BLACKPINK Tops K-Pop Power Index, But Fan Backlash and Lisa Dating Rumors Cast a Shadow

BLACKPINK has claimed the top spot on both the domestic and global comprehensive power indexes compiled by K-pop analytics platform K-POPIT BOARD, underscoring the group's continued commercial dominance even as it navigates one of its rockiest stretches of fan relations in years.

According to K-POPIT BOARD's August 12 release, BLACKPINK scored 77.1 points on the Korean Comprehensive Power Index, PWR(KR), and 72.4 points on the Global Comprehensive Power Index, PWR(GL), placing first in both rankings. The group's underlying metrics were equally striking: a media-attention score of 91.7, a fandom-activity score of 90.1, and a perfect streaming-conversion score of 100, reflecting how efficiently online buzz is translating into actual music consumption.

Yet the numbers tell only part of the story. Analysts pointed to an extraordinary 14,759% surge in a metric tracking negative or controversy-driven engagement, a spike closely tied to backlash over how the group's 10th-anniversary festivities were organized. Fans have criticized what they saw as thin programming and insufficient anniversary content, with member Jisoo reportedly seen in tears while apologizing to fans in person, and Rosé separately posting a lengthy apology addressing the disappointment.

The centerpiece of the controversy has been a 10th-anniversary fan event held at the National Museum of Korea, which drew complaints over restricted access to certain exhibition spaces and last-minute changes to the program. Reports have indicated the event's approval process moved forward only days before it took place, prompting scrutiny that has reportedly extended to the museum's own oversight channels.

Adding to the group's troubles, member Lisa has faced separate criticism after sharing vacation photos on social media without acknowledging BLACKPINK's anniversary, a choice that some fans found tone-deaf given the timing. Speculation has since intensified around her rumored relationship with Thai actor Blue Pongtiwat, keeping her in headlines for reasons unrelated to the group's music.

Industry watchers note that BLACKPINK's fandom-activity score, while high, may partly reflect the volume of critical commentary and debate rather than uniform enthusiasm, since such indexes often count engagement regardless of tone. Some fans have publicly discussed stepping back from supporting the group, even as its catalog continues to perform strongly on streaming platforms.

The episode highlights a growing tension for BLACKPINK: the group's commercial and cultural footprint remains virtually unmatched in K-pop, but repeated controversies around fan treatment and members' personal lives risk shaping public perception as much as their music does. Whether the group can convert its record-breaking attention into renewed goodwill, rather than lingering skepticism, may depend on how its agency addresses fan concerns in the months ahead.