On the morning of April 8, YG Entertainment officially announced ticket sales and pricing for the opening shows of BLACKPINK’s upcoming 2025 World Tour, set to kick off on July 5–6 at the Goyang Stadium in South Korea. Ticket pre-sales will begin on May 8 at 8 PM KST, with general sales opening on May 15. Prices range from 132,000 KRW (~90 USD) to 275,000 KRW (~$186 USD).
The announcement quickly ignited mixed reactions online. Many netizens criticized the high ticket prices, particularly given that concerts at Goyang Stadium, a 41,000-seat venue, have recently faced similar backlash, including shows by SEVENTEEN and G-Dragon. Critics argue that domestic concerts, unlike overseas tours, shouldn’t command such steep prices due to lower logistical costs.
Yet, for BLINKs, the cost is a non-issue. After nearly three years since the “Born Pink” era, fans are eager to see BLACKPINK reunite on stage, especially for the first concert of a brand-new tour that promises exclusive experiences.
The Bigger Controversy: No Comeback, But Tour Already?
BLACKPINK’s upcoming world tour has sparked criticism, as YG Entertainment has not yet announced a group comeback with new music, unlike most K-pop acts that release albums before tours to promote merchandise.
Despite their massive global success, BLACKPINK has a limited discography (only two full albums, with fewer than 50 official songs in eight years), leading to accusations that YG is prioritizing profits over content. While a 2025 group album has been confirmed, no release date has been set, and with members busy in solo activities (including Lisa and Jennie at Coachella until April 20), a May/June comeback seems unlikely before the tour starts in July. Fans and critics argue the tour risks exploiting fans without offering new music in return.
Emotional Responses and Anticipation From Fans Versus Commercial Criticism
Adding fuel to the fire, clips from BLACKPINK’s previous “Born Pink” World Tour (October 2022 – September 2023) have resurfaced, showing moments of low energy performances and repeated setlists. Though the tour grossed over $333 million across 66 shows and drew 2.1 million fans, Jennie in particular was criticized for skipping dance moves and appearing disengaged on stage.
Some online users called the concerts a “waste of money,” and vowed not to attend the upcoming tour. Negative comments have resurfaced on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), alleging that BLACKPINK’s performance quality hasn’t lived up to expectations.
But Fans Remain Hopeful
Still, fans see the group’s return as a cause for celebration. Each member now has a solo album or EP, meaning the setlist could be significantly expanded with both solo and group hits. For many, the idea of experiencing both BLACKPINK’s iconic tracks and their individual projects in one show is a dream come true.
Moreover, BLACKPINK’s reunion in 2025 was anticipated ever since the group re-signed their group contract with YG, choosing to retain individual management for solo activities. The first half of 2024 was spent building their solo foundations, with the latter half dedicated to group promotions.
Whether driven by fan service or financial motives, BLACKPINK’s return is undeniably one of the most anticipated K-pop events of the year. As YG remains tight-lipped about the new album, fans are preparing for the ticketing frenzy, and holding onto hope that music will follow soon. For now, BLINKs are choosing excitement over criticism, eager to see the world’s biggest girl group back on stage once again.
