In a fast-moving story that briefly cast a shadow over her Met Gala debut, the controversy surrounding unreturned designer outfits for BLACKPINK’s Jisoo has officially reached a resolution.
On May 6, 2026, Belgian fashion designer Benjamin Voortmans, founder of the brand Judassime, released a clarifying update stating that the issue is being fixed and was largely a result of a massive communication breakdown with the project’s management team.
This update effectively de-escalated a viral situation that had initially labeled the incident as a “theft” of high-value garments.
The situation first came to light on May 5, when Voortmans posted a series of emotional videos on Instagram alleging that three “very important” pieces from his latest collection- sent to South Korea six months ago for an album cover photoshoot- had never been returned.
The designer expressed deep frustration, claiming that Jisoo’s team had repeatedly postponed the shoot and ceased all correspondence despite the brand sending legal invoices and contracts.
However, in his subsequent “Update” video, Voortmans clarified that his primary grievance was with the professional management and staff handling the shoot, rather than the artist herself.
The ‘Misunderstanding’ Explained: A Systemic Management Failure
In his clarification, Voortmans emphasized that using Jisoo’s name in the initial post was a desperate tactical move to get a response after half a year of silence.
“I never intended to attack Jisoo,” the designer stated, explaining that her name was prominent in all email threads and project documents.
He further revealed that the issue was not isolated to his brand, but appeared to be a broader failure within the production team that had reportedly led even the American side of the shoot to stop working with them.
The resolution was triggered by a call from a representative in the United States, confirming that the situation is being handled and that a staff member will be dispatched to South Korea to retrieve the items.
Despite the resolution, Voortmans stood by his decision to go public, noting that for a young designer, being ignored for six months is “terrible” and unprofessional. He stated:
“The whole team should be aware to treat people better next time and to address if there is any problem.”
Impact and Context: Met Gala Triumphs vs. Behind-the-Scenes Friction
The timing of the allegations was particularly sensitive, as they erupted just as Jisoo was making headlines for her first-ever appearance at the 2026 Met Gala.
While the designer drama swirled online, Jisoo was physically in New York, where she stunned in a custom Dior gown by Jonathan Anderson inspired by Claude Monet’s Impressionism.
The contrast between the high-profile custom couture she wore at the Met and the dispute over the independent Belgian pieces highlighted the complex logistical “pure flow” involved in global A-list styling.
As of now, neither Jisoo nor her agency has issued an official statement, as the matter was largely internal to the third-party production team.
With the garments now in the process of being recovered, the focus has shifted back to her successful Met Gala debut and her ongoing work as a global brand ambassador.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the accountability required in celebrity collaborations, but for Jisoo personally, the “positive direction” of her current career activities remains uninterrupted by this administrative hurdle.
Fans have largely rallied behind the singer, while the designer has urged an end to the online hate, reiterating that he still “loves what she stands for.”
