MANILA, Philippines – Since Thursday, June 6, Blinks have been up in arms over the #ShopeeScam, a hashtag that trended worldwide due to online retailer Shopee allegedly “scamming” fans into buying from their site for a “chance” to see BLACKPINK live during Thursday’s meet and greet. (READ: #ShopeeScam trends on Twitter as BLACKPINK returns to PH for meet and greet)
Fans accused Shopee of changing the mechanics at the last minute, leaving many buyers hanging. Some Blinks were lucky, some were not – and that includes a few local celebrities who are also fans of the South Korean girl group.
Anne Curtis-Smith, long-time Blink and avid K-pop fan, Tweeted in sympathy to her fellow Blinks. “I see your tweets. Big hugs blinks!” she said.
I know it will never be enough… but I’ll do my best to post as many vids for you guys sa IG ko… I see your tweets. Big hugs blinks!
— Anne Curtis-Smith (@annecurtissmith) June 6, 2019
Sharlene San Pedro, VJ and actress, also made it to the meet and greet, but made sure to express her immense gratitude for the opportunity to be there via a lengthy Instagram post.
“I’ve stanned so many artists and all I can say is that I never felt a stronger connection than what I have with @blackpinkofficial,” she wrote.
MayMay Entrata also took to Instagram and Twitter to express her happiness and gratitude to God.
“‘Di ko man capture lahat pero ang makita sila ng malapitan ay sapat na para punuin ng saya ang puso ko. Glory to God!” she said. (I didn’t get to capture everything but just seeing them up close is enough to fill my heart with happiness. Glory to God!)
Sainyo nagsimula ang pagkabuang ko sa mundo ng K-pop BOW #shopeeblackpinkinmnl @shopeeph https://t.co/0Zob72Er4O
— Maymay (@maymayentrata07) June 5, 2019
Host and actress Ella Cruz, however, approached the issue with a bit more shade.
I’m just here sniffing my yadom.
— ec. (@itsEllaCruz) June 7, 2019
So did Loisa Andalio, who took a blunter approach to the situation, relating to her fellow hurt Blinks because of her similar “lack of connections”.
BLACKPINK!!!!!!!!!
— Loisa Andalio (@iamAndalioLoisa) June 6, 2019
ang sakit, grabeeee relate ako!
wala din akong connection ih
Despite all the clamor and chaos, Jennie of BLACKPINK, who some fans also noticed was feeling “unwell” during the event, made sure to thank her fans for their support after the meet and greet.
“Thank you @shopee_ph for having us today and to our Philippines Blinks for the warm welcome. I love you guys,” she wrote.
On the night of Thursday, June 6, Shopee released an official statement apologizing to BLACKPINK fans, saying that the “event fell short of high standards.” On Friday, June 7, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it would probe into the alleged Shopee scam. – Rappler.com
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