Hugh Grant admits to becoming a “blink” after attending BLACKPINK’s concert in Hyde Park last weekend

You can add Hugh Grant now to the list of celebrity fans of K-Pop group BLACKPINK, after the “Four Weddings and a Funeral” actor attended their show at BST Hyde Park over the weekend. Despite attending with three eleven year olds, it would appear that their set in London on Sunday won over even an older generation of Brits during their debut UK festival performance.

Taking to Twitter after the event, Grant wrote “very grateful to three eleven year olds for taking me to see @BLACKPINK yesterday. Am rabid Blink now." “Blink” is the term used to describe fans of BLACKPINK, similar to Taylor Swift fans being called “Swifties.” 

Grant then jokes about one of the pieces of merchandise that he picked up from the show, continuing his tweet with "slept with my heart hammer," a nod to the pink hammer-shaped light sticks known as BI-Ping-Bong that have become a signature of BLACKPINK's concerts. Some even commented to People that they even saw the actor sport a BLACKPINK hooded top - though which one remains a mystery. 

Despite concerns during their Japan and Australia tour dates, with illnesses affecting both Jisoo and “The Idol” actress Jennie Kim, the show at BST Hyde Park was a resounding success, with around 65,000 thousand in attendance to watch BLACKPINK become the first South Korean act to headline a UK music festival. 

In a review on the BBC, their music correspondent Mark Savage wrote “so while they might have seemed an outlier on the UK festival circuit, where this year's headliners are largely safe, tried-and-tested acts like Arctic Monkeys, The Killers and The Strokes, BLACKPINK were a smart choice for the more adventurous BST line-up.”

Who else are self-confessed “blinks” for BLACKPINK?

So who else could Hugh Grant talk to and extol his love of BLACKPINK, while in the interim those celebrities might also refer him to the works of BTS, EXO and Seventeen?

Dua Lipa

Some consider Dua Lipa as the first Western artist to truly embrace BLACKPINK and use her fame to help signal boost the South Korean act. Dua Lipa reached out to BLACKPINK's management expressing her interest in working with the group. This led to the creation of the song "Kiss and Make Up," which was included as a bonus track on the deluxe edition of Dua Lipa's self-titled debut album.

"Kiss and Make Up" was released in October 2018 and quickly gained popularity, receiving positive feedback from fans and music critics alike. The collaboration showcased Dua Lipa's and BLACKPINK's unique musical styles, blending together elements of pop, electronic, and K-Pop. The song became a hit, charting in multiple countries and garnering millions of views and streams.

Since their collaboration, Dua Lipa has shown continued support for BLACKPINK. She has attended BLACKPINK's concerts, posted about them on social media, and even joined them for performances during their live shows

James Corden

It takes a special kind of performer to be invited to take part in James Corden’s viral sensation “Carpool Karaoke,” so the inclusion of BLACKPINK as part of the long-running sketch that was part of “The Late Late Show with James Corden” gives you some indication he is a fan of their music.

However, BTS fans gave him their wrath after he told audiences that they were the first K-Pop band to ever earn a Billboard Album Chart number one. BTS fans will be quick to inform you that it was Jimin, Jung Kook and company who achieved that feat first. Still - for James to signal boost the band in such a way demonstrates his enjoyment of the group.

Will Smith

Will Smith was a “blink” before BLACKPINK was even a thing; so the story goes anyway. But allegedly, Will Smith became a BLACKPINK fan after meeting the group in 2013 at YG Entertainment headquarters while visiting with his son Jaden, who is also a fan of K-pop. At the time, BLACKPINK had not yet debuted. 

Years later, when BLACKPINK performed at Coachella in 2019, Will Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith attended their performances and even took a selfie with the group backstage. Will Smith shared the picture on his Instagram and admitted to becoming a fan of the group much like Hugh Grant did. 

Jennie from BLACKPINK mentioned that they had a chance to meet Will Smith at Coachella, where he performed on stage with his son Jaden. She described Will as being really nice to them. 

Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande's friendship with BLACKPINK has grown over time through various interactions and moments of support. The exact moment when Ariana became a BLACKPINK fan is not specified, but their bond can be traced back to different instances. 

Ariana liked a fan-art post featuring BLACKPINK member Jennie on Instagram in July 2018, while Rosé and Jennie showed support for Ariana's album "Sweetener" on their Instagram in August 2018. In March 2019, Rosé uploaded a playful cover of Ariana's "7 Rings," and Ariana expressed her knowledge of BLACKPINK and her plan to see them at Coachella. They finally met at Coachella in April 2019, and a photo of them together went viral.

Halsey

Halsey's "Boy With Luv" collaboration with BLACKPINK in 2019 marked a significant moment in both artists' careers. The song blends K-pop and Western pop elements, combining Halsey's signature style with BLACKPINK's energetic vocals and rap verses. "Boy With Luv" showcases a catchy and vibrant sound, highlighting the strengths of both Halsey and BLACKPINK.

The collaboration garnered immense attention and anticipation from fans of both artists. Halsey's involvement further amplified the global appeal of the track, contributing to its widespread popularity. The music video for "Boy With Luv" also broke several records upon its release, achieving millions of views within hours and setting new milestones on YouTube.

Beyond the collaboration, Halsey has expressed her admiration for BLACKPINK's talent and music. She has attended BLACKPINK's concerts as a supportive guest and has shared backstage moments with the members on social media.