2NE1’s Dara Sparks Backlash Against YG Entertainment Over Lisa’s Vocal Talent
A recent revelation by Sandara Park (Dara) of 2NE1 has reignited criticism against YG Entertainment, BLACKPINK’s former management company. During her appearance as a judge on the survival show Under 15, Dara shared an anecdote about Lisa’s trainee days, highlighting her exceptional vocal talent. However, Dara’s comments have sparked outrage among fans, who accuse YG Entertainment of stifling Lisa’s potential during her time with BLACKPINK.
The Controversy: Dara’s Comments on Lisa’s Vocals
Dara revealed that Lisa’s voice was so powerful during her training that instructors allegedly asked her to turn off her microphone during evaluations. According to Dara, this decision was made to prevent Lisa’s strong vocals from overshadowing other trainees. While Dara praised Lisa’s vocal abilities with good intentions, fans were shocked and angered by the revelation, believing it confirmed long-standing suspicions about YG Entertainment limiting Lisa’s opportunities as a vocalist.
Fan Reaction
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Fans expressed frustration online, accusing YG Entertainment of deliberately holding Lisa back from showcasing her full talent.
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Comments like “YG sabotaged you, Lisa” and “Damn YG for limiting her potential” flooded social media platforms.
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Many pointed out that Lisa was primarily positioned as BLACKPINK’s main dancer and rapper, with little emphasis on her vocal skills despite her evident talent.
This backlash is not new; Lisa’s departure from YG Entertainment in 2023 to pursue solo projects had already stirred criticism about how the company managed her career. Fans believe that since leaving YG, Lisa has thrived independently, further proving she was held back under the label.
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Lisa’s Career Under YG Entertainment
Lisa debuted as part of BLACKPINK in 2016 under YG Entertainment. Known for her incredible dance skills and rap prowess, she quickly became a fan favorite. However, throughout her years with BLACKPINK, critics often questioned why Lisa wasn’t given more opportunities to showcase her vocals.
Lip-Sync Allegations
Lisa also faced accusations of lip-syncing during major performances, including appearances at the MTV Video Music Awards and Global Citizen Festival in 2024. These allegations fueled debates about whether BLACKPINK members were being adequately trained or restricted by their management company.
Post-YG Success
Since leaving YG Entertainment, Lisa has flourished as a solo artist and actress:
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She released her solo album Alter Ego in February 2025, featuring collaborations with Doja Cat and Raye.
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She performed at the 97th Academy Awards, becoming the first K-pop idol to grace the Oscars stage.
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She made her Hollywood acting debut in HBO Max’s The White Lotus, portraying a health mentor in Thailand.
Fans believe these achievements demonstrate Lisa’s versatility and potential—a stark contrast to how she was managed under YG Entertainment.
YG Entertainment’s History of Controversies
The backlash against YG Entertainment isn’t limited to Lisa; the agency has faced criticism over its treatment of other artists in the past:
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Mismanagement Allegations: Fans have accused YG of prioritizing commercial success over artistic growth for its idols.
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Favoritism: Some believe certain members of groups like BLACKPINK received more promotion than others.
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Restrictive Policies: Reports of strict rules governing artists’ creative freedom have surfaced repeatedly.
While YG Entertainment remains one of South Korea’s biggest entertainment companies, controversies like this continue to tarnish its reputation among fans.
Dara’s Role in the Debate
As a senior idol and former member of 2NE1 under YG Entertainment, Dara’s comments carry significant weight. Her anecdote about Lisa was shared while judging a contestant on Under 15, whose performance reminded Dara of Lisa during her trainee days. While Dara intended to praise Lisa’s talent, her remarks inadvertently reignited discussions about YG Entertainment’s handling of its artists.
Mixed Reactions
While many fans appreciated Dara for shedding light on the issue, others criticized her for bringing up past grievances without addressing them directly with YG Entertainment.
READ MORE: Neha Kakkar’s Emotional Breakdown at Melbourne Concert 2025
A Call for Change
The controversy surrounding Dara’s comments highlights broader issues within the K-pop industry regarding artist management and creative freedom. Fans hope that discussions like these will push entertainment companies to prioritize nurturing their artists’ full potential rather than limiting them for commercial reasons.
As for Lisa, she continues to thrive independently, proving that she is not just BLACKPINK’s main dancer or rapper but an all-rounder capable of excelling in multiple fields. With fans rallying behind her, there is hope that she will finally receive recognition for every aspect of her talent—vocals included.
This incident serves as a reminder that while K-pop idols may shine brightly on stage, there are often untold stories behind their journeys that deserve attention and accountability from the industry at large.
