In today’s attention economy, outrage is currency — and controversy pays. From reality stars to pop idols, public figures have increasingly leaned into spectacle over substance, trusting the algorithm to turn backlash into buzz. And now, it appears some K-pop stars, particularly members of Blackpink, might be following a familiar script — one popularized by the Kardashian-Jenner empire.

The Kardashians didn’t build their brand on talent or innovation. They rose by straddling the line between admiration and appropriation of Black culture — borrowing its slang, beauty standards, and style while rarely offering credit or respect. When backlash came, it didn’t slow them down; it boosted them. Being talked about, even with disapproval, was part of the brand.

Related | The Bodyguard….Minus The Black Woman?

Controversy As A Bandaid For Talentlessness

Now, Blackpink seems to be drawing from the same controversial playbook. Videos have resurfaced showing members using anti-Black slurs. Other incidents include the cultural appropriation of Black hairstyles and K-pop star Lisa’s baffling choice to wear a bodysuit featuring an image resembling Rosa Parks — positioned at the crotch, with no explanation or tribute provided. These incidents aren’t isolated. Taken together, they prompt an unsettling question: is this strategic?

K-pop’s relationship with Black culture has always been complicated. Genres like hip-hop and R&B are foundational to K-pop’s sound, and Black fashion, dance, and lingo have helped fuel its global appeal. Black fans were among the earliest international supporters of K-pop, helping it break out beyond Asia. But as that fanbase demands more accountability, too many idols and their teams have responded not with introspection, but with silence — or worse, with defensiveness and fan-led harassment campaigns.

It’s a pattern that mirrors the Kardashian method: dodge responsibility, stir controversy, and let virality drive visibility. In a media landscape where engagement trumps integrity, offending Black audiences has become a shortcut to relevance. And when artistry can’t speak for itself, mimicking Black culture — and enduring the backlash — becomes the performance.

The Risk of Losing the Audience That Built You

To be clear, it’s difficult to prove Blackpink’s intent. Maybe some of these incidents stem from ignorance, not strategy. But even unintentional harm still carries impact. And when the same communities are repeatedly disrespected, a lack of intent becomes a weak excuse. The message sent is clear: Blackness is worth imitating, but Black people aren’t worth listening to.

This dynamic turns Black creativity into costume, and Black backlash into free marketing. And as long as the cycle keeps rewarding controversy, some artists will continue to rely on spectacle rather than substance — not because they have nothing to offer, but because spectacle is easier to monetize.

If the K-pop industry doesn’t reckon with this trend, it risks losing the very audiences whose culture helped shape its rise. Because drawing inspiration is one thing. Exploiting a community for clout is another entirely.

Discover more from Feminegra

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.