BLACKPINK, formed by YG Entertainment in Seoul in 2016, is a quartet—Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa—carefully selected through years of intensive global trainee programs. Each member brings a unique international background and linguistic versatility: Lisa from Thailand, Rosé born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, Jennie educated in New Zealand, and Jisoo entirely South Korean .
They officially debuted on August 8, 2016, with Square One, featuring the breakout tracks “Boombayah” and “Whistle,” which quickly soared to the top of international digital charts. Their follow-up EP Square Two in November introduced hits like “Playing with Fire” and “Stay”—the former becoming the first Korean girl group song to enter the Canadian Hot 100 .
With fewer than 20 songs released in their early years, BLACKPINK built massive global momentum with select hits like “Ddu‑Du Ddu‑Du,” which broke records as the first Korean female-group track to enter the UK Singles Chart and receive RIAA certification. Its music video was also the first by a Korean group to reach two billion YouTube views . Later hits such as “Kill This Love” and “How You Like That” shattered 24-hour YouTube view records and solidified their signature blend of trap‑EDM, bold imagery, and choreography .
Their first full-length studio album, The Album (2020), was the first by a female Korean artist to sell over a million copies. The follow-up album Born Pink (2022) broke new ground, becoming the first K‑pop girl-group album to top both the US Billboard 200 and the UK Albums Chart. The accompanying world tour (2022–23) became the highest-grossing by any female group or Asian act, with final concerts in Seoul drawing over 1.8 million fans .
By 2023, BLACKPINK had over 40 billion streams and 20 million records sold globally, along with holding the title of most-viewed and most-subscribed music artist on YouTube, and most-streamed girl group on Spotify. Their global influence extends beyond music—each member serves as fashion ambassador for luxury brands like Chanel, Dior, Saint Laurent, and Celine .
In December 2023, the group renewed their contract with YG Entertainment for group activities and committed to a full comeback and 2025 Deadline World Tour, confirming their continued dominance as global music icons. Each member is also pursuing solo ventures: Jisoo’s EP Amortage (2025), Rosé’s Rosie (2024), Lisa’s Alter Ego and acting debut in The White Lotus, and Jennie’s upcoming album Ruby
