BLACKPINK: The Global K-Pop Phenomenon
BLACKPINK is a South Korean girl group that has become a dominant force in global pop music. Formed by YG Entertainment, the quartet holds records as the highest-charting female Korean act on the Billboard Hot 100 and the first K-pop girl group to headline major international music festivals.
Early Career
BLACKPINK was formed by the prominent Korean agency YG Entertainment, following a rigorous training system common in the K-pop industry. The group's lineup-Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa-was finalized after years of preparation, with their debut highly anticipated through a series of teaser promotions.
Breakthrough
The group's official debut in August 2016 was an immediate success, with the single album Square One featuring the tracks Whistle and Boombayah. Both songs achieved significant chart success in South Korea, with Whistle securing the group their first music show win just two weeks after debut, a rare feat for a new act.
Key Tracks
Ddu-Du Ddu-Du - This 2018 hit became the music video by a K-pop group to surpass one billion views on YouTube and propelled their Square Up EP to chart on the Billboard 200.
Kill This Love - The title track from their 2019 EP broke records for the fastest music video to reach 100 million views at the time and debuted at number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100.
How You Like That - Released in 2020, this single set a new record for the most-viewed YouTube video in the first 24 hours of its premiere, with over 86 million views.
Ice Cream (with Selena Gomez) - A high-profile 2020 collaboration that highlighted BLACKPINK's strategic moves into the Western pop market through major partnerships.
Pink Venom - The 2022 pre-release single for their second studio album debuted at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing their sustained global impact.
Their 2020 debut studio album, The Album, featured the collaboration Sour Candy with Lady Gaga and sold over 1.2 million copies in its first month. BLACKPINK's subsequent world tours, including the Born Pink World Tour, have cemented their status as a major live act, selling out stadiums across Asia, North America, and Europe.
Fans of BLACKPINK's high-production pop and hip-hop infused style also enjoy the music of Twice, another leading South Korean girl group known for catchy hooks and vibrant concepts. The powerful performances and genre-blending sounds of 2NE1, a pioneering senior group from the same label, laid important groundwork. For listeners drawn to sleek, modern K-pop, NewJeans offers a fresh, Y2K-inspired take on the genre. The dynamic stage presence and strong rap lines found in LE SSERAFIM also provide a similar energy.
BLACKPINK's music, from their debut singles to their latest releases, is featured across a variety of dedicated K-pop and modern pop radio stations. Their tracks are staples on international pop channels and genre-specific streams that celebrate contemporary global hits.
The music of BLACKPINK can be heard on radio stations featured on our website, where listeners can discover their record-breaking hits and influential catalog through dedicated pop and international music channels.