Blackpink was officially formed by YG Entertainment, one of the leading entertainment companies in South Korea. The group was introduced to the public with much anticipation, as YG Entertainment is known for producing successful K-pop acts like Big Bang and 2NE1. The formation of Blackpink aimed to bring a fresh and dynamic sound to the K-pop industry.
Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa: Each member of Blackpink brings their unique talents and personalities to the group. Jisoo, whose full name is Kim Ji-soo, is known for her powerful vocals and charming visuals. Jennie, whose full name is Jennie Kim, is the group’s main rapper and also showcases her strong singing abilities. Rosé, whose full name is Park Chae-young, is the main vocalist and has a distinct, soulful voice. Lisa, whose full name is Lalisa Manoban, is the group’s main dancer and rapper, known for her captivating stage presence.
“Square One” marked Blackpink’s official debut in the music industry. The single album consisted of two tracks: “Whistle” and “Boombayah.” Both songs showcased the group’s diverse musicality, with “Whistle” being a melodic hip-hop track and “Boombayah” delivering an energetic, trap-infused sound. The debut release gained immediate attention, setting the foundation for Blackpink’s successful career.
Their first music video, “Whistle,” reached 100 million views on YouTube in just 38 days, making them the fastest K-pop debut group to achieve this milestone at the time: Blackpink’s music videos quickly gained traction on YouTube, solidifying their global popularity. The music video for “Whistle” captivated audiences with its sleek visuals, catchy melody, and impressive choreography. The group’s immense talent, combined with their captivating visuals and unique music style, led to their rapid rise in popularity both domestically and internationally.
The name “Blinks” was chosen as the official fandom name for Blackpink, representing the combination of the group’s two contrasting concepts: “black” symbolizes the group’s strong and fierce side, while “pink” represents their lovely and feminine aspects. The fandom name reflects the supportive and dedicated fan base that has grown alongside Blackpink’s success. Blinks have played a significant role in the group’s achievements, constantly supporting them through various activities, music releases, and events.
“Square Up” marked Blackpink’s first mini-album release and showcased their growth as artists. The album featured the hit single “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du,” which became a massive success both in South Korea and internationally. “Square Up” made history by entering the Billboard 200 chart at number 40, making Blackpink the highest-charting female K-pop group at the time and further solidifying their global influence.
In April 2019, Blackpink made history by becoming the first K-pop girl group to perform at the renowned Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California, USA. Their electrifying performance attracted a massive crowd and received widespread acclaim, drawing attention not only from K-pop fans but also from a broader audience. This milestone further propelled Blackpink’s international recognition and established them as global icons.
Blackpink’s music videos have consistently broken records on YouTube, demonstrating their immense popularity and global reach. “Kill This Love,” released in 2019, showcased the group’s powerful vocals and intense choreography. The music video accumulated 100 million views within just under three days, setting a new record for the fastest time to reach this milestone at the time. The achievement highlighted the group’s dedicated fan base and their ability to captivate audiences worldwide.
In May 2020, Blackpink collaborated with global pop superstar Lady Gaga on the track “Sour Candy” for her highly anticipated album, “Chromatica.” The collaboration garnered significant attention, as it brought together two powerhouse acts from different music industries. “Sour Candy” showcased the unique blend of Blackpink’s edgy style with Lady Gaga’s signature pop sound, resulting in a chart-topping hit and further expanding Blackpink’s international fan base.
After several successful single and mini-album releases, Blackpink released their highly anticipated first full-length studio album, “The Album.” The album featured collaborations with artists like Selena Gomez and Cardi B. “The Album” debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying Blackpink’s position as one of the most influential and successful K-pop acts globally. The album received critical acclaim and further propelled the group’s chart dominance.
“How You Like That,” released in June 2020, created a massive buzz among fans and the general public. The music video shattered the previous record for the most views in the first 24 hours on YouTube, amassing an impressive 86.3 million views. This achievement showcased Blackpink’s global popularity and their ability to generate tremendous excitement and anticipation for their releases.
Blackpink’s collaboration with Selena Gomez, “Ice Cream,” was released in August 2020 and became an instant hit. The song’s catchy melodies and upbeat energy, combined with the colorful and playful music video, garnered widespread attention. The collaboration not only showcased the group’s versatility but also further expanded their reach into the Western music market, captivating audiences worldwide.
Light Up the Sky” provided an intimate and behind-the-scenes look into the lives and journey of the Blackpink members. The documentary offered fans a deeper understanding of the group’s hard work, dedication, and the challenges they faced in their rise to global stardom. It allowed viewers to witness their personal stories and the effort they put into their music and performances, further strengthening the connection between Blackpink and their fans.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many artists turned to online concerts to connect with their fans. Blackpink held their highly anticipated first-ever online concert, “The Show,” which was streamed globally. The concert showcased the group’s electrifying performances, elaborate stage production, and memorable moments. “The Show” attracted millions of viewers from around the world, highlighting the immense popularity and global impact of Blackpink.
“Ddu-Du Ddu-Du,” released in 2018, became a record-breaking hit for Blackpink. The music video became the most-viewed music video by a K-pop group on YouTube at the time, surpassing 1 billion views. The song’s catchy chorus, powerful performances, and visually stunning music video resonated with audiences worldwide, solidifying Blackpink’s status as one of the leading acts in the global music industry.
Blackpink achieved a significant milestone in 2020 by becoming the first K-pop group to surpass one billion streams on the popular music streaming platform, Spotify. This accomplishment highlighted the group’s massive international fan base and their ability to resonate with listeners across the globe.
“Bet You Wanna,” featuring Cardi B, was one of the highly anticipated collaborations on Blackpink’s album “The Album.” The track showcased a fusion of Blackpink’s energetic style and Cardi B’s dynamic rap flow, creating a memorable and infectious song. The collaboration further solidified Blackpink’s presence in the Western music market and demonstrated their ability to collaborate with renowned artists.
“Lovesick Girls,” released as a single from their album “The Album,” made history by reaching the top spot on the Billboard Global 200 chart. Blackpink became the first female Korean act to achieve this feat, underscoring their global impact and the widespread appeal of their music.
In March 2021, Blackpink took the stage at the prestigious Grammy Awards, where they performed a dynamic medley of their hit songs “Lovesick Girls” and “How You Like That.” This marked a significant moment for the group as they became the first K-pop girl group to perform at the Grammy Awards, further solidifying their presence in the global music scene.
Blackpink was appointed as the goodwill ambassadors for the United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26, held in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2021. Their role as ambassadors highlighted their influence beyond the music industry and their commitment to raising awareness about environmental issues on a global platform. Blackpink’s involvement in this significant event showcased their dedication to using their platform for positive impact and spreading important messages to their massive fan base.
“How You Like That” continued to rack up accolades, winning the MTV Video Music Award for Song of Summer. This recognition further solidified the song’s popularity and reinforced Blackpink’s global appeal.
“Kiss and Make Up” was a highly anticipated collaboration between Blackpink and British-American singer Dua Lipa. The bilingual track, featuring both English and Korean lyrics, showcased the seamless blend of their musical styles. The collaboration was well-received by fans and introduced Blackpink to a broader international audience.
Blackpink’s talent and achievements have been recognized through numerous award wins. They have received accolades from prestigious award shows in South Korea, such as the Melon Music Awards, Gaon Chart Music Awards, and Mnet Asian Music Awards. These honors highlight their excellence in music, performance, and overall contribution to the K-pop industry.
The group’s immense popularity extends to their social media presence. Blackpink boasts a massive following on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where they share updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and interact with their fans. Their engaging content and strong connection with fans through social media have helped cultivate a dedicated and loyal fan base.
Blackpink’s global popularity has enabled them to embark on successful world tours and perform in numerous countries across different continents. They have entertained audiences in countries such as the United States, Japan, Australia, and various European nations. Their international tours have showcased their captivating performances and allowed fans from different parts of the world to experience the energy and talent of Blackpink firsthand.
