On February 27, the famous Kpop group Blackpink officially released the mini album "Deadline" with the title track "Go".
But according to media reports, "Deadline" could become the group's final product with a full squad under the management of YG Entertainment, as industry sources say that the group's contract of 4 members may expire this year.
Deadline" is Blackpink's first album after about 3 years and 5 months; including 5 songs, including "Jump" which was released in July last year.
Unlike the usual promotional cycle when a Kpop album is released, this time YG did not announce Blackpink's schedule. YG's promotional move for this album is very superficial, many fans complained because Blackpink did not have a photo set counting down to the album release date as before.
Everything related to promotion has not been finalized, but it may be quite difficult. Each member is focusing heavily on personal activities, and coordinating promotion with a full squad is not easy," an unnamed industry official said.
Member Jisoo is starting promotional activities for Netflix's new drama "Boyfriend on demand", scheduled for release on March 6. 3. Jennie is currently participating in the variety show "The secret friends club".
While Rosé - currently signed a solo contract with The Black Label - is traveling between Korea and abroad for personal schedules.
In December 2023, Blackpink extended their group contract with YG Entertainment. However, the members signed separate contracts for personal activities; in which 3 members Jennie, Lisa, Jisoo successively established independent companies.
Although the specific terms are different, successful idols from large companies often extend their contracts on a 3-year cycle. A source said: "That amount of time is enough to prepare a new album and complete a world tour. It is very likely that Blackpink signed a contract according to such a cycle structure".
The exact expiration date of Blackpink's contract with YG has not been announced, but many people in the industry speculate that the current agreement may end at the end of this year.
The release time of the album "Deadline" also attracted attention. Initially, this album was expected to be released before the group's tour of the same name in July 2025, but the plan was postponed for nearly 1 year due to the dense personal schedule of the members.
In the past 3 years, the influence of each Blackpink member's personal brand has increased sharply, making the coordination of group activities increasingly complex.
The solo careers of the members are developing very well, so the motivation to operate with a full squad may not be as strong as before.
At some points in the recent world tour, the feeling is more like personal stages than a group-linked show. Perhaps the members themselves realize that continuing with a full squad is becoming increasingly difficult," the source said.
