What is Blackpink and why is everyone talking about them? Blackpink is the four-member K-pop girl group that is taking over the world and here is the 411 on everything you need to know. Blackpink was formed in 2016 by YG Entertainment, which managed some of the most successful artists including Big Bang, PSY, and 2NE1. In just four years, Blackpink has become the biggest girl group in the world. Blackpink fans are referred to as “Blinks.”
Breaking Records at Warp Speed
Blackpink was the first K-pop girl group to perform at Coachella and to reach 1 billion views on Youtube. The video for Blackpink’s hit song “Ddu-du-Ddu-du” became the most-viewed K-pop music video in only 24 hours and currently has a total of 1.4 billion views. Other music videos such as “Boombayah” and “Kill This Love” have also received over 1 billion views. Blackpink is also the number one most-streamed girl group on Spotify with a total of 3.18 million streams.
Collabs with American Artists
Blackpink has collaborated with Lady Gaga (“Sour Candy”), Dua Lipa (“Kiss and Make up”), Selena Gomez (“Ice Cream”), and most recently, Cardi B (“Bet you Wanna”). It seems everyone wants to work with this superstar group that is taking off like wildfire.
So what is the key to Blackpink’s massive success? The group’s members, Jennie, Lisa, Rosé, and Jisoo, each has her unique appeal and style. They seem like regular, relatable girls offstage but onstage, they are unstoppable and electrifying to watch!
Blackpink’s Secret Weapons
What is most interesting about Blackpink is that only one member, Jisoo, is a native South Korean. Jennie is from New Zealand, Rosé is from Australia, and Lisa is Thai. Thus, they each have different cultural backgrounds, mannerisms, and charm that make them stand out among other Kpop groups. This diversity is certainly one of the reasons for their massive, worldwide appeal, particularly in the U.S., which has eluded so many other groups.
Another secret weapon of Blankpink’s is Teddy Park, the talented producer who writes all of Blackpink’s songs. Somehow, every Blankpink song is super catchy, fresh, edgy, and so much fun to listen to. Also, Blankpink’s choreography, in my view, is by far the best of any group! Here is an introduction to the fabulous members of this global phenomenon!
Blackpink’s “Main Rapper”: Jennie
Kim Jennie (Korean: 김제니) was born in South Korea and moved to New Zealand when she was eight. She is fluent in English and Korean. Jennie is the main rapper and a vocalist for the group. Jenny has a very powerful voice and is a skilled rapper and dancer.
Jennie was the first member to train at YG Entertainment and started at the age of 15. In 2016 she debuted with her single “Solo” which received considerable attention and awards. She models for companies such as Hera, Chanel, and Samsung. Jennie became an ambassador for Chanel Korea Beauty and attended a Chanel Fashion show as a representative for Korea during Paris Fashion Week. Jennie presents as very warm, bubbly, and cute, but is also super badass and fierce! She is a FASHION ICON and always looks amazing!
Blackpink’s “Lead Vocalist”: Jisoo
Kim Jisoo (Korean: 김지수) was born and raised in South Korea. She is considered the “lead” vocalist of the group. Jisoo has a mature and distinctive voice that is low and raspy. She does not speak much English, but I would say she is the funniest member. Jisoo has a very quirky personality, friendly, and easygoing.
Jisoo is the oldest member (26) and was the last to join YG. In 2019, Jisoo became a Korean ambassador for “Dior Beauty.” Jisoo also has appeared in a few Korean Dramas such as The Producers, Arthdal Chronicles, and Part-time Idol. In 2021, Jisoo will be starring in her first leading role in the romantic Kdrama titled “Snowdrop,” (the same screenwriter and director of “Sky Castle”) opposite top actor, Jung Hae In, and other veteran actors, Kim Hye Yoon, Yoon Se Ah, and Jang Seung Jo. Stay Tuned! I can’t wait.
Blackpink’s “Main Dancer” & “Lead Rapper”: Lisa
Lalisa Manoban was born and raised in Thailand. Lisa is multilingual and is fluent in Thai, Korean, English, and can speak basic Japanese, and Chinese. Lisa had been dancing since she was 4, long before becoming a K-pop trainee. She auditioned for YG when she was 13 and started training when she was 14. She is the youngest member or “maknae” of the group. She is currently the strongest, “main” dancer, lead rapper, and sub-vocalist of the group. She does not sing as much as the others but she is an amazing rapper.
Lisa recently became the new face of Mac Cosmetics and is a global ambassador for the company. In 2018 Lisa won the “Person of the Year” award in Thailand and is considered a national treasure. She is currently the most-followed K-pop idol on Instagram with 43 million followers. Lisa is the most upbeat member. She is a funny, mischievous, and playful person with a cool, fearless, and bold presence. She is talkative and often says she lives life to the fullest. She has an incredible stage presence and so much swag!
Blackpink’s “Main Vocalist”: Rosé
Roseanne Park (Korean name: Park Chae Young) was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and was raised in Melbourne, Australia. She is fluent in Korean and English. As a child, she loved to sing, play guitar and piano and sing in church choirs. When Rosé was 16, she auditioned for YG entertainment in Australia and became the “main” vocalist for Blackpink. Rosé’s voice is unique, sweet, and melodic with a wide vocal range.
Rosé’ is considered the strongest vocalist of the group and has received considerable acclaim in the K-pop industry for her distinct vocal ability. In 2012 she was featured in a G-Dragon’s song “Without You,” but her vocals were credited as “? of YG New Girl Group ” because she had not yet debuted at the time.
In 2020, Rosé was named a global ambassador for Yves Saint Laurent and was the global face for Saint Laurent’s campaign in Fall of 2020. She has a very fun and energetic personality with an adorable Australian accent. She is easily moved to tears and seems like a truly kind and genuine person.
Netflix Documentary: “Blackpink: Light Up the Sky”
Finally, Blackpink has recently come out with a new documentary on Netflix titled “Blackpink: Light Up the Sky”. It’s definitely a must-watch! The Netflix documentary is so inspiring and depicts the blood, sweat, and tears behind Blackpink’s well-deserved success. I guarantee that by the end of the documentary you will have turned into a devoted “Blink” like me.
