BLACKPINK's concert organizers apologize for the 'cow tongue line' image on the website

On July 6, IME Music Company Limited (IME Vietnam), the organizer of the BLACKPINK concert in Hanoi , apologized for the incident regarding the image that was circulated on some media. IME Vietnam representative said that they had worked directly and sent an explanation letter to the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports and related ministries and branches about the incident.

The company representative said that IME is a multinational entertainment company established in 2006 with more than 11 offices across Asia, including Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Korea, Philippines..., bringing opportunities to promote the development of the global entertainment and tourism industry. The website spreading the image is a joint website of regional offices in Asia and is not the official website of the Vietnamese company (The company currently does not have an official website operating domain name registration in Vietnam and only operates on some social networking platforms with the name IME Vietnam).

BLACKPINK's concert organizers apologize for the map image with the "cow tongue line" on the iMe Entertainment website.

Regarding the goal of establishing an office in Vietnam and explaining the image that was spread, Mr. Brian Chow, CEO of IME, said: “The map image on the website does not represent any national territory and we are aware of respecting the sovereignty and culture of all countries where IME is present. IME has quickly reviewed and committed to replacing images that are not suitable for the Vietnamese people. IME's goal in Vietnam is to bring Vietnamese fans the world's top programs and artists, so we look forward to receiving the welcome and support of the local government and the people of Vietnam. Once again, we would like to express our most sincere apologies for this unfortunate misunderstanding." IME representative said that the company is actively coordinating with relevant agencies to complete the official additional procedures for the program.

Previously, social networks were abuzz with suspicions that iMe Entertainment Company - the organizer of the concert called Born Pink World Tour Hanoi of BLACKPINK in Hanoi - shared a map with the "cow tongue line" that made many Vietnamese fans angry, calling for a "boycott" of Born Pink World Tour Hanoi. On July 5, Chief Inspector of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Le Thanh Liem said that he had received the information and the Department of Performing Arts had sent a document to the program's licensing unit, the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, for verification.

Speaking to the press, Mr. Le Thanh Liem said that because the website address is overseas and currently inaccessible, the Ministry Inspectorate is coordinating with relevant units to verify and find a solution.

The two BLACKPINK concerts in Hanoi were highly anticipated by the Vietnamese public. However, fans have repeatedly expressed disappointment about the event in recent days. In particular, ticket prices are said to be higher than those in regional countries such as Thailand and Singapore, while the concert organization is not up to par.

My Anh

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