Blackpink is a globally renowned South Korean girl group consisting of members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa. Formed by YG Entertainment, they are widely recognized as a leading force in the Korean Wave and the world's biggest girl group. Their music and image often explore themes of female empowerment and self-confidence, aligning with the "girl crush" concept prevalent in K-pop.
In 1999, the iconic girl group TLC received the coveted Group of the Year award at the MTV Video Music Awards. The award recognized their immense talent, impact, and influence on the music industry, solidifying their status as one of the greatest girl groups of all time.
In 2001, Destiny's Child, one of the most iconic girl groups of all time, achieved a remarkable feat with their album "Survivor." The album topped both the Billboard 200 in the United States and the UK Albums Chart, solidifying their global dominance and leaving a lasting mark on music history.
In 2008, Danity Kane, an American girl group, achieved a significant milestone with their album "Welcome to the Dollhouse." The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, showcasing the group's popularity and the impact of their music.
Following the successful debut of their first major girl group, 2NE1, in 2009, YG Entertainment embarked on a global search for new talent. They held tryouts worldwide with the aim of forming a new girl group. This marked the beginning of a rigorous selection process that would ultimately lead to the formation of Blackpink.
In 2010, Lady Gaga released the music video for her song "Telephone," which would later become an inspiration for Blackpink member Jennie.
The year 2010 marked significant milestones for two future Blackpink members. Jennie, after moving back to South Korea from New Zealand, joined YG Entertainment as a trainee. Meanwhile, Lisa, hailing from Thailand, passed a highly competitive YG Entertainment audition, becoming the company's first foreign trainee. These events laid the groundwork for their future success as part of Blackpink.
Jisoo began her journey as a K-pop trainee when she joined YG Entertainment in July 2011. This marked a turning point in her life as she embarked on a rigorous training regimen, developing her singing, dancing, and performance skills. Jisoo's dedication and hard work during these formative years paved the way for her future success as a member of Blackpink.
In 2011, Lisa embarked on her journey as a trainee at YG Entertainment, marking a pivotal step towards her dream of becoming a K-pop idol. Relocating from Thailand to South Korea, Lisa dedicated herself to rigorous training, honing her skills in singing, dancing, and performing. This period of intense training played a crucial role in shaping her into the global star she is today.
Preparations for Blackpink's debut were already underway in 2011. YG Entertainment announced their plans for a new girl group to debut in early 2012, initially envisioned to have at least seven members. However, the debut faced a series of delays and lineup changes in the following years.
In May 2012, Lisa, before her official introduction as a member of Blackpink, was featured in a video posted on YG Entertainment's YouTube channel titled "Who's that girl???." This early exposure piqued the interest of fans and hinted at the talent being nurtured behind the scenes at YG Entertainment.
In 2012, YG Entertainment officially announced their plans to debut a new girl group in the first half of the year. This announcement generated significant buzz and anticipation among K-pop fans. However, the group's debut was ultimately delayed, leading to several years of speculation and rumors.
Rosé's musical journey took a significant turn in 2012 when she participated in and aced the YG Entertainment audition in Australia. Recognizing her exceptional talent, YG Entertainment offered her a trainee contract, prompting her to relocate to Seoul and embark on her rigorous training journey. This marked the beginning of her transformation into a K-pop idol.
In 2013, both Jennie and Lisa, prior to their official debut as members of Blackpink, collaborated with established YG Entertainment artists. Jennie was featured in G-Dragon's song "Black" from his album "Coup d'Etat" and Lee Hi's "Special" from the album "First Love." Lisa made an appearance in Taeyang's "Ringa Linga" music video. These collaborations offered a glimpse into their potential and fueled anticipation for their official debut.
In 2014, before her official debut as a member of Blackpink, Jisoo made several appearances in music videos and commercials, showcasing her captivating visuals and potential. Notable among these were her appearances in Epik High's "Spoiler + Happy Ending" music video and Hi Suhyun's "I'm Different" music video, giving viewers a glimpse of her on-screen charisma.
Jisoo made a cameo appearance in the 2015 Korean drama "The Producers," marking her first foray into acting. This brief appearance allowed her to showcase her acting skills and gain experience in front of the camera. Although it was a small role, it provided valuable exposure and further diversified her pre-debut portfolio.
Lisa expanded her horizons in 2015 by stepping into the world of modeling. She became a spokesperson for the street-wear brand Nona9on, showcasing her versatility and captivating presence beyond the realm of music. This foray into modeling foreshadowed her future success as a global fashion icon.
On May 18, 2016, YG Entertainment officially confirmed the debut of their new girl group, Blackpink, set to debut in July of that year. This announcement came after years of anticipation and speculation surrounding the group's formation. The four members were chosen from a competitive pool of trainees who had undergone years of rigorous training.
Jennie was the first member of Blackpink to be revealed to the public on June 1, 2016. She had joined YG Entertainment back in 2010, relocating from New Zealand to South Korea to pursue her music career. Before her official debut with Blackpink, Jennie was featured in various projects by other YG Entertainment artists, showcasing her talents and building anticipation for the group's debut.
On June 8, 2016, Lisa was revealed as the second member of Blackpink. Originally from Thailand, Lisa had impressed YG Entertainment with her audition in 2010, becoming the company's first foreign trainee. Similar to Jennie, Lisa also participated in projects by other YG Entertainment artists before her official debut, giving fans a glimpse of her skills and stage presence.
On June 15, 2016, YG Entertainment introduced Jisoo as the third member of Blackpink. Jisoo had been with the company since 2011, undergoing training and honing her skills. Her pre-debut appearances in advertisements and music videos, along with a cameo in the drama "The Producers," had already garnered her some recognition.
Rosé's unveiling as the final member of Blackpink on June 22, 2016, completed the highly anticipated lineup. Her journey began in 2012 when she topped the YG Entertainment auditions in Australia. Rosé's powerful vocals were showcased in her pre-debut feature on G-Dragon's track "Without You," generating excitement for her official debut.
Blackpink officially debuted on August 8, 2016, marking the culmination of years of training and anticipation. Their debut single album, "Square One," which featured the tracks "Boombayah" and "Whistle," was met with immediate success, propelling them into the spotlight. This debut marked the beginning of their reign as a leading K-pop girl group.
On August 14, 2016, Blackpink graced the stage of SBS's Inkigayo for their very first music show performance. This marked a significant milestone in their budding career, allowing them to showcase their dynamic performances and captivating stage presence to a wider audience.
August 2016 marked the beginning of Blackpink's promotional activities for their highly anticipated debut. YG Entertainment kicked off the campaign with a strategic release of teaser images, videos, and advertisements, generating buzz and anticipation among K-pop fans. Their debut as the first girl group from YG Entertainment in seven years garnered significant attention, further fueling their rapid rise to fame.
In August 2016, Blackpink debuted with their single album "Square One," featuring hit songs like "Whistle" and "Boombayah." These tracks quickly climbed the charts, with "Whistle" topping the charts in South Korea and "Boombayah" making waves on the US Billboard World Digital Songs chart.
Blackpink concluded their promotional activities for their debut single album, "Square One," on September 11, 2016. They wrapped up this era with another win on Inkigayo, signifying a successful start to their musical journey. This marked the end of their first promotional cycle and paved the way for future comebacks and projects.
On November 1, 2016, Blackpink released their second single album, Square Two, featuring the tracks "Playing with Fire" and "Stay".
The Recording Academy recognizes 2016, the year of Blackpink's debut, as a pivotal moment in the rise of K-pop girl groups, elevating their success to new heights.
Blackpink, formed by YG Entertainment, made their debut in 2016.
On January 17, 2017, Blackpink announced their official fan club name, "Blink", a combination of "black" and "pink".
Blackpink were named honorary ambassadors for Incheon Main Customs in May 2017.
On July 20, 2017, Blackpink held a significantly successful showcase at Tokyo's Nippon Budokan, attracting over 14,000 attendees.
Blackpink made their official debut in Japan on August 30, 2017, with the release of their self-titled Japanese EP, featuring Japanese versions of their previous hit singles.
Blackpink launched their first reality show, "Blackpink House," on January 6, 2018, offering fans a glimpse into their lives offstage.
Blackpink released their first Korean-language EP, Square Up, on June 15, 2018.
In July 2018, The Korea Reputation Research Institute ranked Blackpink first among all artists in terms of brand reputation.
English singer Dua Lipa released "Kiss and Make Up" featuring Blackpink on October 19, 2018, as part of the re-released edition of her debut album.
In November 2018, Blackpink was chosen as the first regional brand ambassador for Shopee, a Singaporean e-commerce site, as part of its collaboration with YG Group in Southeast Asia and Taiwan.
In November 2018, Blackpink signed a global partnership deal with Interscope Records for representation outside of Asia.
Blackpink generously donated their prize money of ₩20 million from the Elle Style Awards 2018 to low-income and single-parent households in South Korea in December 2018.
Following the release of their hit single "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" in 2018, Billboard recognized Blackpink as prominent representatives of the "girl crush" concept in K-pop.
Blackpink embarked on their first Japan tour, Blackpink Arena Tour 2018, throughout 2018.
Blackpink achieved a significant milestone in 2018 with their song "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du." It became the first song by a Korean female group to enter the UK Singles Chart and earned them a certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The music video's popularity soared, becoming the first by a Korean group to surpass both one and two billion views on YouTube, setting a new record.
By January 2019, the music video for "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" became the most-watched music video by a South Korean group on YouTube.
Blackpink marked their entry into the American music scene with a performance at the Universal Music Group's 2019 Grammy Artist Showcase, an exclusive event held at the ROW in Downtown Los Angeles on February 9, 2019.
Blackpink added new tour dates in Asia to their In Your Area World Tour, extending the tour into March 2019.
Blackpink released their third extended play, "Kill This Love," along with its title track, on April 5, 2019. The EP achieved significant success, debuting at number three on the Gaon Album Chart in South Korea and number 24 on the Billboard 200.
Blackpink donated ₩40 million to the Hope Bridge Association of the National Disaster Relief in April 2019 to support the victims of the Goseong wildfire in South Korea.
In August 2019, Blackpink's "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
In August 2019, to promote the brand and its products like the Galaxy A80, Galaxy Watch Active, and Galaxy Buds, Blackpink teams up with Samsung to launch the Blackpink Special Edition set in Southeast Asia.
In September 2019, Blackpink achieved a significant social media milestone by becoming the most-subscribed music group on YouTube, showcasing their massive global fanbase.
Blackpink released a Japanese version of their EP "Kill This Love" on October 16, 2019. The album peaked at number 17 on the Oricon Albums Chart.
In November 2019, the music video for "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" surpassed one billion views on YouTube.
Blackpink's popularity extended to Spotify as well, as they became the most-followed girl group on the platform in November 2019.
In November 2019, Thai bank KBank announced its partnership with Blackpink.
In 2019, the Spice Girls, one of the most beloved girl groups of all time, reunited for a highly anticipated reunion tour titled "Spice World – 2019 Tour." The tour was a testament to their enduring popularity and the timeless appeal of their music, captivating audiences worldwide and breaking records in the process.
Blackpink's In Your Area World Tour took place throughout 2019.
Blackpink continued to dominate YouTube in 2019 with their music video for "Kill This Love." The video set a new record for the most views within the first 24 hours of its release, further solidifying their global impact.
In 2019, Blackpink achieved significant milestones, ranking first on Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list and becoming the first girl group included in Forbes' 30 Under 30 Asia. They were also featured on Time magazine's 100 Next list, recognizing rising stars, and made history as the first K-pop group to perform at Coachella, the world's largest music festival.
Blackpink, in collaboration with UMG-affiliated merchandising company Bravado, launched face masks in April 2020, with all proceeds directed to the Recording Academy's MusiCares initiative.
It was announced on April 22, 2020, that Blackpink would be collaborating with Lady Gaga on her upcoming album "Chromatica".
On May 28, 2020, Blackpink and Lady Gaga released their collaborative single "Sour Candy." The song became a global hit, reaching number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100.
In June 2020, Blackpink partnered with Zepeto, a South Korean 3D avatar platform, to provide fans with a unique interactive experience. This collaboration allowed fans to create avatars resembling the Blackpink members, watch them perform, and interact virtually.
The release of Blackpink's "How You Like That" and its accompanying music video on June 26, 2020, propelled the group to break five Guinness World Records.
Further solidifying their online dominance, Blackpink became the most-subscribed female artist on YouTube in July 2020, a testament to their widespread popularity.
In August 2020, Blackpink once again claimed the top position in brand reputation rankings conducted by The Korea Reputation Research Institute.
Blackpink's collaboration with Zepeto proved immensely popular, amassing over 30 million participants by September 11, 2020. The release of the "Ice Cream" dance performance video further boosted the collaboration, attracting 300,000 new users to the platform.
Blackpink becomes the spokesperson for Pepsi in September 2020 in the Asia-Pacific region.
Blackpink released their highly anticipated debut Korean studio album, "The Album," on October 2, 2020, featuring the lead single "Lovesick Girls."
Blackpink's documentary, "Blackpink: Light Up the Sky," offering an intimate look at their journey, premiered on Netflix on October 14, 2020.
Blackpink's impact on the music industry was undeniable in October 2020, when Bloomberg's Pop Star Power Ranking named them the biggest musicians in the world for that month.
In December 2020, Blackpink used their platform to advocate for climate change action and promoted the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), urging fans to join them in learning about the issue and taking action.
In December 2020, Blackpink began their partnership with Globe Telecom as its brand ambassadors.
Blackpink's first livestream concert, "The Show," originally scheduled for December 27, 2020, was postponed to January 31, 2021, due to COVID-19 restrictions in South Korea.
Blackpink continued their In Your Area World Tour in early 2020.
In 2020, during their collaboration with Lady Gaga for the song "Sour Candy," Blackpink members revealed that they consider her a significant musical influence. Jennie specifically mentioned how she was captivated by the creativity and fashion displayed in Gaga's "Telephone" music video when she first saw it in 2010.
In 2020, entertainment conglomerate CJ E&M honored Blackpink as one of their "2020 Visionary" figures. This recognition highlighted Blackpink's significant contribution to promoting and spreading Korean pop culture on a global scale.
Blackpink reached new heights in 2020, with "Ice Cream" peaking at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, their album "The Album" made history as the best-selling female album in South Korea, surpassing one million copies sold.
Blackpink secured the third position on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list in 2020, demonstrating their continued influence.
Following Blackpink's international success in 2020, The Circle Chart observed a notable increase in the use of English lyrics among South Korean girl groups. This trend was seen as an effort to expand their fanbase beyond Korea.
In 2020, Blackpink's music video for "How You Like That" made history by breaking five Guinness World Records. This achievement, combined with the video's record-breaking views within the first 24 hours of release, cemented their status as a global phenomenon.
Throughout 2020, Blackpink released several hit singles, including "How You Like That" and "Ice Cream" with Selena Gomez. "How You Like That" broke multiple records on YouTube and earned the group their first MTV Video Music Award.
Blackpink held their highly anticipated first livestream concert, "The Show," on January 31, 2021, featuring performances of songs from "The Album" and Rosé's solo work.
Blackpink was formally appointed as official advocates for COP26 in Seoul on February 25, 2021.
On August 3, 2021, Blackpink released a Japanese version of their album "The Album", featuring Japanese renditions of four tracks. The album was a success, peaking at number three on the Oricon Albums Chart.
Blackpink reached a new peak in September 2021 by becoming the most-subscribed music act overall on YouTube, surpassing all other artists and groups on the platform.
On October 23, 2021, Blackpink joined the lineup for the YouTube Originals special "Dear Earth", a program dedicated to promoting environmental awareness.
In 2021, Blackpink maintained their high ranking on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list, securing the second position. They were also acknowledged by South Korean President Moon Jae-in during his New Year's address for their role in promoting South Korea's global image.
In 2021, the members of Blackpink each showcased their individual artistry through solo releases. Rosé captivated fans with her single album "R," Lisa set trends with her debut solo album "Lalisa," and Jennie continued to enchant with her solo work, including the release of "You & Me" in 2023.
Blackpink was honored with the Guinness World Record for the most-subscribed band on YouTube, surpassing 60 million subscribers in 2021.
During his 2021 New Year's address, South Korean President Moon Jae-in recognized Blackpink's substantial influence on the global stage. He emphasized the government's support for entities like Blackpink, viewing them as crucial to solidifying South Korea's standing as a cultural powerhouse.
Blackpink demonstrated their generosity in March 2022 by donating ₩500 million to aid in the repair of damages incurred from wildfires that ravaged Gangwon and Gyeongbuk.
In a testament to their cultural impact, Blackpink graced the cover of Rolling Stone magazine's June 2022 issue. This achievement made them only the third girl group in history to receive this honor, following in the footsteps of the Spice Girls and Destiny's Child.
On July 6, 2022, YG Entertainment delighted fans with the news of Blackpink's upcoming album. The group was in the final stages of recording, with plans for a music video shoot and a new song release in August. Adding to the excitement, they also confirmed their second world tour later in the year.
At the press conference to celebrate the release of their single "Pink Venom" in August 2022, Blackpink provided further insight into their group identity. Jennie emphasized that while they experiment with various musical genres and convey diverse messages through their songs, Blackpink consistently exudes confidence and self-assurance.
Blackpink continued their reign over the music world with the release of their second studio album, "Born Pink," on September 16, 2022. The album, featuring the lead single "Shut Down," shattered records, achieving their second Billboard Global 200 number one and becoming the first album by a K-pop girl group to sell over two million copies. It also made history by topping the Billboard 200 in the United States and the UK Albums Chart, a feat not accomplished by a girl group since Destiny's Child in 2001.
Riding high on the success of "Born Pink," Blackpink launched their highly anticipated "Born Pink" World Tour on October 15, 2022, in Seoul. The tour featured spectacular performances of songs from the album and the members' solo projects.
In 2022, Blackpink cemented their global dominance with the release of "Pink Venom," a pre-release single that topped charts internationally and made history as the first song by a Korean group to top the ARIA Singles Chart in Australia. The group also delivered an electrifying performance of "Pink Venom" at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards, becoming the first female K-pop group to grace the VMA stage, and claimed the award for Best Metaverse Performance for "The Virtual".
Blackpink's Born Pink World Tour, which took place between 2022 and 2023, became the highest-grossing concert tour by a female group, solidifying their dominance in the live music scene. Additionally, they made history as the first Asian act to headline Coachella, further showcasing their global influence.
Blackpink held onto their second-place ranking on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list in 2022, further solidifying their influential status.
Blackpink achieved unprecedented success in 2022 with their album "Born Pink." It topped the Billboard 200, a feat not accomplished by a girl group since Danity Kane in 2008. The album also set a new record as the best-selling female album in South Korea, exceeding two million copies sold.
Blackpink's achievements were further recognized with three additional Guinness World Records in 2022, including being the first K-pop girl group to reach number one on both the UK and US album charts with their album "Born Pink.
The music video for "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" achieved the milestone of two billion views on YouTube in January 2023.
On January 28, 2023, Blackpink showcased their musical talents for a good cause at Le Gala des Pièces Jaunes, a charity event organized by Brigitte Macron, the First Lady of France. The group captivated the audience with powerful renditions of their hit songs "Pink Venom" and "Shut Down," accompanied by renowned musicians Gautier Capuçon and Daniel Lozakovich.
As of April 2023, Blackpink had garnered over 40 million followers on Spotify, solidifying their position as one of the most popular girl groups on the platform.
By July 2023, Blackpink's YouTube channel had amassed over 90 million subscribers, demonstrating their continued growth and influence on the platform.
On August 25, 2023, Blackpink released the highly anticipated single "The Girls" as part of the soundtrack for their mobile game, "Blackpink: The Game." The song's release was accompanied by a physical edition, which soared to number one on the Circle Album Chart, marking their fifth chart-topping album.
King Charles III bestowed upon the members of Blackpink the honorary title of Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) during a special investiture ceremony held at Buckingham Palace in November 2023.
Ending months of speculation, YG Entertainment confirmed on December 5, 2023, that all four members of Blackpink had renewed their contracts for group activities. The announcement came as a relief to fans worldwide and signaled a continuation of the group's incredible journey. Promising a new album and world tour, Blackpink reassured their dedicated fanbase that the future held even more music, performances, and record-breaking achievements.
In a groundbreaking moment for K-pop, Blackpink etched their names in music history in 2023 by becoming the first Asian act to headline the renowned Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Their performances on April 15th and 22nd received widespread acclaim, with fans and critics praising their captivating stage presence and infectious energy. The historic achievement solidified Blackpink's position as global icons and paved the way for greater representation of K-pop on the international stage.
In 2023, Blackpink claimed the third spot on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list, demonstrating their continued relevance and impact.
During a memorable episode of "Carpool Karaoke" in 2023, the members of Blackpink opened up about their musical inspirations, revealing their deep admiration for iconic girl groups TLC and the Spice Girls. They highlighted TLC's unique blend of vocals, rap, and hip-hop, as well as the Spice Girls' distinct individual personalities, as key influences on their own musical journey.
Blackpink set two more Guinness World Records in 2023, one for being the most-streamed female group on Spotify with over 8.8 billion streams, and another for having the most viewed music channel on YouTube for a group, amassing over 30.15 billion views.
Blackpink ascended to the top of the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list once again in 2024, reaffirming their position as a leading force in Korean entertainment.