Fame often looks glamorous from the outside, especially in the world of global pop, rap, and hip hop culture. But behind the lights, interviews, and chart success, artists are still human, navigating emotions, privacy, and expectations that most people never have to face.
BLACKPINK’s Rosé recently reminded fans of that reality during a podcast appearance that quickly turned emotional. What started as a simple question turned into a moment that exposed the deeper pressure placed on K-pop idols, particularly women, when it comes to dating and personal freedom.
Her reaction struck a chord across music communities, from K-pop fans to rap and hip hop listeners who recognize similar patterns of scrutiny in the industry. The moment wasn’t about gossip; it was about boundaries, identity, and the cost of being constantly watched.
BLACKPINK's Rosé opens up about dating pressure
Rosé appeared on Wednesday’s episode of Call Her Daddy, where host Alex Cooper asked the 28-year-old singer if she was currently seeing anyone. The question immediately sparked a visible reaction. "Oh my God," she said. "If I'm like, 'No,' such a lie, you can tell. … I am looking for love."
While lighthearted at first, Rosé quickly explained why answering honestly feels impossible. She described how even a short response can spiral into headlines, comments, and narratives she has no control over.
“The first thing when you ask something like that, it's like all the articles, all the comments, I just see it like roll down,” the singer said. “And who has been plotting my downfall being, like, 'This is the comment we take ... so if anything happens, this is the interview we go back to,' to tie this crazy story about how 'addicted' to men I am, for example."
Being human under a global spotlight
As her voice began to break, Rosé spoke about how deeply this constant interpretation affects her and others in the industry. “That's all I think about, so I would love to just be like 'yes' or 'no.’ But being like, 'Is this going to define who I am?' How sad! How sad of a reality is that? That makes me sad.”
She continued, emphasizing that fame doesn’t erase basic humanity: “It makes me sad for a lot of the industry … I feel like it's just a normal thing. Just because I was from a K-pop group doesn't mean I am a different type of human being. I think we're all born with legs and arms, and everyone's human.”
Rosé also pointed out the fear of having words twisted beyond recognition. “It's not like I'm saying the craziest thing right now,” she said “Am I saying I killed someone? No.”
Industry rules and the cost of image
Rosé debuted with BLACKPINK in 2016 under YG Entertainment, a label known, like many South Korean companies, for enforcing dating bans early in artists’ careers. These rules are designed to protect idol images, often portraying stars as romantically available to fans.
Earlier in the interview, Rosé shared her desire for anonymity.
“I would go to the busiest place on earth and just walk down ... New York, Seoul, or any theme park and just walk on the streets,” she shared. “I still go, but I kind of have to hide,” she continued. “I'd dress really cute, and I would go with friends.” She added that when she was younger, she “dreamed of going to a theme park with a boyfriend."
Rosé later described this reality as “a downside to everything,” acknowledging that success comes with emotional trade-offs. While no longer signed to YG Entertainment as a solo artist, she remains part of BLACKPINK’s group activities.
Despite the pressure, her music continues to resonate globally. Rosé is nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year at the 2026 Grammy Awards for her viral hit “APT.” with Bruno Mars, further cementing her impact across pop, rap, and hip hop audiences worldwide.