On July 5, BLACKPINK made their long-awaited comeback as a full group with the launch of their DEADLINE world tour at Goyang Sports Complex in South Korea. The show marked their first group performance in nearly three years, igniting global fan excitement, but also sparking heated debate over the setlist and concert experience.
Mixed Reception to Setlist and New Song
Opening with the brand-new track “Jump”, BLACKPINK captivated over 40,000 attendees, making the Goyang concert one of the most anticipated events of summer 2025. However, audience reactions to the song were mixed. While some praised it as a refreshing break from BLACKPINK’s past sonic formula, others felt the track lacked lasting impact. “The intro was gripping, but it lost energy halfway through,” one fan commented online.
Beyond “Jump,” BLACKPINK delivered a 25-song set, including fan favorites from their “Born Pink” tour such as “Kill This Love”, “Pink Venom”, and “How You Like That”. The concert also highlighted individual artistry, as all 4 members brought solo performances to the stage.
However, the repetition of older hits left many fans feeling underwhelmed. “So many great songs were left out, like ‘Bet You Wanna’, ‘The Happiest Girl’, ‘You Never Know’, and yet we got the same recycled tracks,” a fan lamented. Another complained that while the LED screen and stage was well-built, other special effects were lackluster, causing the overall performance to “fall flat”.
“‘Jump’ is the only fresh addition to the set list, the rest are solo materials. This is such a disappointing setlist for a new world tour”, one also said, while others express hope that the girl group will at least switch up the stage and setlist for future stops.
Fans Frustrated Over Blocked View
A more pressing point of contention came from fans who voiced dissatisfaction with ticket pricing and seating visibility. Ticket prices ranged from 132,000 KRW to 275,000 KRW (approximately 94 to 200 USD), with an additional tier of “restricted view” seats sold for 99,000 KRW (approx. 72 USD). However, despite not buying “restricted view” seats, many attendees complained of obstructed views that were not properly disclosed prior to purchase.
“I paid a high price and wasn’t able to see even the hems of BLACKPINK’s outfits. I feel cheated,” one fan wrote on social media, while another echoed the experience, stating, _“Where can I report this? I was so frustrated that I couldn’t focus on the concert. I had reserved a seat in the second row, but it ended up being a complete waste. The view was completely obstructed._”
Looking Ahead
While criticism was notable, many defended the show as just the first chapter of a larger narrative. “It’s just the beginning. BLACKPINK always surprises us at future stops,” a hopeful fan wrote.
With the DEADLINE tour set to hit 16 major cities across 31 shows, fans are anticipating fresh additions and revamped setlists as the journey continues through Los Angeles, Paris, Tokyo, Bangkok, and more.
