K-pop megagroup BLACKPINK has faced a torrent of online criticism this week after referring to their Macau fans as "Macanese" rather than "Chinese" following its concerts there, spawning a disapproving hashtag from nationalistic social media users.
The South Korean girl band posted a thank-you note to its fans following its gigs in the former Portuguese-administered city on May 20 and 21, which they visited as part of their "Born Pink" global tour.
“We were deeply touched by our Macanese BLINKs this week," the band posted via its official account on the Chinese social media platform Sina Weibo, in a reference to fans of BLACKPINK. "Thank you for all the heartfelt support. We are truly blessed to have you guys."
"520 forever BLINKs," the May 23 post said, using a homophonic reference to the words "I Love You" in Chinese.
After going unnoticed for about a week, the post eventually drew the ire of China's “Little Pinks” – named for their support for the "red" Communist Party – who took issue with the use of the word "Macanese."
Source: Radio Free Asia