SEOUL – K-pop star Jennie, a member of the popular girl group Blackpink, has come under scrutiny after a video surfaced showing her walking past stage crew members during a performance without acknowledging them, prompting criticism on social media.
In the brief clip, Jennie appears to intentionally ignore backstage staff who are assisting her, drawing backlash from fans and critics who labelled her behaviour as “cold” and “unprofessional.” Commenters expressed disappointment, noting expectations of basic courtesy toward crew members.
Supporters of Jennie have defended her, arguing that she was likely focused on her performance and might not have seen the staff. Some fans urged caution against “overinterpreting” the silent interaction, pointing out that the fast-paced environment can lead to unintentional oversights.
The incident has sparked a wider debate on the work dynamics between artists and backstage teams in the K-pop industry, where crew members often operate under high pressure to ensure seamless shows. Industry analysts emphasise the importance of mutual respect and visibility of behind-the-scenes efforts in such high-stakes production settings.
As the video continues to draw attention online, some entertainment outlets are expressing hope for Jennie to acknowledge the role of stage staff publicly and to demonstrate appreciation in future performances.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.
