Pink Venom

"Pink Venom" is a powerful anthem that explores the concept of duality, which is central to BLACKPINK's group identity. The title itself is a contradiction, combining the soft, feminine connotation of 'Pink' with the dangerous, lethal nature of 'Venom'. During a press conference, member Jennie explained, "It's pink venom, a lovely poison, it's words that most express us." The song's meaning revolves around this theme of being simultaneously sweet and deadly, beautiful and powerful. It's a declaration of confidence and an assertion of their unique charm, which lies in this very contradiction. The lyrics convey a message of empowerment, self-assurance, and unapologetic dominance. The members portray themselves as femme fatales whose influence is as potent and irresistible as a poison, yet as alluring as the color pink. The song serves to solidify their identity, reminding the world that their kindness and beauty should not be mistaken for weakness.

The narrative of the song unfolds as a powerful declaration of identity and dominance, embodying a captivating yet dangerous charm. It begins by establishing an aura of high-fashion and undeniable presence, with lyrics portraying the members as figures who effortlessly command attention, walking runways and setting trends. This confidence is not just for show; it's a core part of their being, a 'lovely poison' that is both alluring and lethal. The central theme of contradiction is introduced early and woven throughout the track, representing the duality of their group name, BLACKPINK—a blend of soft, feminine appeal ('Pink') and a fierce, formidable power ('Venom').

The story progresses with the members asserting their superiority and unique flavor. They liken their impact to a fast-acting venom that goes 'straight to your dome,' an irresistible force that overwhelms the senses. This isn't a malicious attack but a statement of their potent influence in the music world. They challenge anyone to provoke them, warning that the consequences will be overwhelming, as they 'bring the pain.' This challenge is delivered with swagger and bravado, referencing cultural icons and using assertive language to cement their status. The lyrics are filled with imagery of power, from Rambo-like dominance to possessing a 'venomous' allure like a deadly flower. The narrative voice is unapologetically bold, embracing both their sweet and savage sides.

As the song reaches its climax, the energy shifts into a repetitive, almost militaristic chant of 'ratatata,' mimicking the sound of automatic gunfire. This motif serves as the final, impactful assertion of their power, a sonic representation of their ability to take down any opposition without hesitation. It’s a sonic barrage that leaves no room for doubt about their supremacy. The story concludes not with a resolution, but with a lingering promise of their inescapable influence. They have laid out their identity as a captivating paradox—beautiful yet deadly, sweet yet powerful—and solidified their position as an unshakeable force in the global music landscape, leaving listeners intoxicated by their 'Pink Venom'.

"Pink Venom" was released on August 19, 2022, as a pre-release single for BLACKPINK's second studio album, "Born Pink". The announcement came after a nearly two-year hiatus for the group, creating significant anticipation among fans. The song was written and produced by a team of frequent YG Entertainment collaborators, primarily led by Teddy Park, who has been instrumental in shaping BLACKPINK's sound since their debut. The credited composers are Teddy, 24, R. Tee, and IDO, with lyrics penned by Teddy and Danny Chung. The creation process aimed to encapsulate the group's core identity, as stated by Jennie, who mentioned they wanted to "relay our identity in the song as much as we could." Rosé recalled that upon first hearing the track, it felt "really new and sounds we never attempted before," which made the group eager to record and perform it. The music video, directed by frequent collaborator Seo Hyun-seung, was reported to have the highest production budget in YG Entertainment's history, highlighting the significance of this comeback.

The song is built around the central metaphor of "Pink Venom," representing the group's dualistic charm: 'Pink' for their lovely, approachable side and 'Venom' for their fierce, dangerous, and powerful aura. This concept of a "lovely poison" is the primary symbol for their identity. The lyrics further this with imagery like a "venomous flower," suggesting something that is beautiful on the surface but deadly upon closer contact. There are also lyrical references that act as symbols of their status and influence. For instance, Jennie's line "Kick in the door, waving the coco" is a dual reference: it interpolates The Notorious B.I.G.'s aggressive track "Kick In The Door" while also nodding to her role as a brand ambassador for Chanel (Coco Chanel). Similarly, Lisa mentions being "the G.O.A.T." and references Celine, the luxury brand she represents. The recurring motif of fangs and poison in the choreography and music video visually reinforces this central theme of deadly allure.

The predominant emotional tone of "Pink Venom" is one of fierce confidence and unapologetic defiance. The song projects an atmosphere of power, swagger, and cool assertiveness from its opening moments. This emotional landscape is crafted through a combination of a hard-hitting hip-hop beat, the commanding vocal and rap deliveries of the members, and lyrics that boast of their dominance and unique charm. There are shifts in emotional texture throughout the song; the pre-chorus, sung by Rosé and Jisoo, has a more melodic and slightly tense quality that builds anticipation, while the rap verses exude a raw, aggressive energy. The chorus and the final 'ratatata' chant are pure, undiluted declarations of power, intended to feel triumphant and intimidating. Overall, the song is not meant to be emotionally vulnerable but rather a projection of strength, control, and the intoxicating allure of their 'lovely poison'.

"Pink Venom" had a massive cultural impact upon release, breaking numerous records and solidifying BLACKPINK's status as global superstars. The music video achieved 90.4 million views in its first 24 hours on YouTube, the biggest debut of 2022 at the time. Commercially, the song was a worldwide success, debuting at number one on the Billboard Global 200 and holding the top spot for two weeks, making BLACKPINK the first girl group to achieve this. It also became the first song by a K-pop group to top Australia's ARIA Singles Chart and peaked at number 22 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song's prominent use of the traditional Korean geomungo was widely praised for promoting Korean culture on a global stage. "Pink Venom" was included in the setlist for the group's successful "Born Pink World Tour" and was performed at major international events like the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards and Coachella in 2023, further extending its reach and influence.

The rhythmic structure of "Pink Venom" is dynamic and complex, operating at a tempo of 90 beats per minute in the key of C minor. The song's rhythm is largely driven by its hip-hop foundation, characterized by strong, assertive beats. The opening, featuring the geomungo, establishes a unique rhythmic pattern before transitioning into a more conventional dance-pop and EDM rhythm. The rap verses, particularly in the second verse, feature intricate, fast-paced flows with internal rhymes and a confident delivery that harks back to '90s hip-hop styles. The lyrical rhythm often plays against the musical rhythm, creating a syncopated and engaging effect. The chorus employs a repetitive, chant-like hook—"This that pink venom"—which is rhythmically simple but highly memorable and percussive. The song concludes with the 'ratatata' outro, a purely rhythmic and onomatopoeic chant that mimics machine-gun fire, providing a powerful, percussive climax that eschews melody for pure rhythmic impact.

Musically, "Pink Venom" is notable for its fusion of modern hip-hop with traditional Korean elements. The most prominent technique is the use of the geomungo, a traditional Korean zither, which provides the song's distinctive opening riff and serves as a recurring instrumental motif. This blending of ancient and contemporary sounds creates a unique sonic texture. The song's structure is dynamic, shifting between various styles: it opens with the geomungo, transitions into electropop, and features a second verse with a hard-hitting rap style reminiscent of late-90s hip-hop. Critics noted this as a "disorienting blend" that keeps the listener engaged. The production features an "anti-drop" chorus, where the energy builds up but resolves into a more sparse, chant-like hook rather than a dense beat drop, a common technique in BLACKPINK's music. Vocally, the members employ a range of deliveries, from Jennie's swagger-filled opening to the powerful vocals of Rosé and Jisoo, and Lisa's sharp, charismatic rap flow, showcasing their individual strengths.

What is the meaning behind BLACKPINK's song 'Pink Venom'?

The song 'Pink Venom' embodies BLACKPINK's dual identity, represented by the contrast between 'Pink' (their sweet, lovely side) and 'Venom' (their fierce, deadly, and powerful side). Member Jennie described it as a 'lovely poison,' perfectly expressing the group's confident and contradictory charm.

What is the traditional Korean instrument used in 'Pink Venom'?

The distinct string instrument featured prominently in the intro and throughout 'Pink Venom' is a geomungo, a traditional Korean fretted zither. Its inclusion was praised for blending traditional Korean culture with modern hip-hop production.

When was 'Pink Venom' by BLACKPINK released?

'Pink Venom' was released on August 19, 2022, as the pre-release single from their second studio album, 'Born Pink'. It marked their highly anticipated comeback after a nearly two-year hiatus.

Who wrote and produced 'Pink Venom'?

The song was primarily written and produced by Teddy Park, a long-time collaborator with BLACKPINK. The full credits for composition include Teddy, 24, R. Tee, and IDO, while the lyrics were written by Teddy and Danny Chung.

What does the 'ratatata' part in 'Pink Venom' signify?

The 'ratatata' chant in the song's outro is onomatopoeia for machine-gun fire. It's a recurring motif in BLACKPINK's music used to create a powerful, climactic ending that symbolizes their fierce impact and ability to 'bring the pain' to their competition.

Are there any cultural references in the lyrics of 'Pink Venom'?

Yes, the lyrics contain several references. Jennie's line 'Kick in the door, waving the coco' interpolates The Notorious B.I.G.'s 'Kick In The Door' and references her Chanel ambassadorship. Lisa's line 'One by one then two by two' is a nod to Rihanna's 'Pon de Replay.'

How did 'Pink Venom' perform on the music charts?

'Pink Venom' was a huge commercial success. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 chart for two weeks and peaked at No. 22 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It also became the first song by a K-pop group to top the official singles chart in Australia.