During President Yoon Suk Yeol’s state visit to the United States in April 2023, a controversy arose surrounding the cancellation of a joint performance by BLACKPINK and Lady Gaga at the White House. Opposition parties suggested that First Lady Kim Keon Hee was behind the cancellation, alleging that she harbored a dislike towards young women.

Former National Intelligence Service officers, Park Ji Won and Park Sun Won, made these claims on various platforms, sparking a debate. However, a report by Joongang Ilbo revealed that insiders familiar with the situation dismissed these accusations, citing financial issues as the reason for the performance cancellation.

The cancellation of the joint performance raised eyebrows within the presidential office, with logistical and financial challenges hindering the collaboration. Ultimately, concerns over taxpayer money and diplomatic appropriateness led to the decision to forgo the performance.

Amidst this controversy, the ruling party suspects political motives behind the opposition’s accusations, seeing it as an attempt to tarnish the reputation of First Lady Kim Keon Hee. The timing of these allegations, following other controversies, is perceived as a strategic move to sow discord.

The narrative around this incident has sparked public interest and debate, with various parties chiming in to share their perspectives. As the matter unfolds, the true motivations behind the cancellation of the highly anticipated performance continue to be a topic of discussion.

YG Entertainment has also responded to the reported collaboration between BLACKPINK and Lady Gaga, adding another layer to the evolving story. The intricate details and behind-the-scenes discussions that led to the cancellation have captivated audiences, shedding light on the complexities of cultural diplomacy at the highest levels of government.