Elle UK has formally apologized after its latest print and digital editions cropped Rosé, a member of global K-pop sensation BLACKPINK, out of a group photograph.
The magazine's October issue featured solo images of each member, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa, and Rosé, but when promoting the story online, Elle UK posted a composite image that omitted Rosé entirely. Fans quickly noticed the missing member and accused the publication of disrespect.
The controversy began when Elle UK shared the group photograph on its Instagram account late last week. In the post, only three of the four artists appeared side by side, prompting immediate complaints from BLACKPINK's dedicated fan base, known as BLINKs.
Faced with mounting criticism, Elle UK issued a statement on its social media channels the following morning. "We deeply regret the error in our recent post," the apology read. "Due to a production oversight, the image shared online did not include Rosé. We sincerely apologize to Rosé, BLACKPINK, their fans, and all our readers. This was never our intention, and we are reviewing our processes to ensure it does not happen again."
Read more: BLACKPINK's Rose Wins Song of the Year at MTV VMAs and Dedicates It to Her '16-Year-Old Self'
Despite the apology, many fans remained unconvinced, pointing to previous instances of Western media outlets misrepresenting or marginalizing K-pop artists. "An apology isn't enough," declared one fan on Instagram. "We need action to prevent these mistakes." Some commentators argued that this incident underscored broader issues of editorial sensitivity toward non-Western celebrities, suggesting that more rigorous standards are needed when showcasing international talent.
Industry observers noted that BLACKPINK's collaboration with Elle UK marked a high-profile milestone, as the group is one of the most followed musical acts worldwide on social media. Rosé, known for her distinct vocal tone and role as lead vocalist, has more than 60 million followers on Instagram alone. Omitting her from the promotional image was therefore seen as a glaring oversight.
Elle UK's editorial team has pledged to reissue the corrected photograph online and in subsequent digital communications. The print edition remains unchanged, but copies of the magazine now include an insert featuring the proper group image. The publisher has also indicated plans to hold an internal review to ensure that featuring international artists receives the same rigorous fact-checking and quality control as domestic contributors.
As the dust settles, the exchange highlights the expectations fans have for accurate and respectful representation of global stars. With BLACKPINK's upcoming world tour and new music on the horizon, any further missteps could risk straining the relationship between the magazine and one of modern pop culture's most influential acts.
