Rolling Stone Korea apologizes to BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Jisoo after controversy

A recent article in Rolling Stone Korea magazine was criticized by BLACKPINK fans, who called the references to Lisa and Jisoo offensive. The post responded to the fandom’s claims on Tuesday, July 12th, and apologized.

The Korean edition of the music magazine had dedicated a column to BLACKPINK, as part of their upcoming comeback. The article mentions specific characteristics of each member.

However, the reference to Lisa as an “exotic beauty” because of her Thai nationality was controversial. The comment on the idol’s Korean pronunciation was also described as microaggression:

“It’s natural enough to prevent the listener from feeling mistakes (in the language) of the foreign member of the group”

In Jisoo’s case, the author described her as someone “who doesn’t possess the group’s most outstanding talent as a vocalist or dancer“. BLACKPINK’s fanbases addressed the publication to request that they remove that sentence, a request that the South Korean magazine accepted.

Hours later, the magazine shared its official position. In the text they admit an incorrect use of words and apologize to the artists due to the controversy.

“Hello everyone, this is Rolling Stone Korea.

We have listened, have read and have taken in all the considerations and remarks regarding the recent BLACKPINK column.

We admittedly noted that we used inappropriate choice of words and context that led to this misunderstanding.

A revised and modified column will be published in the second edition of the print next week.

The revised column will be on our official website.

We apologize to the artists for causing concerns.

We ask for patience with us. Thank you“, said the statement.