K-pop’s biggest girl group, BLACKPINK, has once again found itself at the center of internet discourse after a YouTube channel named Kim Mi Hyun Productions uploaded a series of alleged pre-debut videos.

These clips, reportedly sourced from deep within YG Entertainment’s vault, showcase the members performing covers of popular songs during their training days.

Now, let’s be real. The second the words “BLACKPINK” and “leaked” hit the timeline, the internet did what it does best: spiral into absolute chaos. Fans initially flocked to see their faves in action before their 2016 debut, but the mood quickly soured when people noticed something rather… problematic.

The N-Word Problem: Did They Really Say It?

Several of these resurfaced clips feature BLACKPINK’s Jennie, Lisa, and Rosé performing rap covers, and lo and behold, the N-word is allegedly present in some of them.

If true, this would mean that at least three members of the group, some of whom are fluent English speakers, were casually rapping along to lyrics containing one of the most controversial words in the English language.

jennie, rosé and lisa saying the n word pre debut this is so weird… pic.twitter.com/wjP9PdwykD

— jia | SULLI DAY 🍑 (@hyoyeonatee) March 30, 2025

As expected, the reactions have been messy, to say the least.

Some fans immediately jumped to their defense, pointing out that the videos are old and that the members were teenagers at the time.

Others argued that the word was only used within the context of song lyrics, not as an intentional slur.

singing the n word in a song doesn’t make a person racist! FREE BLACKPINK pic.twitter.com/DLIymhphb7

— ☆Mari☆ (@NotSusMari) March 30, 2025

Blackpink is has no idea what n word was…… they were so young yg literally forced them……..

— sam | honest blink 🖤🩷 (@recordfaded) March 30, 2025

Im not a blackpink stan, but the N word means nothing for people outside of Us or English speaking countries, even for black peaple outside of us. Its not like they are using that word because they are racist https://t.co/fHFmDqBN7O

— Rique (@ParkOnika) March 31, 2025

Then there’s the other side of the internet, who are not feeling generous. Critics are calling out the members, especially those who grew up in English-speaking environments, for not making better song choices.

They could have chosen to skip the word but they still did it. yes, Blackpink is racist and you guys need to stop coddling those talentless girls. https://t.co/uB5RdDXcKM

— 🌟 (@dekudam) March 31, 2025

Yea it’s over for blackpink 😭 a whole ass compilation on them saying the n word… I NEVER wanna hear a word from a blink again saying we don’t have proof that Jennie or Lisa said the n word. Rose on top of that too

— 🤷🏽‍♀️ (@frankrkiive) March 30, 2025

the blackpink members saying the n-word this is crazy what the actual fuck pic.twitter.com/MBwtoMUBXN

— mia! wooo! (@m0m0peaches) March 30, 2025

why are blackpink members so obsessed with black people? here are blackpink idols lisa and jennie saying the n word several times. we need to cancel these freaks immediately. pic.twitter.com/WQ3oSZ3jr3

— poppy 🦋 (@imnotpopbase) March 30, 2025

blackpink lisa and jennie saying n word multiple times when theyre not even black.
according to their fans both are fluent in english and jennie grew up in new Zealand so she knew what she was doing pic.twitter.com/dClZyaBz0C

— nochu (@shadowofmyg) March 30, 2025

After all, it’s not like they had to pick songs with slurs. There were plenty of rap tracks without the N-word, but these were the ones they went with? That’s a choice.

AI or Real? The Conspiracy Theories Begin

Of course, no internet scandal is complete without people questioning the authenticity of the leaked material. Some skeptics believe the videos could be AI-generated or manipulated to frame the members. Others suggest that even if the footage is real, it could have been altered to include the controversial language.

Given the rapid advancements in AI deepfake technology, it is not entirely impossible but is it likely? That remains up for debate. Either way, the lack of an official statement from YG Entertainment isn’t exactly helping calm things down.

The Ongoing BLACKPINK and Cultural Insensitivity Saga

Unfortunately, this isn’t BLACKPINK’s first rodeo when it comes to accusations of cultural insensitivity.

In 2021, a petition with thousands of signatures demanded an apology from the group for cultural appropriation, including past performances where they allegedly used the N-word.

The group has also faced backlash for appropriating South Asian, African, and Indigenous cultures in music videos and fashion choices.

Now, with these new leaks, it seems the ghosts of their pre-debut past have come back to haunt them.

YG Entertainment’s Silence Is Deafening

At the time of writing, YG Entertainment has not released an official statement regarding the leaked videos, the alleged usage of the N-word, or the possibility that the footage might be AI-generated.

But let’s be real. YG isn’t exactly known for its stellar crisis management. Fans and critics alike are waiting to see whether the company will address the situation, ignore it entirely, or let it fade into the abyss of K-pop controversies past.

One thing’s for sure. The internet never forgets.