BLINKs were utterly baffled and upset after a corporation of hygiene goods in the Philippines attracted notoriety for their very unexpected BLACKPINK parody.
Hygienix offers a variety of household sanitation goods, from hand sanitizers to soaps available to purchase throughout the Philippines. For germicidal formulations destroying 99.99 percent of disease-causing bacteria, it's no wonder that the brand's latest publicity campaign focuses on COVID-19 safety.
But one of their Facebook posts has been a big surprise to BLINKs. Hygienix posted a photo on August 13, advertising their Germ-Kill alcohol — with BLACKPINK as its subject.
It's not unusual for today's labels to piggy-back off K-pop's popularity by connecting to consumers to their idols. However, transforming BLACKPINK into a "harmful bacteria," Hygienix took a very unexpected turn.
Hygienix posted a screenshot of a germ version of BLACKPINK, appropriately called "BLAH PINK," referring the lyrics to "How You Like That" in their update.
Each ghastly-looking, green germ (who says Hygienix is "ready to strike our beloved Kpop[sic]") focuses each member of BLACKPINK.
Germsoo is centered on Jisoo, Lisakit is based on Lisa ("sakit" being "ill" in Filipino), Roseeww is designed like Rosé, and Germnie is based on Jennie. BLACKPINK's united supporters had no idea how and what to respond when the post exploded over Twitter on August 19. (via Koreaboo)
Most BLINKs are furious at Hygienix for using the image of BLACKPINK without prior consent. In the picture, BLACKPINK is compared to germs, and it's no great shock that the fans are distraught after seeing it.
In addition, Facebook's Ad Library shows that the company started running the thread as a promotional piece and going out to the company's brand Facebook following 128,000 users.
Of course, fans feel that the advertisement has the potential to cause harm to the brand identity and popularity of BLACKPINK. On the other hand, some fans view the ad as a hilarious and humorous pick-me-up throughout a severe disease outbreak.
The posting has a 14,000 "Haha" reaction on Facebook, as contrasted to 4,800 "Angry" emotional responses. To date, neither Hygienix nor YG Entertainment has put out a statement addressing the matter.