BLACKPINK’s Jisoo released her first solo mini-album, AMORTAGE, on February 14, 2025, sparking widespread acclaim and renewed criticism toward her former agency, YG Entertainment. The album’s success has intensified fan accusations that the company previously limited her artistic potential .
AMORTAGE Album Details and Record-Breaking Reception
AMORTAGE features four tracks: Earthquake (title track), Tears, Your Love, and Hugs & Kisses. Jisoo actively participated in its production, visuals, and concept design, marking her evolution as an independent artist . The music video for Earthquake, directed by Christian Breslauer (known for Ariana Grande and The Weeknd collaborations), includes a cameo by actor Cha Seung Won and has garnered over 50 million YouTube views in its first day .
“Jisoo three-dimensionally unraveled the emotion lines of excitement, favorability, and thrill implied by Earthquake… a well-made music video from which we can’t take our eyes off.” — Kpopping
The album also set a record as the second-highest first-day sales for a female soloist on Hanteo, trailing only Jisoo’s 2023 debut single ME .
Fan Backlash Over YG’s Alleged Sabotage
YG Entertainment faced backlash for announcing BLACKPINK’s 2025 world tour on February 5, just days after Jisoo revealed her solo Asia tour (Lights, Love, Action!) and days before AMORTAGE’s release. Fans accused the agency of intentionally overshadowing her solo promotions .
“Announcing a tour without a comeback during Jisoo’s solo era? Oh YG, I can see right through you.” — Twitter user @jisoostellar
Many linked the timing to YG’s reported financial struggles, including a projected -239 billion KRW operating loss for 2024 .
Netizens Praise Jisoo’s Post-YG Creative Freedom
Fans highlighted how AMORTAGE showcases Jisoo’s vocals and songwriting skills, contrasting her work with BLACKPINK’s limited releases under YG. Social media erupted with support:
YG was gatekepping jisoo so hard like he knew the potential she had but he never wanted the world to see her potential. I am so glad she left ygent as a soloist 😭
YG was gatekepping jisoo so hard like he knew the potential she had but he never wanted the world to see her potential. I am so glad she left ygent as a soloist 😭pic.twitter.com/F7MeFmIROK
jisoo has come so far, and her voice sounds insane in these songs. this is factual proof that yg/teddy did not know how to properly utilise her voice, BUT justice has been served. after all this time.
Others noted her busy schedule, including acting projects like the upcoming K-drama Newtopia and managing her label, BLISSOO .
BLACKPINK Members Thriving Post-YG
Netizens emphasized that all BLACKPINK members—Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa, and Rosé—have flourished since leaving YG in 2023. Lisa’s role in White Lotus Season 3, Jennie’s solo activities, and Rosé’s global collaborations contrast sharply with YG’s earlier restrictions .
“All four members have absolutely shitted on YG. They’re thriving without the company holding them back.”
An old interview where Jisoo criticized YG’s “dark and gloomy” practice rooms resurfaced, further fueling fan anger. She compared them unfavorably to SM Entertainment’s facilities during a 2023 vlog with Red Velvet’s Seulgi .
Saikat Nandy is an entertainment news writer who covers the latest trends and stories from the world of showbiz, has a keen eye for spotting the most interesting and relevant topics, and delivers them to his audience with flair and humor. He is also a freelance blogger, content writer, and website designer who loves to explore new technologies and creative ideas.
