On January 21, 2025, BLACKPINK’s Rosé was announced as the face of the Valentine’s Day collection of Kim Kardashian’s brand, SKIMS. While the partnership marks another milestone for the K-pop idol, it has been overshadowed by criticism stemming from Kardashian’s past political associations.
The collaboration comes amid ongoing tensions in the world, leading many to question the timing of the release and whether it aligns with the values expected of high-profile figures in such times.
The backlash intensified due to Kardashian’s alleged perceived ties with U.S. President Donald Trump. Critics have pointed out her previous appearances at the White House and efforts during Trump’s presidency, which some interpreted as tacit support for his administration. An X user, @butterflycult01 wrote,
"Working with multiple zionists and modeling for a racist Trump supporter. there has to be a line where you put these celebs in their right place they're not even that talented."
A recent Instagram post by Kardashian, featuring Melania Trump at Trump’s inauguration, reignited debate over her political stance. Many saw the post as a subtle endorsement of Trump and the Republican Party, sparking further dissatisfaction among fans who view these associations as controversial.
"kim posting rosé’s skims campaign today of all days she’s trying to sabotage my queen," a fan wrote.
"Rosé for skims ?! the devil works hard, but Kim Kardashian works harder," a netizen commented.
"Why does it have to be a TRUMP SUPPORTER brand? Like can she NOT ffs you don’t need a Kardashian check that bad. I’m so annoyeddddd.," another person mentioned.
"I hate that she's now associated with that horrible family," a user wrote.
Fans expressed disappointment, suggesting that Rosé ’s alignment with Kardashian, a polarizing figure, could have been better considered.
"Chronically online but still can’t read the room," an X user commented.
"Collab with a zio billionaire trump supporter I have to laugh," a netizen remarked.
"First working with Bruno and now this. She is chronically online and knows about Palestine. She doesn’t care bc she’d rather get as much exposure as she can in the west. Her and Kim k are two yt women who stand for nothing," a user added.
More about BLACKPINK’s Rosé 's recent solo activities and recent achievements
Rosé ’s solo journey has been marked by monumental achievements, with her debut full-length album Rosie released in late 2024. The album, a 12-track introspection into themes of heartbreak, personal growth, and reflection, showcases her artistic evolution.
The album includes standout tracks such as Number One Girl, Toxic Till the End, and APT., the latter featuring Bruno Mars. APT. has been a chart-topping phenomenon, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and holding steady for three consecutive weeks. It also marked Rosé as the first K-pop female artist to enter the Billboard Radio Songs Top 10.
Rosie debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, earning the artist the title of the highest-charting female K-pop solo artist on the chart. With over 102,000 album-equivalent units sold in its debut week, the album’s success underscores her ability to captivate both local and international audiences.
As Rosé continues to break records and redefine boundaries, her solo career exemplifies her status as a multifaceted artist. From chart dominance to viral moments, she has balanced her artistry with widespread commercial success.