driving force for solo development for Kpop
According to the Korea Times, by 2025, Blackpink will become a name that appears more often than ever in the media and social networks. Just a year ago, there were concerns about the group's future, due to uncertainty about extending the contract with management company YG Entertainment.
Since then, the situation has changed significantly. At the end of 2023, 4 Blackpink members agreed to extend their group activities contracts with YG, but ended their individual contracts. Jennie, Lisa, Jisoo have established their own companies (ODD ATELIER, LLOUD, BLISSOO), while Rose joined The Black Label of producer Teddy.
The 4 girls also simultaneously signed contracts with major American record labels (Rose with Atlantic Records, Lisa with RCA Records, Jennie with Columbia Records, Jisoo with Warner Records) to develop their music careers globally.
From 2024 to present, 4 Blackpink members have been active through solo music projects, collaborating with many international artists.
Rose released the album "Rosie" with 12 songs, including the hit "APT." featuring Bruno Mars, which caused a global "storm", sweeping many Korean and international music charts, setting many new Kpop records.
Lisa released Rockstar, New Woman (featuring Rosalia), Moonlit Floor and Born again (featuring Doja Cat, Raye), towards the studio album Alter ego to be released on February 28.
Jennie released the opening song "Mantra", followed by "Love Hangover" (featuring Dominic Fike), to prepare for the release of the album "Ruby" featuring 6 international artists, on March 7.
Jisoo also returned with the mini album "Amortage" including 4 songs "Earthquake", "Tears", "Your Love", "Hugs & Kisses".
Korea Times believes that a solo career does not always play an important role in Kpop. Just a decade ago, solo projects were often considered a factor that could weaken the spirit of solidarity of a group.
Traditionally, first-generation K-pop idols often only start their solo careers after leaving a group or after a group disband.
The industrys tradition of members working together as a family is not encouraged for individual activities, as concerns are raised that paying attention to one member can harm group cohesion.
However, over time, the Kpop industry realized that balancing individual and group activities can create positive results for the group.
New chapter and challenges for Blackpink
The 4 members' successful solo path is a good thing, but also poses a challenge for Blackpink. While the music scene is increasingly open with solo efforts, the group's global position is at risk.
BTS has faced similar challenges in the past, but has successfully created 7 distinct artistic identities during the hiatus to perform military service, making fans confident that the group will continue to perform for many years to come.
Korea Times commented that Blackpink's solo release series is also creating similar optimism. Fans felt that the members had started a marathon to be together for a long time.
The four members, as strong individuals, could work together to create a new chapter for Blackpink a chapter that lasts even longer than initially envisioned by fans, wrote the Korea Times.
