BLACKPINK‘s Jennie has seemingly responded to the backlash she received for her recent Instagram post.
The singer was recently in Japan for a performance and posted some pictures of her visiting a popular pizza place in Osaka. Among the photos, there were a couple where she was holding a cup of Coca-Cola.
The pictures drew harsh criticism online as the brand is currently facing a global boycott due to its involvement in the ongoing human rights violations in the Gaza Strip.
👇🏿 This is the FOA Official #Boycott List.
Below are 4 key targets that we can realistically boycott until they stop being complicit in Israel's illegal occupation of Palestine.
COCA-COLA as it operates in Atarot, an illegal Israeli settlement built on stolen Palestinian land.… pic.twitter.com/2dx8zYWPTQ
— Friends of Al Aqsa (@FriendsofAlAqsa) November 2, 2023
Fans expressed their disappointment under Jennie’s post for showcasing the brand’s logo. Given that she is a huge global star, featuring any brand on her social media is usually interpreted as an endorsement, whether paid or not.
It seems that the mounting criticism has reached Jennie, as she removed the two particular pictures that featured the Coca-Cola cup from the post. Many fans noted that this would be the first time the idol has edited any of her posts on Instagram, even though she has gotten backlash over social media posts before as well.
jennie just deleted her pic with the coca cola cup on instagram❕ pic.twitter.com/bAEPPanw5n
— lia (@zuzuisgirling) November 12, 2024
Jennie’s apparent response to the criticism has received an overall positive reaction from fans, though some wished she could be more outspoken about the unfolding genocide in Gaza.
I just came back to see the whole situation, and I am actually so glad that jennie realised it and deleted the post because many people didn't do that. However, I hope she speaks up about it because she's an inspiration to millions, and this will push them to do better aswell.
— ᯓSage★˙ (@thegaymenacee) November 12, 2024
oh wow it’s really good that jennie deleted her picture of her and coca cola !! hopefully she can speak up regarding her blinks going through genocide right now :// !!
— bernice☽ (@livbrinakook) November 13, 2024
deep down i feel happy that jennie chose to delete the pictures she posted, it means she knows to hold herself accountable and listens to us fans that were disappointed, this i can appreciate about her 🤍
— rae ✦ (@jnkclubs) November 12, 2024
Many more idols have faced criticism for defying pro-Palestinian boycotts since last year, including BTS member V and aespa. You can read more about the pro-Palestinian advocacy among K-Pop fans here.