BLACKPINK Confirms Strong Unity Amidst YG Contract Renewal Talks, Shares Group Photo After Receiving Prestigious British Award
BLACKPINK member Rosé expressed her thoughts on receiving the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) award.
On November 24th, Rosé shared a group photo on their official social media account, taken in the UK with fellow members Lisa, Jennie, and Jisoo. The photo shows the four members posing together in a friendly manner, seemingly in an elevator.
According to reports from local UK media including the BBC, King Charles III of the United Kingdom awarded the MBE to Lisa, Rosé, Jisoo, and Jennie during a cultural and arts encouragement event held at Buckingham Palace in London. BLACKPINK received this honor in recognition of their contributions as ambassadors for the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), hosted by the UK.
The Order of the British Empire honors individuals who have made significant contributions to British society or achieved outstanding success in various fields. There are five classes of the order, with MBE being the fifth and lowest. In addition to BLACKPINK, other recipients include The Beatles and singer Adele from the UK.
Rosé expressed her gratitude for being officially invited to the banquet at Buckingham Palace and receiving the MBE, calling it an incredibly honorable experience.
"It was a week filled with many emotions. The best word to describe this week is 'thankful'," Rosé stated, extending her thanks to BLINKs (BLACKPINK's official fandom name) for sincerely supporting BLACKPINK and keeping an eye on what the group stands for and supports.
Meanwhile, BLACKPINK's seven-year exclusive contract with YG Entertainment expired this August. Various rumors have circulated since, including unconfirmed reports that three members (Lisa, Jennie, Jisoo) decided not to renew their contracts with YG, speculation about Jennie and Jisoo establishing their own one-person agencies, and theories about the group continuing activities as a four-member group or even considering disbandment. However, YG and the members have not released any clear statements.
Regarding rumors about BLACKPINK finalizing a group contract, YG Entertainment officially responded to Newsen on November 20th, stating, "Nothing has been confirmed yet, and discussions are ongoing."