The final stop on BLACKPINK’s whirlwind BORN PINK world tour landed them back home in Seoul, South Korea. On September 16th, the iconic girl group took to the stage for a dazzling spectacle, recreating the electrifying performance they’d unveiled at Coachella earlier this year. While the venue sparked debate about its size compared to their global stage presence, YG Entertainment spared no expense in transforming it into a visual and auditory feast, leaving fans mesmerized.
However, it seems not everyone in attendance matched the group’s infectious energy. During a break, Lisa addressed the crowd, observing, “BLINKs seem a little shy tonight. Are you guys feeling shy? I wish you guys could dance a little bit more. Can you dance, BLINKs?”.
The crowd’s response prompted a playful, “(Translation) I’ll be waiting for it,” from Lisa, a moment captured and shared widely online. This sparked a wave of reactions from international fans. Some voiced criticism, labeling the Seoul crowd “the most boring,” while others attributed the concert’s electric atmosphere to the presence of international fans.
This isn’t the first time BLACKPINK has encouraged a more dynamic response from their audience. Jennie, during a previous concert, asked fans to put their phones down and dance, stating she saw “more phones than faces.”
The incident has drawn comparisons to BLACKPINK’s recent Hanoi concert, where Vietnamese BLINKs were praised for their enthusiastic energy. Lisa, visibly moved, expressed being “goosebumped” by the deafening cheers at My Dinh Stadium, while Rosé repeatedly thanked Vietnamese fans for their passionate response despite the heat.
This stark contrast in audience participation has left many wondering about the factors that contribute to such differences in concert experiences. Was it cultural context, concert etiquette, or simply an off night? Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: a lively audience undeniably adds an extra layer of excitement to any performance, especially when it comes to high-energy acts like BLACKPINK.
What are your thoughts on audience etiquette at concerts? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!