BLACKPINK slammed over $18 plastic bag merch as furious fans call for DEADLINE tour boycott: 'Not buying these Z grade designs'

BLACKPINK is once again trending on K-pop Twitter, but not for the kind of headline-grabbing reason fans were hoping for. Instead of buzz about a long-awaited comeback or new music, the group, comprising Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, is drawing criticism over their upcoming DEADLINE tour merchandise.
With group activities scarce since their last release in 2022, BLINKs have been impatient for a comeback. The announcement of a pop-up merch line could have offered some excitement, but instead, it's added fuel to the fire.
BLACKPINK's $18 plastic bag merch sparks fan outrage.
The latest controversy erupted after BLACKPINK's BORN PINK: DEADLINE pop-up store unveiled its official merch in Seoul, including a basic black plastic bag being sold for 24,000 KRW (approx. USD 18). The item, featuring only the group's logo, has drawn sharp criticism from BLINKs who feel it's overpriced and underwhelming.
Social media was quick to slam the group and their agency, YG Entertainment, with many accusing them of exploiting fans' loyalty while giving them nothing substantial in return.
"No effort at all, even for official tour merchandise. And they are even selling plastic bags with the BLACKPINK logo for almost 20 USD? YG Entertainment has been bragging about the "new great team' in charge of BLACKPINK, yet it's all the same trash releases aiming to milk fans," one user wrote.
No effort at all even for official tour merchandise. And they are even selling plastic bags with BLACKPINK logo for almost 20 usd? @ygent_official has been bragging that 'new great team' in charge of BLACKPINK, yet it's all the same trash releases aiming to milk fans pic.twitter.com/P66tKQ2fbO
"I'm not buying this Z Class Designed merch, which consists of a barely BP logo... That plastic bag costs you $17," wrote another frustrated fan.
Sorry @BLACKPINK I'm not buying this Z Class Designed merch which consists of barely BP logo ..that Plastic bag costs you $17#BLACKPINK pic.twitter.com/pEBpAOwQAP
"Saw the Blackpink merch for the tour and wow… blinks are genuinely the biggest idiots for even attending that tour," wrote a third X user.
Saw the blackpink merch for the tour and wow… blinks are genuinely the biggest īdiots for even attending that tour. pic.twitter.com/vnStso1A4y
One fan mentioned, "Outdated Blackpink logo and outdated hearts – like this is a combination of all the tour merch together. If it's real, it needs to be Boycott BLACKPINK tour so y'all can get YG panicking."
Outdated Blackpink logo, and outdated hearts like this is a combination of all the tour merch together 💀 if it's real it needs to be #boycott_blackpinktour so y'all can get YG panicking pic.twitter.com/kMmL1TvXz3
YG confirms comeback plans, but fans stay sceptical
In response to the backlash against BLACKPINK's delayed comeback, YG Entertainment confirmed that the group will release a new single in July—their first group track since 2022.
While the announcement brought some relief, many fans are viewing it as a reactionary move to deflect criticism rather than a well-planned comeback. With limited details and a history of delayed group activities, BLINKs remain cautiously optimistic. For now, the promise of new music is on the horizon but overpriced merch won't be enough to hold fans over.
For the unversed, BLACKPINK's highly anticipated DEADLINE World Tour is officially kicking off on July 5, 2025, with the opening shows set at Goyang Stadium in South Korea
For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.

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