Blackpink's Lisa rumored to be dating LVHM heir amid contract uncertainties
Lisa of Blackpink / Courtesy of YG Entertainment
By Hong Hye-min
Blackpink's Lisa is rumored to be dating LVMH heir and Tag Heuer CEO Frederic Arnault amid reports that she's failed to reach a deal to renew her contract with YG.
The rumors surrounding Lisa's contract situation came to light on Wednesday, with reports indicating that there was a significant gap between Lisa's demands and what the company was willing to offer. Her contract is due to expire next month. As speculation continues to grow, it's been suggested that YG's inability to finalize Lisa's schedule for the rest of the year is tied to the uncertainty surrounding the contract renewal, fueling the rumors about a breakdown in negotiations.
In response to the mounting rumors, YG Entertainment released a statement saying the matter is still under discussion. They clarified that the scheduling issues beyond the expiration of Lisa's current contract are unrelated to the negotiations and are due to ongoing tour commitments and personal matters.
The controversy surrounding Lisa has also taken an unexpected turn with the emergence of new dating rumors. Reports have suggested a budding romantic relationship between Lisa and Frederic Arnault, the CEO of Tag Heuer and heir to the LVMH Fashion Group.
These rumors gained traction after a video surfaced on social media, showing the pair spending time together at a restaurant in Paris.
Some believe that Lisa and Arnault are simply close friends, given his support of Blackpink and his public photo with the girl group following a recent performance. But the possibility of a romantic relationship between a K-pop superstar and one of the sons of the world's richest man was enough to generate serious buzz. YG Entertainment has declined to make an official comment on the matter.
Hong Hye-min (hhm@hankookilbo.com) is a reporter at The Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times. This article, previously published in The Hankook Ilbo, has been translated as part of a news-sharing program.