LVMH Heir Visits Korea During BLACKPINK Lisa Tour Sparking Romance Speculation

Lisa: Courtesy of Instagram

Frédéric Arnault, CEO of luxury brand Loro Piana and heir to the LVMH empire, made a strategic business visit to South Korea this week, meeting with executives from the country's leading department stores. The timing of his visit has generated significant attention, coinciding precisely with BLACKPINK's highly anticipated Deadline World Tour launch in Seoul.

The 29-year-old French businessman, son of billionaire Bernard Arnault, arrived in Korea on July 7th for what sources describe as routine business meetings with retail partners. However, the visit's timing has fueled widespread speculation about his rumored relationship with BLACKPINK member Lisa, who performed at the Goyang Sports Complex on July 5th and 6th.

Business Meetings Amid Romance Rumors

During his Seoul visit, Arnault conducted meetings with senior executives from Korea's four major department store chains, discussing expansion strategies for LVMH's luxury portfolio in the Korean market. The meetings focused on strengthening partnerships for brands including Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Loro Piana across premium retail locations.

Frédéric Arnault, Lisa: Courtesy of Instagram

Korean retail industry insiders confirmed that such high-level visits are standard practice for LVMH's regional business development, particularly given Korea's status as one of Asia's most lucrative luxury markets. The country's growing appetite for premium brands has made it a strategic priority for European luxury conglomerates.

BLACKPINK's Triumphant Return

BLACKPINK kicked off their 2025 "DEADLINE" world tour with a brand new song called "JUMP" as part of a 21-song setlist. The concerts marked the group's first major tour in nearly two years, drawing thousands of fans to Seoul's Goyang Stadium for the opening performances.

The world tour represents a significant milestone for the quartet, featuring an extensive itinerary spanning multiple continents. Industry analysts view the tour as a crucial commercial venture, with projected revenues exceeding previous K-pop touring records.

Ongoing Dating Speculation

Romance rumors between Arnault and Lisa have persisted since 2023, with multiple public sightings fueling media speculation. Lisa was spotted spending time with the Arnault family in Italy, while Arnault was seen supporting Lisa at the premiere of The White Lotus in Thailand on Valentine's Day 2025.

The relationship has attracted significant attention from both entertainment and business media, given the convergence of K-pop's global influence and luxury fashion's commercial interests. Neither party has officially confirmed the relationship, though Lisa has acknowledged being the subject of dating rumors through social media posts.

Cultural and Commercial Implications

The intersection of K-pop celebrity culture and luxury business represents a broader trend in global entertainment marketing. Lisa's association with luxury brands, particularly Louis Vuitton, has proven commercially successful, with her influence driving significant engagement among younger demographics.

Marketing experts note that celebrity partnerships in the luxury sector have become increasingly important for reaching Asian consumers, with K-pop stars serving as particularly effective brand ambassadors. The potential relationship between Arnault and Lisa exemplifies the growing convergence between entertainment and luxury commerce.

As BLACKPINK continues their world tour with upcoming dates across Asia, Europe, and North America, industry observers will likely continue monitoring any developments in the rumored relationship between the French heir and the Thai-born K-pop star.