K-pop group Blackpink. [Provided by YG Entertainment]
K-pop group Blackpink. [Provided by YG Entertainment]

A complaint has been filed with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism requesting an audit into how the National Museum of Korea approved and managed the venue for a Blackpink fan meeting held to mark the group's 10th debut anniversary.

A complainant identified only as A filed the petition Monday through the government's public grievance portal, asking authorities to investigate whether the event approval, facility use permit and public notification for the fan meeting held Saturday at the National Museum of Korea were handled appropriately. The complaint has been assigned to the ministry's audit office.

"On the day of the event, there is specific evidence that entry to some exhibition spaces was restricted and that the viewing schedule for an existing workshop was delayed," A said in the complaint. "There were also reports that the specific venue was still being coordinated as late as the day before the event." A said the audit request was not meant to challenge K-pop collaborations in general, but to verify through internal records how a private fan event was classified administratively at a museum representing the nation, and what procedures were followed for its approval and operation.

A also raised questions about the nature of the event itself, saying it was unclear from publicly available information whether it was a joint event extending an existing collaboration, a separate external venue rental, a museum-initiated cultural project, or a facility use arrangement for promotional purposes.

A said the museum's cultural use and international promotion should proceed in a way that is consistent with its founding purpose, general public access, existing education and cultural programs, state property management, facility safety, and venue-use procedures — including accurate guidance for visitors. "The ministry must investigate whether the entire process leading up to the event was conducted appropriately and fairly," A said.

The National Museum of Korea, which launched a global collaboration project with Blackpink called "National Museum of Korea X Blackpink" in February, hosted the fan meeting Saturday to celebrate the group's 10th debut anniversary. The event drew criticism for appearing hastily arranged — the announcement was posted only two days earlier, on Thursday, the event was limited to 40 attendees, and applications were open for just nine hours.

Controversy also arose Friday when the specific venue had yet to be confirmed. The museum said it was "in discussions to ensure there is no impact on the movement of general visitors." Only on Friday evening did it post a notice on its website about "temporary adjustments to some exhibition spaces on Saturday afternoon," but the notice omitted the event's name, organizer, and the specific times and areas affected.

When the fan meeting began at 2 p.m. Saturday, entry to some exhibition areas was restricted and certain workshop events were delayed. Painter and illustrator Lee Da described the situation, saying a lecture originally scheduled to end at 2:30 p.m. was extended to 3:10 p.m. "An editor would step outside the lecture room every 10 minutes to check whether the Blackpink event had ended, and when they crossed their arms in an X, I kept talking," Lee said.

Blackpink member Jisoo addressed the controversy surrounding the fan meeting. "Originally, I wanted to share this with many more people. I knew it was an important day, but I think there was a problem with our communication. I'm sorry," she said, adding that she wanted to tell fans who felt let down: "I'm sorry, and I love you."


betterj@heraldcorp.com