BLACKPINK
Biography
BLACKPINK is a South Korean girl group formed by YG Entertainment, consisting of four members: Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa. They are considered one of the most successful and influential K-pop groups globally. The group's name is meant to contradict the common perception of the color pink by adding a sense of toughness and sophistication.
Formation and Debut
The members of BLACKPINK were recruited through YG Entertainment's international auditions and underwent a rigorous training period of four to six years. The multinational lineup, with members from South Korea, New Zealand, Australia, and Thailand, was strategically chosen for international appeal. Jennie was the first member to be revealed in June 2016, followed by Lisa, Jisoo, and finally Rosé. BLACKPINK officially debuted on August 8, 2016, with their single album "Square One", which featured the tracks "Whistle" and "Boombayah". The songs were an immediate success, with "Whistle" topping South Korea's Gaon Digital Chart and "Boombayah" reaching number one on the Billboard World Digital Songs chart.
Musical Career and Achievements
Following their debut, BLACKPINK released their second single album, "Square Two," in November 2016, which included the hit "Playing with Fire". Their 2018 single "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" became a global phenomenon, with its music video being the first by a K-pop group to surpass one billion views on YouTube. In 2020, they released "The Album," their first full-length Korean studio album, which featured collaborations with Selena Gomez on "Ice Cream" and Cardi B. It became the first album by a Korean girl group to sell over one million copies. Their second studio album, "Born Pink," was released in 2022 and became the first album by a K-pop girl group to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The accompanying "Born Pink World Tour" set records as the highest-grossing concert tour by a female group.
Members
Jisoo
Kim Jisoo, born on January 3, 1995, in Gunpo, South Korea, is the group's lead vocalist. Before debuting with BLACKPINK, she appeared in various music videos and advertisements. Jisoo made her solo debut in March 2023 with the single album "Me". She has also pursued an acting career, with a lead role in the drama "Snowdrop".
Jennie
Jennie Kim, born on January 16, 1996, in Seoul, South Korea, is the main rapper and a lead vocalist. She studied in New Zealand for five years before returning to South Korea and joining YG Entertainment. Jennie was the first member to release a solo project with her single "Solo" in 2018. She is also a global ambassador for the fashion brand Chanel.
Rosé
Roseanne Park, or Park Chaeyoung, was born on February 11, 1997, in Auckland, New Zealand, and raised in Melbourne, Australia. She is the main vocalist and a lead dancer. Rosé ranked first in the YG audition in Australia in 2012 and subsequently moved to Seoul to begin her training. She made her solo debut in March 2021 with the single album "R".
Lisa
Lalisa Manobal, born on March 27, 1997, in Buriram, Thailand, is the main dancer, lead rapper, and a sub-vocalist. She was the only individual accepted from the YG audition in Thailand in 2010. Lisa released her solo debut single album "Lalisa" in September 2021. She is a global brand ambassador for Celine and Bvlgari.
Global Impact and Influence
BLACKPINK is recognized for their significant global influence, often being called the "biggest girl group in the world". They were the first Asian act to headline the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The group and its members are prominent figures in the fashion industry, with endorsement deals for major luxury brands like Dior, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and Celine. Their success has been acknowledged by former South Korean President Moon Jae-in for spreading K-pop and Korean culture worldwide. In 2023, the members were invested as honorary Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for their work in raising awareness about climate change.