BLACKPINK, the crown jewel of YG Entertainment, has recently been thrust into the limelight. Not for their chart-topping hits, but due to remarks made by member Lisa during a recent Seoul show. Her words led to a flurry of speculations, which had a tangible impact on the agency’s stock market performance.
On September 18, YG Entertainment’s stocks exhibited a noticeable dip, closing at a slightly lower price of 78,000 KRW (58.90 USD) per share. Market analysts attribute this 1.64% decline from the previous trading day to the swirling rumors of Lisa‘s potential departure from her group and the agency.
Fueling these speculations was the news from September 15 highlighting Lisa‘s growing closeness to Frédéric Arnault, the son of LVMH’s Chairman and the CEO of TAG Heuer. Rumors are rife that Lisa turned down a whopping 50 Billion KRW (37.6 million USD) offer from YG Entertainment. This rumor alone triggered a 2.9% drop in the company’s stock price.
📰 YG stocks dropped more than 8.45% after the news of Lisa rejecting the offer AGAIN to renew her contract with YG Entertainment & BLACKPINK! pic.twitter.com/oqET5Ul29c
— LISA's Updates (@LALISA_twts) September 15, 2023
The future of YG
BLACKPINK’s ‘Born Pink’ world tour finale at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome on September 16 and 17 became a hotbed for fan theories and investor concerns. Lisa‘s heartfelt speech to the BLINKs (BLACKPINK‘s dedicated fanbase) in attendance went viral.
https://www.tiktok.com/@blinked_area/video/7279757767236144389?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=6908322787502065153
She expressed, “This tour was possible thanks to BLINKs, and I was able to perform in various amazing venues. Regardless of the weather, I appreciate your relentless support and enjoyment. Thank you for brightening my 20s.” The vague way she worded her ending ment led many to believe she was saying goodbye to the fans.
The other members’ ending ments couldn’t be more different. Jennie reassured BLINKs by saying, “This year marks our seventh anniversary since debut. I desperately wanted to have an encore finale in Seoul, as I haven’t been able to see many BLINKs in Korea. I’m thrilled and grateful that it happened. Rest assured, we will continue to strive as BLACKPINK.”
With such contrasting statements from the members, the speculations around the status of Lisa‘s contract have only grown. In the world of K-pop, where every move is scrutinized, the future of BLACKPINK and YG Entertainment in general remains a topic of intense discussion and speculation. – K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: Lisa’s mother visited her backstage at the ‘Born Pink’ world tour finale in Seoul. Source: Twitter/@BBU_BLACKPINK.