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BLACKPINK is set to make their long-awaited return to the stage with the DEADLINE world tour, beginning June 5. This marks not only their first full-group performance of 2025 but also their first official comeback tour in nearly three years. Anticipation is high among BLINKs worldwide, but a recent development has stirred mixed reactions in the fandom. Two days before the tour kickoff, South Korea-based fans reportedly overheard the group’s stage rehearsals outside Goyang Stadium and shared a probable setlist online.
According to those present during the practice session on June 3, BLACKPINK appeared to rehearse well-known hits such as As If It’s Your Last, FOREVER YOUNG, DDU-DU DDU-DU, How You Like That, and possibly PLAYING WITH FIRE. Short audio snippets were also recorded and circulated on social media, sparking immediate fan discussion.
The leaked setlist quickly drew criticism from some fans who noted it closely resembled the lineup from BLACKPINK’s previous BORN PINK tour, which ran from late 2022 to late 2023. While many acknowledged that the group hasn’t released a new album since then, they still expressed disappointment over the lack of variation in performance content. Several BLINKs pointed out that the group could have used the opportunity to spotlight lesser-performed tracks from their existing discography, such as Ice Cream, Love to Hate Me, The Happiest Girl, or Ready for Love.
On the other hand, a portion of the fandom took a more understanding approach. These fans noted that classics like Forever Young and As If It’s Your Last have become staples in BLACKPINK’s live shows and were expected to appear in the setlist regardless. Some also expressed hope that the group might still surprise fans with the inclusion of tracks they’ve never performed live before, even if the core of the setlist remains familiar.
At the heart of the debate lies a common concern: the group’s relatively limited discography. With only a handful of albums and singles released since their 2016 debut, many believe BLACKPINK faces challenges when trying to reinvent their setlists for new tours. Some fans argued that embarking on a global tour without a fresh album undercuts the excitement of the event, suggesting that it would have been wiser for the group to delay the tour until 2026 and release new material beforehand.
As the DEADLINE tour prepares to kick off, the question remains whether BLACKPINK will bring unexpected elements to their show or lean heavily on their established hits. Regardless, fans remain eager to witness the group’s return to the stage and are hopeful for memorable moments, whether through nostalgic performances or surprises still hidden behind the curtain.