The group Black Pink faced backlash from Chinese Internet users after the Macau concert, leading them to eventually revise a controversial word that sparked the controversy.
After their performances in Macau on the 20th and 21st of last month, BLACKPINK expressed their gratitude to their Macau fans, known as BLINK, through their official Twitter account. They stated, "We are deeply moved by the support from our Macau BLINK this week" and added, "Thank you for your sincere support. It was a blessing to be with you."
Chinese Internet users took issue with the word "Macanese," believing it distinguished Macau from China. They criticized the group, asking questions such as "Why is it Macanese Blink and not Chinese Blink?" and stating, "Macau, Hong Kong, and Taiwan belong to China. Do you want to fight with Chinese people?"
As a response to the criticism, BLACKPINK subsequently revised the word "Macanese" to "Macau." However, some Chinese Internet users continued to question why they didn't use "China" instead, asserting that "China and Macau are one."
The local media outlet Global Times reported on the controversy, stating, "K-pop girl group Black Pink has faced criticism for referring to Macau fans as 'Macanese'" and noted that despite the revision, criticism from netizens persisted.
The term "Macanese" refers to individuals of Portuguese descent who were born and raised in Macau. Critics argued that it was inappropriate because it failed to represent ordinary Macau residents.
Macau, which was a Portuguese colony for 150 years until 1999 when it returned to Chinese sovereignty under the principle of "one country, two systems," has recently faced debates over the notion of "one China." The Chinese government maintains that mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are indivisible.
Particularly, Chinese Internet users created a blacklist of celebrities who attended the Black Pink concert in Macau, criticizing and boycotting them. Speculation continues that China may once again implement restrictions based on Korean law.
The controversy surrounding Black Pink’s concert in Macau and their decision to revise a contentious word that ignited the backlash
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