BlackPink is a four-member K-pop girl group consisting of Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, formed by YG Entertainment. The group debuted in 2016 with the release of a single album called “SQUARE ONE.”
Since their debut, BlackPink owned their girl power. They are the fastest rising girl group in the K-pop industry. Their success can be attributed to the loud and proud embracement of their identity as a girl group.
Like most industries, K-pop is mostly male dominated, so to see a girl group with such a considerable influence is a nice change. A line from their song “So Hot” emphasizes this point:
“We’re the only gang to run this game in high-heels.”
The declaration of girl power BlackPink shows is similar to some of the most successful girl groups in recent years. These groups always seemed fully invested in the group’s identity. One is the Spice Girls from the late ’90s, who had their different spices, and with each girl having a polished image and performance style. Plus, the group had two hit albums, “Spice” and “Spice World,” which played off their group name, lead singles that introduced the different members like Mel B and Geri Halliwell’s rap on Spice’s “Wannabe” and anthems such as “Spice Up Your Life.”
Anticipation for BlackPink rose before their debut, with the release of teaser images and a dance practice video. The release of the dance video alone pulled in over 7 million views and 170,000 likes on YouTube. Frequent internet users quickly praised the girls’ looks and talents, with users writing tens of thousands of comments voicing their support.
Fans and curious music lovers can find BlackPink’s music on several music platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, iTunes and Amazon Music.
BlackPink is leading the world of K-pop girl groups and has established itself as a contender that can run with the best like BTS. This group’s dynamic is empowering to girls worldwide, especially with their can-do attitude and loud-and-proud identity.
The music industry needs more artists like BlackPink to show that anyone can be anything they want if they set their mind to it.
by Loren Jones