Blackpink member Jennie breaks silence after bailing on group’s Melbourne show mid-song

A member of one of the world’s biggest pop groups has released a statement after walking off stage at their Melbourne arena concert – and never returning.

A member of K-pop girl group Blackpink who bailed on their sold-out Melbourne arena concert has released a statement apologising to fans.

Jennie Kim left the audience baffled during Sunday night’s performance at Rod Laver Arena after walking off stage just five songs into the show.

“Dear Melbourne Blinks,” Jennie began her post, which was shared on her Instagram Story. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t able to finish the show on Sunday. I’m doing my best to recover atm. Your understanding and support means the world to me. Thank you to everyone who came to your Melbourne show. Love you guys.”

In footage filmed by a fan, Jennie could be seen singing the night’s fifth number – Lovesick Girls – before suddenly leaving the stage:

Her mid-song departure left her bandmates Lisa, Jisoo and Rose to perform the rest of the two-hour concert as a trio.

“It seems that we will be proceeding with the rest of the show without Jennie,” Rose later told the crowd. “However, we will try our best to fill the stage up for you guys and give you the best night. In the meantime, our hearts will be with Jennie, supporting her.”

the girls said that they will be performing the rest of the night without jennie. please rest and feel better jennie, we love you 🥺🤍 pic.twitter.com/P1Kjr5qHVM

— 젠바🌹♥️ (@blackpinkbabo) June 11, 2023

Jennie had been absent from the concert’s soundcheck earlier in the day, with Rose telling fans that she’s “not feeling too well today … she thought it would be best if she rests up so she could be in a better condition for you tonight”.

A statement released by the band’s management, YG entertainment, confirmed that Jennie had been “unable to complete the stage due to her deteriorating condition”.

“Jennie expressed her strong determination to carry on with the performance until the end. However, following medical advice on site, we immediately took measures to ensure she receives ample rest and stability.

L-R: Blackpink members Lisa, Jisoo, Jennie, and Rose. Picture Dia Dipasupil/Getty

“Jennie has conveyed her regrets for not being able to stay with the fans until the end, and assures that she will recover as soon as possible.

“We will do its utmost to support Jennie’s speedy recovery. We would like to ask for your understanding once again.”

The incident took place as Blackpink head towards the final leg of a 62-date world tour. Their next planned concerts will take place this Friday and Saturday at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena. The group has had huge success in this country, with both their albums peaking at number two on the charts and having landed their first Australian number one single with last year’s Pink Venom.

Jennie’s mid-song exit comes just a week after another visiting singer dramatically collapsed onstage during an Australian concert. Vivid festival headliner Ethel Cain fell backwards during the third song of her set at the Sydney Opera House last weekend, with the rest of her concert cancelled. She returned to the stage the following night to perform a shorter-than-usual six-song concert, staying seated for most of the show.