Blackpink member Jennie Kim breaks silence after bailing on group’s Melbourne show mid-song

A member of one of the world’s biggest pop groups has released a statement after walking off stage at their Melbourne arena concert – and never returning.

A member of K-pop girl group Blackpink who bailed on their sold-out Melbourne arena concert has released a statement apologizing to fans.

Jennie Kim left the audience baffled during Sunday night’s performance at Rod Laver Arena after walking off stage just five songs into the show.

“Dear Melbourne Blinks,” Jennie began her post, which was shared on her Instagram Story. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t able to finish the show on Sunday. I’m doing my best to recover atm. Your understanding and support means the world to me. Thank you to everyone who came to your Melbourne show. Love you guys.”

In footage filmed by a fan, Jennie could be seen singing the night’s fifth number – Lovesick Girls – before suddenly leaving the stage:

Her mid-song departure left her bandmates Lisa, Jisoo and Rose to perform the rest of the two-hour concert as a trio.

“It seems that we will be proceeding with the rest of the show without Jennie,” Rose later told the crowd. “However, we will try our best to fill the stage up for you guys and give you the best night. In the meantime, our hearts will be with Jennie, supporting her.”

Jennie had been absent from the concert’s soundcheck earlier in the day, with Rose telling fans that she’s “not feeling too well today … she thought it would be best if she rests up so she could be in a better condition for you tonight.”

A statement released by the band’s management, YG Entertainment, confirmed that Jennie had been “unable to complete the stage due to her deteriorating condition”.

“Jennie expressed her strong determination to carry on with the performance until the end. However, following medical advice on site, we immediately took measures to ensure she receives ample rest and stability.

Jennie’s mid-song exit comes just a week after another visiting singer dramatically collapsed onstage during an Australian concert. Vivid festival headliner Ethel Cain fell backward during the third song of her set at the Sydney Opera House last weekend, with the rest of her concert canceled. She returned to the stage the following night to perform a shorter-than-usual six-song concert, staying seated for most of the show.