BLACKPINK’s Lisa Accused Of Payola Promotions For “ROCKSTAR”

BLACKPINK’s Lisa recently struck out on her own with her new single, “ROCKSTAR.” The release is the first one under her own label, LLOUD. Expectations were high and she did not disappointed. Many were happy to see her inclusivity and Thai pride. The video was filmed in her home country, with Thai signage being featured in the music video itself.

Despite the hype surrounding it, Lisa has been recently accused of making use of paid promotions to boost her music video. Usually, for social media platforms such as YouTube and TikTok, the algorithm sends notifications to the user based on their past interactions with channels. Netizens have been claiming to receive notifications from Lisa’s channels even though they have never interacted with her account before.

i have never interacted with her account?? pic.twitter.com/bzwYQl2ZzH

— SHAI ⁷ ᴹᵘˢᵉ (@OHHNO1995) June 27, 2024

It seems that this is a common experience across various platforms.

mind you, i never once viewed a video on that account or interacted with her content … the payola is gonna be insane https://t.co/zB1uWExcFz pic.twitter.com/DP2VlR8knt

— elas #NeverLetGo (@elas_as122012) June 27, 2024

International netizens have since accused her of “payola,” a term used to refer to celebrities paying their way through.

Lol same, happening everyday and don't know why😭 https://t.co/ER7swWYoIl

— 𝐉𝐞𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚⁷🇵🇸 (@seokjinteam7) June 28, 2024

Fans of Lisa and BLACKPINK have been accusing those who have spoken out of lying, claiming that it only appears if you have checked relevant accounts recently.

That only happens if you check their accounts constantly and I wouldn’t be surprised because yall are a bunch of social rejects mad at Lisa because she’s talented, pretty and successful while you used to get thrown into the trashcan in high school https://t.co/uxvsH9DC48

— 미스코리아 (@JisooMissKorea) June 27, 2024

Others argue that the algorithm sends notifications at random.

2024 and niggas still confused about algorithms. https://t.co/AzmnbY5EkU

— YA YA (@pinksyonce) June 27, 2024

No one knows how algorithms truly work. Of course, paid promotion has been a method of marketing for ages. It is one of the most effective and straightforward methods of spreading word. However, in recent years, fandoms have begun to take pride in organic popularity, frowning upon any company or group that attempts to use paid advertisement to boost views.

You can watch her music video for “ROCKSTAR” below.