BLACKPINK

BLACKPINK was formed by YG Entertainment after years of training and auditions. Jennie had been training since 2010, while Lisa was the only trainee selected from 4,000 applicants at YG's Thailand audition in 2010. Jisoo and Rosé joined later through local and global tryouts. The final lineup was announced in June 2016, and the group made a powerful debut with Square One. The double title tracks Whistle and Boombayah immediately caught attention, with Whistle topping the Gaon Digital Chart in South Korea.

The group quickly rose to fame with subsequent releases. Their 2018 single Ddu-Du Ddu-Du became a global hit, amassing hundreds of millions of YouTube views and charting on the Billboard Hot 100. Their first Korean-language EP, Square Up, cemented their place in K-pop. In 2019, they released Kill This Love, which earned them their first top 40 entry on the Hot 100. The following year saw the release of their debut studio album The Album, featuring the single How You Like That, which broke multiple records including the most-viewed YouTube music video premiere.

In 2022, BLACKPINK returned with their second studio album Born Pink, led by the single Pink Venom. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, making them the first K-pop girl group to achieve this. Their Born Pink World Tour became the highest-grossing tour by a female group in history, earning over $250 million from 66 shows. The group has headlined major festivals like Coachella and performed at events such as the VMAs and the British Summer Time Hyde Park.

Beyond music, BLACKPINK members have built strong individual brands. Jennie launched her own fashion label, ODD ATELIER. Rosé released a solo album R in 2021. Jisoo starred in the K-drama Snowdrop. Lisa released her solo single Lalisa and became a global ambassador for Celine and Bvlgari. As of 2025, BLACKPINK remains active, though each member has also pursued solo projects under YG and individual contracts. [edit]

The story of BLACKPINK begins around 2010, when YG Entertainment started scouting for a new girl group following the success of 2NE1. CEO Yang Hyun-suk wanted a group with a fresh, edgy image and strong individual talents. Worldwide auditions brought in thousands of hopefuls. Jennie, who had returned to South Korea after studying in New Zealand, joined YG as a trainee in 2010. She quickly became one of the most anticipated trainees, appearing in collaborations with labelmates even before debut.

In 2010, YG held auditions in Thailand. Of the 4,000 applicants, only one passed: a 13-year-old girl named Lalisa Manoban, now known as Lisa. She moved to South Korea and began rigorous training in singing, dancing, and Korean. Jisoo joined through a local audition in 2011. Rosé, born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, aced an audition in Sydney in 2012. The group was originally planned to debut with seven members in 2012, but the lineup kept changing. Over the years, several trainees were cut, including Jang Hanna and Moon Sua. Finally, in May 2016, YG confirmed the four-member lineup. Jennie was revealed first on June 1, then Lisa on June 8, followed by Jisoo and Rosé. BLACKPINK debuted on August 8, 2016. [edit]

BLACKPINK's music is a fusion of K-pop, EDM, hip hop, and trap, characterized by hard-hitting drops, catchy hooks, and rap verses. Their sound evolved from the girl crush concept popularized by 2NE1, but with a more polished, global appeal. Early songs like Boombayah and Playing with Fire featured heavy bass and chant-like choruses. The group later incorporated pop influences, as seen in collaborations with Dua Lipa (Kiss and Make Up) and Lady Gaga (Sour Candy). Lyrical themes often center on confidence, heartbreak, and empowerment, delivered with a mix of Korean and English.

Production is led by YG's in-house team Teddy Park, known for his signature minimal beat and synth textures. The group's vocal line, Rosé and Jisoo, often carries melodic parts, while Jennie and Lisa switch between rap and singing. Choreography is a key element, with intricate dance breaks that go viral. BLACKPINK's style has been described as addictive and cinematic, with music videos that feature high production value and fashion-forward visuals. [edit]

BLACKPINK's influence extends far beyond music. They are credited with bringing K-pop to mainstream Western audiences and breaking down barriers for Asian artists in the global pop scene. The group's fashion sense has made them style icons, with each member landing high-profile brand ambassador roles: Jisoo for Dior, Jennie for Chanel, Rosé for Yves Saint Laurent, and Lisa for Celine. They have graced the covers of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle multiple times.

The group's presence on social media is monumental. BLACKPINK's YouTube channel is the most subscribed for a music group, and they have billions of total views. Their impact on social media trends, from dance challenges to aesthetic inspiration, is undeniable. BLACKPINK also broke the glass ceiling for K-pop girls at festivals, becoming the first K-pop girl group to perform at Coachella in 2019 and headlining BST Hyde Park in 2023. Their documentary Blackpink: Light Up the Sky on Netflix offered an intimate look into their journey. They also advocate for environmental causes, with Jennie and Rosé participating in climate action campaigns. [edit]

BLACKPINK's fandom is named BLINK, a combination of black and pink. Fans are known for their immense loyalty and powerful streaming projects. The official lightstick, called Bl-ping-bong, resembles a pink hammer with a heart-shaped tip. The fan color is black and pink, often seen at concerts as a sea of pink light sticks. BLINKs have organized multiple charity fundraisers in the group's name, including supporting education and disaster relief.

Notable fan traditions include hosting birthday projects for each member, such as billboard advertisements and donations. Fan chants are an essential part of concerts, especially during songs like Ddu-Du Ddu-Du and How You Like That. The fandom also engages in mass voting for awards, often setting records for highest vote counts. Despite occasional fan wars, BLINKs are recognized for their ability to get BLACKPINK trending on social media within minutes of any announcement. [edit]

BLACKPINK's name was chosen by Yang Hyun-suk to represent a mix of fierce and pretty, rejecting the usual cute image. Jennie was the first member to be revealed, and she had featured on labelmate G-Dragon's song Black before debut. Lisa is the only foreign member; she learned Korean through watching Korean dramas. Rosé plays the guitar and piano and originally auditioned in Australia ranked first. Jisoo is the oldest member and often acts as the group's mood maker. [edit]