ICYMI: BLACKPINK was in Manila again for a meet and greet event. Despite the initial excitement of fans, multiple controversies and problems also popped up.
One of the most concerning cases is Jennie allegedly having a panic attack during an onstage interview. This was first reported by Philippine Concert Scene on Facebook after they reposted a series of photos from the event. Here, you can already see how Jennie was breathing through her mouth and touching her stomach.
This was further supported by a video posted on Twitter. Jennie did appear to be hyperventilating, but she was also smiling and keeping her composure all through out. You can also see Lisa checking up on Jennie and Jisoo handing her a glass of water.
https://twitter.com/jenniesfauit/status/1136678361743237120?s=21
There’s no official statement yet as to what happened to Jennie. It could be a panic attack or she was just feeling dizzy because of the heat. Either way, fans rallied behind her and blamed Shopee, who hosted the event, and their staff for not handling the incident better.
HERE’S THE VID OF JENNIE SHAKING AND HAVING HIS PANIC ATTACK. 😪 Parang hnd tao yung mga staffs langya! GUEST YAN OY! She should have treated better! 😤😤pic.twitter.com/AZAEYJxmiA
— 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚 🐝🐹🐮 (@HanaLee26) June 6, 2019
https://twitter.com/_JungHoseokie/status/1136631358829187073
https://twitter.com/blckpnkxbts/status/1136614246358196224
#SHOPEESCAM IDC IF I JUST SAW THE GIRLS FOR 30 MINS BUT WHAT PISSES ME OFF IS HOW SHOPEE TREATED THE GIRLS. JENNIE HAD A FUCKING PANIC ATTACK BC OF YOUR VENUE AND MANAGEMENT. FUCK YOU SHOPEE.
— ren (@omfglalisa) June 6, 2019
#SHOPEESCAM
Before the event started, fans were calling for a boycott after the e-commerce site allegedly scammed them. This mostly came from fans who reportedly spent over P100,000 to secure a meet and greet slot, as well as fans whose slots were suddenly revoked on the day of the event.
According to Shopee’s meet and greet mechanics, fans were required to register from May 11 to 25, and should also spend a minimum of P4,000 on the said period “to qualify as a Top Spender.” A fan meet pass would be given to 568 Top Shopee spenders and 40 of them would go up on stage to meet BLACKPINK.
However, on the day of the event, Allkpop cited fans accusing Shopee of changing the mechanics at the last minute. “It was said that they earned more or less than PHP 2.5 Million from Blink’s alone. Fans also became suspicious as the new winners from their Twitter contest are allegedly trolls and some are newly made accounts,” the site reported.
These are the list of blinks that spent a BIG AMOUNT OF MONEY but are not able to get the ticket they deserve 🙁#SHOPEESCAM pic.twitter.com/ro8Hb5bEhn
— éyo (@rosies_are_lili) June 6, 2019
There were also cases wherein fans were told their win was a “mistake.” They were reportedly given a gift voucher worth P1,000 for the inconvenience. Many also complained that several influencers and celebrities were invited to the event. (This was also backed by YouTuber AC Mondragon.)
But what's more heartbreaking than having false hopes. They received a notif that they've won a ticket but it was taken back in an instant saying there's an error in their system like wtf shopee? Can't u fix everything first before sending out notifs??? @ShopeePH #SHOPEESCAM pic.twitter.com/CwSR50nUbx
— éyo (@rosies_are_lili) June 6, 2019
THIS IS WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU PUT 99% CELEBRITIES AND SO CALLED INFLUENCERS INSIDE A SUPPOSED TO BE FAN EVENT, COMPLETE SILENCE#SHOPEESCAM
— ed / 에드 (@winmetawinone) June 6, 2019
So these inFluEnCeRs actually just got invited and didn't worked hard and spent as much as what the more deserving blinks did??? This is just so unfair. 😭😭 @ShopeePH #SHOPEESCAM pic.twitter.com/MBsVWhpQG8
— éyo (@rosies_are_lili) June 6, 2019
On top of that, fans attached the #SHOPEESCAM hashtag to tweets claiming that the meet and greet event was rushed and BLACKPINK was mistreated.
https://twitter.com/jicheeew/status/1136613967835541504
Shopee later released a public apology to the fans. “The event fell short of the high standards that Shopee users and BLACKPINK fans expect, and hear our community’s feedback loud and clear,” they said in a statement. “Although we took immediate steps as soon as we discovered our errors to ensure the rightful winners of our contest could claim their prizes, we know that the entire process caused confusion, disappointment, and upset for many Shopee users and BLACKPINK fans.”
— Shopee Philippines (@ShopeePH) June 6, 2019
Based on fan’s accounts of the event and Shopee’s admission, it seems like the event did need several improvements. We hope the fans get the answers they’re seeking regarding the sudden change in mechanics because this shouldn’t have happened. We also hope the BLACKPINK ladies are alright, especially Jennie.
Photo courtesy of BLACKPINK’s Instagram account
For the latest in culture, fashion, beauty, and celebrities, subscribe to our weekly newsletter here
Follow Preen on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Viber
Related stories:
BLACKPINK is headed back to MNL and fans are already at the airport
What else can Jennie Kim do?
We could totally see ourselves in Jennie’s “Solo” music video
LOOK: K-pop fans react to Jennie and Kai’s relationship
