BLACKPINK

BLACKPINK was formed by YG Entertainment as the agency’s first new girl group in seven years, following 2NE1. The group consists of four members: Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa. They officially debuted on August 8, 2016 with the digital single album SQUARE ONE. The members had trained between four and six years before debuting, and despite having no official “leader,” they are described as close friends who each carry their own leadership qualities.

The group’s concept blended a tougher “black” identity with a glamorous “pink” one, a contrast reflected musically – Jennie and Lisa’s rap verses give songs a punchy edge, while Jisoo and Rosé’s vocals add melodic depth. This combination made BLACKPINK’s sound instantly recognizable across markets and languages.

Within three weeks of debut, BLACKPINK placed second behind EXO for brand reputation based on a study by the Korea Institute of Corporate Reputation in August 2016. Their releases like “Whistle,” “Boombayah,” “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du,” “Kill This Love,” and “Pink Venom” helped them become global chart regulars. In 2019, they became the first K-pop girl group to headline Coachella, and in 2023 they returned as the first K-pop act to headline the festival outright.

After their individual contracts with YG expired, all four members renewed their contracts for group activities only, while pursuing independent solo ventures – Jisoo founded BLISOO, Jennie launched ODD ATELIER and signed with Columbia Records, Rosé signed with The Black Label and Atlantic Records, and Lisa partnered with LLOUD and RCA. YG announced BLACKPINK would have a comeback in 2025 along with a world tour, and in early 2026 the group released their third Korean mini album, Deadline, featuring the single “Go.”

Deadline (2026) set first-day and first-week sales records for a Korean girl group, and BLACKPINK has surpassed 40 billion streams and 20 million records sold worldwide, making them one of the best-selling girl groups of all time.