The K-pop phenomenon has taken center stage once again, this time with a dramatic twist. In a recent appearance at the TIME 100 Talks, Lily Collins managed to stir up controversy with a seemingly innocuous comment about Blackpink’s Rose. The British-American actress, known for her roles in “To the Bone” and “Emily in Paris,” inadvertently thrust herself into the midst of a heated debate, leaving fans and celebrities alike holding their breaths in anticipation of Rose’s response. As the spotlight shines brightly on Collins, the question on everyone’s mind is: what led to this unexpected confrontation, and how will Blackpink’s Rose react to the unexpected jolt? In this article, we’ll explore the drama that unfolded and the implications it may have on the highly competitive K-pop scene. Get ready to be taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, as we dissect the intricacies of this unfolding drama.
TIME 100: Rose’s Milestone
Rose’s Journey to TIME 100
In 2012, Rose took a bold step by auditioning for YG Entertainment, a decision that would eventually lead her to become one of the most influential people in the world. Fast forward to 2025, and Rose finds herself listed under the “Pioneers” category in TIME 100: Most Influential People of 2025, sharing the spotlight with industry veterans like Ed Sheeran and Scarlett Johansson.
Rose’s reaction to being included in the list was one of gratitude and humility. The singer-songwriter took to social media to express her thanks to TIME Magazine for the honor, acknowledging the hard work and dedication that had led her to this milestone.
Lily Collins’ Tribute
Lily Collins, the Emily in Paris star, was chosen by TIME Magazine to write a heartfelt tribute to Rose, highlighting the singer’s growing influence in the entertainment industry. In her tribute, Collins praised Rose’s “badass” demeanor and work ethic, calling her an “icon and a boss.” The actor also shared her admiration for Rose’s kind nature, recounting their chance encounter at a Saint Laurent fashion show in Paris.
Collins wrote, “She was so sweet and calm amid all the chaos of the cameras and the crowd.” The actor confessed that the two artists “ended up chatting all night long about fashion, architecture, food, and travel,” and saw Rose as a “kindred spirit.” Collins expressed her appreciation for Rose’s accomplishments in the past year, calling her a “friend” and feeling “lucky” to have her in her life.
Rose’s Response
Rose responded to Collins’ tribute on Instagram Stories, thanking the actor for her kind words and calling her the “sweetest.” The singer also expressed her excitement about the honor, writing, “what a wild thing to wake up to.” Rose’s response was a testament to the singer’s humility and gratitude, acknowledging the support of her peers and the recognition of her hard work.
The Power of Kindred Spirits
A Chance Encounter
The chance encounter between Lily Collins and Rose at a Saint Laurent fashion show in Paris was the starting point of a beautiful friendship. Collins, a self-proclaimed Blackpink fan, was thrilled to sit beside Rose at the show and was struck by the singer’s kind demeanor and calm nature.
The two artists ended up chatting all night long about their shared interests, including fashion, architecture, food, and travel. This chance encounter blossomed into a “kindred” relationship, with Collins calling Rose a “kindred spirit” and feeling “lucky” to have her in her life.
A Kindred Relationship
TIME chose Lily Collins to write a tribute to Rose, and the actor reflected on how a chance encounter at a fashion show bloomed into a “kindred” relationship.
Collins acknowledged the musician’s kind demeanor, writing, “She was so sweet and calm amid all the chaos of the cameras and the crowd.”
Confessing how the two artists “ended up chatting all night long about fashion, architecture, food, and travel,” the actor saw Rose as a “kindred spirit,” adding that the two have “only grown closer since.”
Collins then praised the K-pop singer’s “badass” demeanor and work ethic. Calling her an “icon and a boss,” she expressed her appreciation for Rose “as both a member of the biggest girl group in the world and also as a solo artist.”
The actor concluded her tribute by revealing how she felt “lucky to call her [Rose] a friend,” emphasizing the vocalist’s accomplishments in the past year.
Celebrating Friendship
Rose responded to TIME and Lily Collins on Instagram Stories, thanking the magazine and calling the actor the “sweetest” for her heartfelt words.
In the subsequent story, she also expressed her excitement about the honor, writing, “what a wild thing to wake up to.”
With hit singles like “APT.” and “toxic till the end,” Blackpink’s Rose is building a legacy beyond the band’s massive fanbase. And appearing on the TIME 100: The Most Influential People of 2025 is only an example of her star power.
Fashion and Influence
Saint Laurent’s Spring ’21 Collection
Marking his fifth year as creative director at YSL, Anthony Vaccarello looked towards the 1960s, and 1990s for the collection — hence the cycling shorts.
Titled, “I wish you were here,” the spring ’21 womenswear line was presented not in its usual Paris backdrop, but instead virtually, where models were seen walking on sand dunes in a desert escape.
The collection was dedicated to the freedom of movement.
Lily Collins’ Style
Collins wore a complete look from YSL’s spring ’21 collection, which made its debut this morning.
Her ensemble was complete with bike shorts, a silk, neck-tie blouse from the line paired with sheer stockings and sling-back heels.
The Saint Laurent shoes were detailed with a metal capped toe.
Congrats @anthonyvaccarello on such a bangin and beautiful SS21 @ysl collection. And thank you @gregoryrussellhair for multitasking and taking photos – you do it all!
Blackpink’s Rosé’s Style
Blackpink singer Rosé also posted on Instagram this morning wearing a YSL spring ’21 look.
She also could be seen in a pair beige bike shorts paired with a matching silk blouse and an oversized pinstripe suit jacket.
The K-pop star has been a Saint Laurent ambassador since late June starring in the label’s fall ’20 campaign.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent controversy surrounding Lily Collins’ statement in TIME 100 has sparked a heated debate about cultural appropriation and representation. The actress’s praise for Blackpink’s Rose, which many perceived as dismissive and reductionist, has led to a wider discussion about the importance of cultural sensitivity and awareness. Through this incident, we are reminded that cultural exchange must be a two-way street, where both parties are respected and valued equally.
The implications of this controversy extend far beyond the realm of celebrity culture. It highlights the need for greater accountability and education in the media industry, where representation and diversity are often touted as buzzwords but rarely backed by concrete action. As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize meaningful collaboration and mutual respect, rather than mere tokenization or cultural exploitation. By doing so, we can foster a more inclusive and equitable cultural landscape that celebrates diversity in all its forms.