How did BLACKPINK become a global musician?

South Korea’s pop music scene can be divided into two eras: before and after the debut of “Seo Taiji and Boys.” The group’s influence on music and culture was nothing short of revolutionary. One of the members of this iconic band is Yang Hyun-suk, who went on to create the now-famous Korean entertainment company, YG Entertainment.

BLACKPINK, a four-member South Korean girl group, debuted under YG Entertainment in 2016 and has since become one of the most popular female groups globally, if not the most popular. They have captivated fans with their incredible performances and catchy songs.

For instance, their June 2018 release “DDU-DU DDU-DU” has amassed over 2 billion views, while “Kill This Love,” released in April 2019, has garnered more than 1.75 billion views. BLACKPINK’s success is a testament to the continued impact of YG Entertainment and the legacy of Seo Taiji and Boys.

“Whistle” is one of BLACKPINK’s debut singles, featuring a harmonious blend of EDM and house music rhythms with a sentimental melody. The members showcase their unique vocal colors and styles in the song, alternating between smooth singing parts and rap sections that heighten the tension, creating the overall atmosphere of the track.

“Playing with Fire” is another debut single by BLACKPINK, featuring a catchy melody and an upbeat rhythm. In this song, the members’ voices and rap are well-balanced, blending various genres such as jazz and rock to create a unique atmosphere.

“As If It’s Your Last” is a 2017 single by BLACKPINK, characterized by its bright, cheerful melody and powerful drum beats. In this song, the members showcase both their vocal and rap skills, with Rosé’s impressive vocals spanning a wide range from low to high notes.

“DDU-DU DDU-DU” is the title track of BLACKPINK’s 2018 album “SQUARE UP,” featuring an overwhelming beat and powerful lyrics. This song is one of BLACKPINK’s most famous tracks, gaining popularity worldwide.

“Kill This Love” is the title track of BLACKPINK’s 2019 album “KILL THIS LOVE,” which combines intense EDM sounds with hip-hop elements.

Jisoo

Jisoo is the main vocalist of BLACKPINK, captivating fans with her charming voice and outstanding stage presence. She trained at YG Entertainment even before BLACKPINK’s debut, appearing in various commercials and music videos during her pre-debut days.

Jisoo is known to be a very approachable member within the group, easily connecting with fans. She’s always trying new music, performances, and styles for her fans, growing alongside them in her journey.

In addition, Jisoo has a keen sense of fashion, earning her popularity in the fashion world through collaborations with renowned brands like Dior. She consistently showcases stylish outfits and accessories during BLACKPINK’s activities, capturing the attention of fans with her fashionable looks.

Jennie

As the main rapper, Jennie’s unique rap style and exceptional musical sense have garnered her a large fanbase. She also hails from YG Entertainment as a trainee and, like Jisoo, has gained significant popularity in the fashion industry through collaborations with famous brands such as Chanel even before her debut.

Jennie achieved great success with her solo debut track “Solo.” Her distinct vocals and rap style have won the hearts of many fans, and she continues to showcase her unique musical sense in BLACKPINK’s songs.

Jennie is one of the most popular members of BLACKPINK, and her musical talents and style have earned her the love of fans. Additionally, she holds considerable influence in the fashion world, and it’s expected that she’ll continue to excel in various fields in the future.

Rosé

As the main vocalist in the group, Rosé has captured the hearts of many fans with her unique voice. Born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, she is fluent in Korean, English, and Japanese.

Rosé is also skilled in playing the guitar, and her live performances utilizing her guitar skills are truly impressive. Her high vocal range and stable live singing have touched many people.

Rosé is also active as an ambassador for the fashion brand Saint Laurent. Her posts on Instagram featuring Saint Laurent products have a massive impact, making her the first Korean to be the face of the brand’s campaign ads. She was the main model for their fall season campaign, wearing the Solferino satchel bag. Saint Laurent’s chief designer, Anthony Vaccarello, even gifted her a handwritten letter and a comeback present.

Lisa

As the lead dancer and lead rapper, Lisa is the only member of BLACKPINK hailing from Thailand. She captivates fans with her dynamic and charismatic stage performances as an exceptional dancer in the group.

Moreover, her Thai background plays a significant role in boosting BLACKPINK’s worldwide popularity, particularly in Southeast Asia, including Thailand. She’s a highly popular idol in Thailand, promoting Thai culture and language to the masses.

With her uniquely charming face, Lisa has become a muse for Celine, led by Hedi Slimane, and was officially selected as a global ambassador for the 2020 F/W season. Not only is she an ambassador for Celine, but she also represents the luxury jewelry brand BVLGARI.

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As of March 2022, BLACKPINK enjoys immense popularity on YouTube with over 67 million subscribers. Their music videos have collectively amassed over 7.5 billion views.

Their first mini-album, “Square Up,” ranked 40th on the Billboard 200 chart. In April 2019, they became the first K-pop girl group to perform at the Coachella Music Festival.

In April 2019, they were recognized as the K-pop girl group with the most views on YouTube. In June 2020, they made a comeback with “How You Like That,” which topped music charts in 60 countries and ranked first in over 100 countries on global music streaming platforms.

In August 2020, their first full-length album, “The Album,” was released and reached second place on the Billboard 200 chart, marking the highest-ever rank for a K-pop girl group.

BLACKPINK’s fandom, known as “BLINK,” is incredibly active worldwide. BLINKs not only join the official fan club but also actively participate in various online communities, including social media.

Communication between BLACKPINK and their fans is famously active. Members often send messages to fans through social media, conduct live broadcasts, and prioritize communication with fans. They also operate an official fan club, offering various benefits and events for members.

Fans can connect with BLACKPINK 24/7 online, thanks to videos showcasing the members’ daily lives and live broadcasts on BLACKPINK TV.

Since their debut, BLACKPINK has achieved a lot, making their mark not only in music but also in culture and fashion.

While BLACKPINK has already gained global popularity, they are expected to continue growing as the leading K-pop girl group and delight their fans with even better music and performances.