it to her. Fans should be grateful for Lisa paving the way.”
“Lisa was the first to break into these stages, and yet she faced criticism. TWICE deserves support, but let’s not forget who opened the doors for them.”
Lisa’s Role as a Trailblazer for K-Pop
Lisa’s performance at the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is widely regarded as a turning point for K-pop’s Western expansion.
She became one of the first K-pop idols to be featured on such a global fashion platform, helping bridge the gap between K-pop and mainstream Western entertainment.
Her appearance opened doors not only for BLACKPINK members but also for other K-pop artists like TWICE, aespa, and ITZY, who are now more frequently invited to international fashion shows and award ceremonies.
Fans argued that Lisa’s contribution is often overlooked, despite her significant role in breaking cultural barriers and creating new opportunities for fellow K-pop idols.
Some social media users expressed frustration at the lack of recognition for Lisa:
TWICE (Credit: YouTube)
“Next time any K-pop artist attends a major Western event, let’s remember Lisa did it first. She deserves credit instead of criticism.”
This sentiment reflects a growing awareness among fans about the importance of acknowledging pioneers who take risks and pave the way for others.
TWICE’s Anticipated Performance
TWICE is expected to perform several of their hit songs during the fashion show, showcasing their signature choreography, colorful stage outfits, and polished vocals.
Fans have high expectations for the group, especially given their experience performing at other international events, including music festivals, award shows, and television programs.
The group’s performance is seen as a celebration of K-pop’s growing influence globally, demonstrating how the genre has become a staple in major entertainment and fashion events.
Social media buzz suggests that many fans are eager to see TWICE take the stage and represent K-pop with their unique style and charisma.
Fan Debate on Social Media
The announcement of TWICE’s performance led to widespread debate on platforms like Twitter (X), Instagram, and Reddit.
Discussions focused on two main points: celebrating TWICE’s achievement while recognizing Lisa’s trailblazing contributions.
Many fans called for a balanced view, suggesting that celebrating TWICE should not mean ignoring the challenges and criticisms Lisa faced.
The conversation also reflected broader discussions about how female idols are often judged more harshly than their male counterparts, especially when performing on international stages.
“It’s great that K-pop artists now have access to huge global events, but we should also respect Lisa, who opened the doors for them.” “Lisa faced hate for performing last year, but TWICE is being praised. Fans need to acknowledge history and appreciate the path she created.”
The Importance of Context in K-Pop Achievements
This situation highlights a recurring theme in the K-pop industry: trailblazers often face criticism while their successors receive celebration.
Lisa’s example shows how challenging it can be to break cultural barriers and take risks as an international artist.
Fans and media observers argue that understanding the context behind these achievements is important.
While TWICE’s success is deserving of celebration, acknowledging Lisa’s role provides perspective on the growth and international recognition of K-pop.
As TWICE prepares for their Victoria’s Secret performance, the ongoing discussion around Lisa underscores the importance of recognizing pioneering efforts in the industry.
Fans are calling for a more balanced appreciation of both current and past idols, highlighting how contributions from earlier performers often lay the foundation for future successes.
This debate reflects broader conversations within K-pop fandoms about fairness, recognition, and the challenges faced by idols who break new ground.
By celebrating both Lisa’s trailblazing role and TWICE’s upcoming performance, fans can honor the achievements of K-pop stars while appreciating the evolution of the industry on a global scale.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie has recently come under scrutiny—not for her music or fashion collaborations, but for the pricing and quality of goods at her pop-up store.
Her ongoing project, Complex Presents Rubify by JENNIE, has been touring across Asia, and while the events continue to draw crowds, controversies surrounding the merchandise have sparked widespread online debates.
Pop-Up Store in Changsha Draws Criticism
The controversy began at Jennie’s pop-up in Changsha, Hunan Province, China, where fans and visitors expressed dissatisfaction over the cost and quality of the merchandise.
One of the most criticized items was a four-piece plastic hair clip set priced at 169 yuan (~$23 or ₹2,000 INR).
Critics argued that the product’s material, design, and finishing did not justify the high price.
Complaints included issues such as:
- Rough edges on the plastic clips
- Indistinct logos and branding
- Reversed or misaligned branding on packaging
Social media users described the product as “luxury pricing for bargain-bin quality”, questioning whether the items were overpriced and poorly manufactured.
Hats, T-Shirts, and Other Merchandise Under Fire
The backlash extended beyond hair accessories. Hats, T-shirts, and other simple items in the collection were also criticized for their plain designs and perceived low quality.
Many compared these products to inexpensive alternatives readily available online, questioning the overall value proposition of the pop-up store.
Some detractors suggested that the merchandise felt more like a cash grab rather than a thoughtfully curated collection that reflected Jennie’s brand.
Critics argued that fans were paying for celebrity branding rather than the intrinsic quality of the products.
Fans Rally to Defend Jennie
Despite the criticism, Jennie’s supporters were quick to defend her, emphasizing that pricing and production decisions are often controlled by organizers or licensing companies, not the artist herself.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie (Credit: Instagram)
Fans highlighted that:
- Licensing fees, event costs, and brand value often inflate product prices
- Compared to high-end luxury brands like Miu Miu, Jennie’s merchandise remained relatively affordable
- Jennie herself should not be blamed for production and pricing decisions made by the pop-up organizers
Social media posts echoed sentiments like:
“People need to remember Jennie isn’t the one setting these prices. Stop attacking the artist.” “The goods are still modest compared to designer labels, and fans are choosing to attend for the experience and brand engagement.”
Pop-Up Tour Continues Despite Controversy
Despite the wave of criticism, Jennie’s Complex Presents Rubify by JENNIE tour continues to draw crowds across Asia.
The tour has proven that controversy does not necessarily deter fan engagement, as her star power ensures continued interest and attendance.
The pop-up stores combine merchandise sales with immersive experiences, photo opportunities, and interactive events, making them more than just retail points.
This experiential marketing approach strengthens fan engagement and provides a unique platform for Jennie to expand her personal brand.
Broader Implications for Celebrity Merchandising
Jennie’s merchandise controversy reflects a larger trend in celebrity and K-pop merchandising, where fans are increasingly critical of price-to-value ratios.
High-profile artists often face scrutiny for products that are seen as overpriced, especially when mass-produced or of seemingly lower quality.
Experts note that brand collaborations and pop-up events involve complex logistics, licensing, and marketing costs that influence final pricing.
Artists like Jennie may have limited control over every detail, yet they bear the public’s scrutiny due to their celebrity status.
While BLACKPINK’s Jennie faces criticism for merchandise at her Changsha pop-up, the overall reception of her tour remains strong.
Fans continue to support the Complex Presents Rubify by JENNIE initiative, proving that her influence and star power remain intact.
This situation also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance celebrities must maintain between branding, merchandising, and fan expectations.
For Jennie, navigating these challenges is part of her growing influence as both a music icon and fashion entrepreneur in the global K-pop landscape.
