History of Blackpink in Timeline
Blackpink is a South Korean girl group formed by YG Entertainment, consisting of members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa. They are widely considered the "biggest girl group in the world" and a leading force in the Korean Wave (Hallyu). Known for their "girl crush" concept, Blackpink's music explores themes of self-confidence and female empowerment, solidifying their influence in K-pop and global pop-culture.
2008: Reference to Danity Kane Billboard Success
In 2022, Blackpink's album Born Pink was the first album by a girl group to reach number one on the US Billboard 200 since Danity Kane in 2008.
2009: "Nobody" by Wonder Girls sets record
In 2009, "Nobody" by Wonder Girls set a record that was later surpassed by "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du".
2010: Jennie Joins YG Entertainment
In 2010, Jennie joined YG Entertainment as a trainee after moving back to South Korea from New Zealand.
2010: Blackpink Formation Begins
In 2010, YG Entertainment held tryouts worldwide for preteen or teenage recruits to create a new girl group after launching its first major one, 2NE1.
July 2011: Jisoo Joins YG Entertainment
In July 2011, Jisoo joined YG Entertainment as a trainee.
2011: Lisa Becomes YG Entertainment's First Foreign Trainee
In 2011, Lisa became YG Entertainment's first foreign trainee.
2011: Preparations for Blackpink's Debut Began
Preparations for Blackpink's debut began as early as 2011, when YG Entertainment revealed on November 14 that their new girl group would debut in the early half of 2012 and feature at least seven members.
May 2012: Lisa Introduced in Video
In May 2012, Lisa was first introduced in a video that was posted on YG Entertainment's YouTube channel, titled "Who's that girl???".
2012: Debut Delays and News Stories
Consequently, in 2012, numerous news stories and rumors surfaced surrounding the new girl group's debut being delayed, although there had been no official information.
2012: Rosé Signs with YG Entertainment
In 2012, Rosé signed a trainee contract with YG Entertainment after ranking first in the YG Entertainment audition in Australia and moved to Seoul to begin training.
2013: Jennie Featured in G-Dragon and Lee Hi Songs
In 2013, Jennie featured in the songs "Black" from G-Dragon's album Coup d'Etat, and "Special" from Lee Hi's album First Love.
2014: Jisoo Appears in Music Videos
In 2014, Jisoo appeared in the music videos for Epik High's "Spoiler + Happy Ending" from their album Shoebox and Hi Suhyun's "I'm Different".
2015: Jisoo Cameo in The Producers
In 2015, Jisoo made a cameo appearance in the drama "The Producers".
2015: Lisa Becomes Spokesperson for Nona9on
In 2015, Lisa became a spokesperson for street-wear brand Nona9on.
May 18, 2016: YG Entertainment Confirms Blackpink Debut
On May 18, 2016, YG Entertainment confirmed that the girl group would debut in July, stating that the members were selected through years of stiff competition.
June 1, 2016: Jennie Revealed as First Member
On June 1, 2016, Jennie was revealed as the first member of Blackpink. She joined YG Entertainment as a trainee in 2010.
June 8, 2016: Lisa Revealed as Second Member
On June 8, 2016, Lisa was revealed as the second member of Blackpink. She was the only individual among 4,000 applicants to pass the 2010 YG Entertainment audition in her native country, Thailand.
June 15, 2016: Jisoo Revealed as Third Member
On June 15, 2016, Jisoo was revealed as the third member of Blackpink. She joined YG Entertainment as a trainee in July 2011.
June 22, 2016: Rosé Revealed as Final Member
On June 22, 2016, Rosé was revealed as the final member of Blackpink. She ranked first among 700 applicants in the 2012 YG Entertainment audition in Australia.
August 8, 2016: Blackpink's Debut Date Confirmed
On July 29, YG Entertainment confirmed that Blackpink's debut would be on August 8, 2016.
August 14, 2016: First Music Show Performance
On August 14, 2016, Blackpink's first music show performance aired on SBS's Inkigayo.
August 2016: Blackpink Debut with Square One
In August 2016, Blackpink debuted with their single album "Square One", featuring "Whistle", which reached number one on South Korea's Circle Digital Chart, and "Boombayah", which topped the US Billboard World Digital Songs chart.
August 2016: Debut and Square One Release
In August 2016, Blackpink released their debut single album, Square One, with the tracks "Boombayah" and "Whistle". They achieved number one and two, respectively, on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart.
September 11, 2016: End of Square One Promotions
On September 11, 2016, Blackpink wrapped up promotions for Square One with a second win on Inkigayo.
November 1, 2016: Square Two Release
On November 1, 2016, Blackpink released their second single album, "Square Two", featuring the tracks "Playing with Fire" and "Stay".
2016: Coverage of the four years since the group's debut in 2016
In 2016, Blackpink made their debut. The documentary film, 'Blackpink: Light Up the Sky', covered the four years since the group's debut in 2016.
2016: The Recording Academy said that "the success of K-pop girl groups shot to a new level when Blackpink entered the scene in 2016"
The Recording Academy mentioned that "the success of K-pop girl groups shot to a new level when Blackpink entered the scene in 2016".
January 17, 2017: Blackpink Reveals Fandom Name: Blink
On January 17, 2017, Blackpink revealed their fandom name as "Blink", a portmanteau of "black" and "pink".
May 2017: Became an honorary ambassador for Incheon Main Customs
In May 2017, Blackpink became an honorary ambassador for customs service company Incheon Main Customs; banners and videos featuring their images would greet foreign travelers at Incheon International Airport.
July 20, 2017: Showcase at Nippon Budokan
On July 20, 2017, Blackpink held a showcase at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, which was attended by over 14,000 people.
August 30, 2017: Japanese Debut with Self-Titled EP
On August 30, 2017, Blackpink made their Japanese debut with the release of a self-titled Japanese extended play (EP) that included Japanese versions of their previous singles.
January 6, 2018: Blackpink House Reality Show Premiere
On January 6, 2018, Blackpink released the first episode of their reality show, Blackpink House, which followed the members' 100-day vacation in a new dorm.
June 15, 2018: Release of 'Square Up' EP
On June 15, 2018, Blackpink released their first Korean-language EP, 'Square Up'. The EP debuted at number one on the Gaon Album Chart in South Korea and was later certified platinum. The lead single, "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du", peaked at number one on the Gaon Digital Chart.
July 2018: Ranked first in brand reputation among all artists
In July 2018, Blackpink ranked first among all artists in brand reputation based on analyses by The Korea Reputation Research Institute, making them the only female act to do so.
October 19, 2018: Release of "Kiss and Make Up" with Dua Lipa
On October 19, 2018, the song "Kiss and Make Up", a collaboration between Blackpink and Dua Lipa, was released. The song became Blackpink's second entry on the UK singles Chart.
November 2018: Announcement of In Your Area World Tour dates and Jennie's solo debut
In November 2018, Blackpink announced additional tour dates for their In Your Area World Tour. Also in November 2018, Jennie made her solo debut with the single "Solo" at Blackpink's Seoul concert.
November 2018: Became regional brand ambassador for Shopee
In November 2018, Blackpink became the first regional brand ambassador for Singaporean e-commerce platform Shopee, as part of its partnership with YG Group in Southeast Asia and Taiwan.
December 2018: Donated prize money from Elle Style Awards 2018
In December 2018, Blackpink donated their prize money from the Elle Style Awards 2018, worth ₩20 million (around US$16,630), to low-income and single-parent households in South Korea.
2018: Blackpink Arena Tour 2018 and first concert in Seoul
In 2018, Blackpink embarked on their first Japan tour, the Blackpink Arena Tour 2018, and held their first concert in Seoul, titled Blackpink 2018 Tour [In Your Area] Seoul x BC Card.
2018: Ddu-Du Ddu-Du Chart Success
In 2018, Blackpink's single "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" topped charts, becoming the first song by a Korean female group to enter the UK Singles Chart and receive RIAA certification. Its music video was also the first by a Korean group to surpass one and two billion views on YouTube.
January 2019: "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" MV becomes most-watched by a South Korean group
In January 2019, the music video for "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" became the most-watched music video by a South Korean group.
February 9, 2019: American debut at Universal Music Group's Grammy Artist Showcase
On February 9, 2019, Blackpink made their American debut at the Universal Music Group's 2019 Grammy Artist Showcase in Los Angeles.
March 2019: In Your Area World Tour covers Asia
From January to March 2019, Blackpink's In Your Area World Tour covered various dates across Asia.
April 5, 2019: Release of 'Kill This Love' EP
On April 5, 2019, Blackpink released their third extended play, 'Kill This Love', along with the lead single of the same name.
April 2019: Donation to Hope Bridge Association for Goseong wildfire victims
In April 2019, Blackpink made a donation of ₩40 million (around US$33,300) to the Hope Bridge Association of the National Disaster Relief for the victims of the Goseong wildfire in South Korea.
August 2019: "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" certified Gold by RIAA
In August 2019, "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), making Blackpink the first Korean girl group to receive a certification in the United States.
August 2019: Samsung launched a Blackpink Special Edition set
In August 2019, Samsung launched a Blackpink Special Edition set in Southeast Asia, comprising its Galaxy A80, Galaxy Watch Active, and Galaxy Buds.
September 2019: Became the most-subscribed music group on YouTube
In September 2019, Blackpink became the most-subscribed music group on YouTube.
October 16, 2019: Japanese version of 'Kill This Love' released
On October 16, 2019, a Japanese version of Blackpink's 'Kill This Love' was released to the Japanese market.
November 2019: Became the most-followed girl group on Spotify
In November 2019, Blackpink became the most-followed girl group on Spotify.
November 2019: "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" MV surpasses one billion views
In November 2019, the music video for "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" became the first K-pop group music video to surpass one billion views.
November 2019: Partnership with KBank began
Thai bank KBank began its partnership with Blackpink in November 2019.
2019: Ranked first on Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list
In 2019, Blackpink was ranked first on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list. They were also named on the 2019 Time 100 Next list of rising stars.
2019: Kill This Love Music Video Release
In 2019, Blackpink's music video for "Kill This Love" set a record for the most-viewed music video within the first 24 hours of release.
2019: Continuation of the In Your Area World Tour
Throughout 2019, Blackpink continued their In Your Area World Tour, expanding to North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia.
April 2020: Released face masks to benefit MusiCares
In April 2020, Blackpink released face masks via UMG-affiliated merchandising company Bravado. All proceeds benefited Recording Academy's MusiCares initiative, which launched a relief fund in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the music industry.
April 22, 2020: Blackpink featured on Lady Gaga's 'Chromatica'
On April 22, 2020, Lady Gaga confirmed that Blackpink would be featured on the track list of her sixth studio album, 'Chromatica'.
June 2020: Collaboration with Zepeto
In June 2020, Blackpink collaborated with Zepeto, a South Korean 3D avatar service, to offer fans characters that correspond to each member. Fans could see the characters sing, dance, and take pictures together on the app.
June 26, 2020: Broke five Guinness World Records with "How You Like That"
Following the release of "How You Like That" and its music video on June 26, 2020, Blackpink broke five Guinness World Records, including those for the most-viewed YouTube video in the first 24 hours of release (with 86.3 million views) and the most viewers for a video premiere on YouTube (reaching 1.66 million peak concurrent viewers for the live premiere).
July 2020: Became the most-subscribed female artist on YouTube
In July 2020, Blackpink became the most-subscribed female artist on YouTube.
August 2020: Ranked first in brand reputation among all artists
In August 2020, Blackpink ranked first among all artists in brand reputation based on analyses by The Korea Reputation Research Institute, making them the only female act to do so.
September 11, 2020: Zepeto virtual fan-sign event surpassed 30 million participants
Blackpink's virtual fan-sign event on the Zepeto app surpassed 30 million participants as of September 11, 2020, following the release of the "Ice Cream" dance performance video. The number of new users increased by 300,000 after the release.
October 2, 2020: Release of 'The Album'
On October 2, 2020, Blackpink released their first Korean studio album, 'The Album', with "Lovesick Girls" as its main single. The album set a sales record for a Korean girl group.
October 14, 2020: Premiere of 'Blackpink: Light Up the Sky' on Netflix
On October 14, 2020, Blackpink's first documentary film, 'Blackpink: Light Up the Sky', premiered on Netflix, covering the four years since the group's debut.
October 2020: Blackpink hailed as the biggest music act in the world by Bloomberg
In October 2020, Blackpink was hailed as the biggest music act in the world in Bloomberg's Pop Star Power Ranking.
December 2020: Called for action on climate change and promoted COP26
In December 2020, Blackpink called for action on climate change and promoted the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), hoping their fans would "join us on this journey".
December 2020: Partnership with Globe Telecom began
Philippine telecommunications company Globe Telecom began its partnership with Blackpink in December 2020 as its brand ambassador.
December 27, 2020: "The Show" initially scheduled for December 27, 2020, but rescheduled due to COVID-19 regulations
On December 2, Blackpink announced their collaboration with YouTube Music for their first livestream concert. The live event, dubbed "The Show", was initially set to take place on December 27, 2020, but was rescheduled to January 31, 2021, due to new COVID-19 pandemic regulations introduced in South Korea.
2020: How You Like That Release and Records
In 2020, Blackpink released "How You Like That", which topped the Circle Digital Chart and set five Guinness World Records and also set records for the most-viewed music videos within the first 24 hours of release.
2020: Release of 'How You Like That' and 'Ice Cream'
In 2020, Blackpink released the singles "How You Like That" and "Ice Cream" (with Selena Gomez). "How You Like That" broke five Guinness World Records, including most viewed video in the first 24 hours. "Ice Cream" debuted at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.
2020: Ranked third on Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list
In 2020, Blackpink was ranked third on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list.
2020: The Album Sales Success
In 2020, Blackpink's debut studio album, "The Album", became the first album by a female act in South Korea to sell one million copies.
2020: CJ E&M honored Blackpink as one of the ten "2020 Visionary" figures
In 2020, CJ E&M honored Blackpink as one of the ten "2020 Visionary" figures for their contributions in spreading Korean pop culture globally.
2020: Conclusion of In Your Area World Tour
In early 2020, Blackpink concluded their In Your Area World Tour, which became the highest-grossing tour by a Korean girl group.
2020: Blackpink's international breakthrough
The Circle Chart noted that South Korean girl groups incorporated more English lyrics after Blackpink's international breakthrough in 2020, to increase audiences outside of Korea.
January 31, 2021: "The Show" livestream concert
On January 31, 2021, Blackpink held their livestream concert, "The Show", featuring live performances of songs from The Album. The concert was livestreamed across 100 countries.
February 25, 2021: Appointed official advocates for COP26 in Seoul
On February 25, 2021, Blackpink was formally appointed official advocates for COP26 in Seoul, where they received a personal appreciation letter written by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson.
August 3, 2021: Release of Japanese version of 'The Album'
On August 3, 2021, Blackpink released a Japanese version of 'The Album', featuring Japanese versions for four of the original tracks.
September 2021: Became the most-subscribed music act overall on YouTube
In September 2021, Blackpink became the most-subscribed music act overall on YouTube.
October 23, 2021: Participated in YouTube Originals special "Dear Earth"
On October 23, 2021, Blackpink was a part of the lineup for the YouTube Originals special entitled "Dear Earth", which focused on encouraging viewers to become more environmentally conscious.
2021: Awarded Guinness World Record for most-subscribed band on YouTube
In 2021, Blackpink was awarded the Guinness World Record for the most-subscribed band on YouTube, with 60.3 million subscribers.
2021: Ranked second on Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list
In 2021, Blackpink was ranked second on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list.
2021: President Moon Jae-in called Blackpink a leader in promoting South Korea abroad
In his 2021 New Year's address, South Korean President Moon Jae-in called Blackpink a leader in promoting South Korea abroad and highlighted government support of such entities as key to "firmly [solidifying] Korea's status as a cultural powerhouse".
March 2022: Donation to Hope Bridge Association for wildfire damage repair
In March 2022, Blackpink donated ₩500 million to the Hope Bridge Association to pay for damage repair caused by the wildfires happening in Gangwon and North Gyeongsang Province.
June 2022: Featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine
In the June 2022 issue of Rolling Stone, Blackpink became the third girl group in history to be featured on the cover of the magazine.
July 6, 2022: Blackpink announces new album and world tour
On July 6, 2022, YG Entertainment announced that Blackpink was in the final stages of recording for a new album, with plans to record a music video in mid-July and release a new song in August. YG Entertainment also confirmed that Blackpink would embark on their second world tour at the end of the year.
August 2022: Jennie elaborates on Blackpink's identity at "Pink Venom" press conference
At the press conference commemorating the release of "Pink Venom" in August 2022, Jennie elaborated on the group's identity.
September 16, 2022: Blackpink releases second studio album Born Pink
On September 16, 2022, Blackpink released their second studio album, Born Pink, alongside the single "Shut Down", which became their second song to top the Billboard Global 200.
October 15, 2022: Born Pink World Tour begins in Seoul
On October 15, 2022, Blackpink embarked on the Born Pink World Tour, which began in Seoul.
2022: Time's Entertainer of the Year
In 2022, Blackpink was named Time's Entertainer of the Year.
2022: Ranked second on Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list
In 2022, Blackpink was ranked second on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list.
January 2023: "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" MV surpasses two billion views
In January 2023, the music video for "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" reached two billion views on YouTube.
January 28, 2023: Blackpink performs at Le Gala des Pièces Jaunes in Paris
On January 28, 2023, Blackpink performed "Pink Venom" and "Shut Down" with musicians Gautier Capuçon and Daniel Lozakovich in Paris at a charity event organized by the First Lady of France, Brigitte Macron, titled Le Gala des Pièces Jaunes.
April 2023: Over 40 million followers on Spotify
As of April 2023, Blackpink had over 40 million followers on Spotify.
July 2023: Over 90 million subscribers on YouTube
As of July 2023, Blackpink had over 90 million subscribers on YouTube.
August 25, 2023: Blackpink releases "The Girls" as part of the soundtrack for their mobile game
On August 25, 2023, Blackpink released a song titled "The Girls" as part of the soundtrack for their mobile game, Blackpink: The Game.
November 2023: Invested as honorary Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
In November 2023, King Charles III invested the members of Blackpink as honorary Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of their role as COP26 advocates. They were awarded the medals during a special investiture at Buckingham Palace which was also attended by President Yoon Suk Yeol.
December 5, 2023: Blackpink renews contracts with YG Entertainment for group activities
On December 5, 2023, YG Entertainment confirmed that all four members of Blackpink had renewed their contracts for group activities and promised a new album and world tour to come.
2023: Sold over 20 million records worldwide
Blackpink sold over 20 million records worldwide as of 2023, making them one of the best-selling girl groups of all time.
2023: MBE Honor and Climate Advocacy
In 2023, Blackpink was invested as honorary Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for their work as advocates for climate change awareness.
2023: Ranked third on Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list
In 2023, Blackpink was ranked third on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list.
2023: Born Pink World Tour and Coachella Headline
In 2023, Blackpink's "Born Pink World Tour" became the highest-grossing concert tour by a female group and Asian act in history, and they became the first Asian act to headline Coachella.
July 31, 2024: Release of Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] in Cinemas
On July 31, 2024, a concert film celebrating the group's eighth debut anniversary entitled Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] in Cinemas was released in theaters across 110 countries worldwide, consisting of their performances from Seoul's Gocheok Dome alongside footage from other cities on the tour.
2024: Earned 40 billion official on-demand global streams
Blackpink has earned 40 billion official on-demand global streams as of 2024, according to Luminate.
2024: Extended record with 13.09 billion streams
In 2024, Blackpink extended their record with 13.09 billion streams on Spotify.
2024: Extended record for most subscribed music act on YouTube
In 2024, Blackpink extended their record with 93.8 million subscribers on YouTube, and were recognized as the most subscribed music act overall.
2024: Ranked first on Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list
In 2024, Blackpink was ranked first on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list.
2024: Ranked first as most beloved girl group of the 21st century
In a survey conducted by Gallup Korea done in 2024, Blackpink ranked first (tie with Girls' Generation) as the most beloved girl group of the 21st century among Korean men and women respondents aged 19 to 69 with 42% of votes.
February 5, 2025: Blackpink releases the first teaser video for their upcoming tour
On February 5, 2025, Blackpink released the first teaser video for their upcoming tour.
July 2025: Partnership with Paris Saint-Germain
In July 2025, Blackpink partnered with French football club Paris Saint-Germain to launch a limited-edition collection featuring co-branded apparel, released ahead of the group's Paris concerts during their Deadline World Tour.
2025: Blackpink inspires the fictional K-pop girl group Huntr/x in KPop Demon Hunters
In 2025, Director Maggie Kang said Blackpink was an inspiration for the fictional K-pop girl group Huntr/x in her animated film KPop Demon Hunters.
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