Vietnam Scrutiny Over Map Used in Blackpink Concert Promotions
Officials in Vietnam are addressing a controversy tied to Blackpink, the popular K-pop group, after a promotional map appearing on a Vietnamese event website drew scrutiny. The map in question is associated with the so‑called Nine‑Dash Line, a maritime boundary claim used by China in the South China Sea. Vietnamese authorities have stated that displaying or distributing materials that promote this boundary is a violation of local laws and inappropriate for Vietnam.
Pham Thu Hang, a spokesperson for the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that the Nine‑Dash Line is not permitted in Vietnamese promotions. She urged that any reference to it on public platforms be avoided, underscoring the government’s stance on sovereignty and territorial integrity in the region.
The incident prompted the country’s Ministry of Culture to launch an investigation to determine how the map was included in the promotional content and to assess whether additional steps are needed to prevent a recurrence. Vietnamese authorities have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding cultural events from content that could inflame disputes or misrepresent territorial realities.
Promotional company iME, which organized two Blackpink concerts in Vietnam, issued a statement explaining that the map on its site does not reflect any country’s territory. The firm stressed that it respects the sovereignty and cultures of all nations and pledged to replace the image. Brian Chow, iME’s chief executive, described the situation as an unfortunate misunderstanding and expressed a willingness to correct the material to align with official positions on territorial matters.
The broader backdrop to the incident includes enduring tensions over the South China Sea. In 2016, a tribunal in The Hague ruled on several maritime claims, ruling against parts of China’s claims regarding the area. Beijing has not accepted that ruling in its entirety, a stance that has contributed to ongoing regional friction and careful scrutiny of promotional materials tied to events that take place in or near disputed waters.
Beyond this case, Blackpink’s online presence has previously achieved remarkable attention. The group set a Guinness World Record for the most views on a music video on YouTube, illustrating the immense global reach and popularity that fans bring to their performances. These high levels of visibility can magnify the impact of any promotional material associated with the group, making careful messaging essential for event organizers in multinational markets.